HT, WHAT'S BETTER 2 CHANNEL + 3 OR ONE 5 CH

Five monoblocks are less likely to cause you a hernia.

I've built my multichannel-audio/video system around a 2-channel system. I use tubed monoamps (ASL Hurricanes in triode) for the L- and R-front speakers and a 7-channel Outlaw 770 for everything else. That 'everything' includes 2 channels for the dipole-woofered Eminent Technology 12 centerchannel, 2 channels for the bass modules of the Eminent Tech. 8s, and 2 channels for the surrounds. Works quite well. Previously I used a Proceed BPA-3 poweramp (125WPC times 3) for the fronts and a B&K 125.5 for the other channels.

Either way, the front-channel speakercables were and still are quite short, and the 2-channel system sounds great. If I had to start over, I think I'd do it the same way, ie monos for the 2-channel system and another Outlaw multichannel amp for everything else.
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Depends but then it doesn't really,

5 monoblocks (if its a five channel system) would be the best, but keep in mind that amplifiers like the Bryston 9BST have five monoblocks in one box. soooo

Anthem amplifiers have two power supplies, 1 power supply handles two channels the other handles the other three...all in one box.

Design of the amplifer is a little detail one should look into. Short speaker cables good thing, appropriate electricity important....but what can your budget both in time and money allow?

Speaker Loading and room size also play into the equation, because the demand on the amplifier will also determine heat dissapation requirements and the power supply stress levels during playback. As units that share 1 common power supply under more stressful conditions will get crosstalk etc. and other small but cumulative issues spreading through other channels through the power supply that may slightly degrade the performance.

Hope everyone feels that was a summary of the important non specific parts of their post till now.