Any advantage to using monobloc amps

I would like to request an explanation of how monoblocks can have short speaker cables. Don't the monoblocks run to the preamp, which then connects to the speakers. Thank you for helping me understand.

Libertasdon, the preamp runs to the amps via interconnects, and the amp (or amps) connects to the speakers via speaker cables.

If you have two speakers 8 feet apart you can put the preamp in the middle and then one monoblock amp next to each speaker so only a short speaker cable would be needed.

A stereo amp can only be in one location, so even if the amp was located in the middle between the speakers, the speaker cables would still need to be longer than they would for monoblocks located right next to each speaker.

Look at some of the pics in Audiogon's virtual systems section and you will find some examples of this arrangement.

Libertasdon, you place the amp near the speaker and connect it with a short cable. Then you run a loooong interconnect from the preamp's output to the monoblock amp's input.

You've moved the lengthy connector cable from the speaker-amp interface to the amp-preamp interface. It's a good idea. Generally, top-quality interconnect cable is cheaper by the foot than similar speaker cable; also the amount of wire hanging off a speaker affects its impedance more than the interconnect wire affects the preamp's.

No difference in my system. I went from several brands of monos (Rowland, Pass, Krell) to a Boulder stereo 2060 and I have never looked back. I believe that it is system-dependent.

David

The crosstalk in stereo amps is insignificant, and cannot justify monoblocks. Also, there actually may be some advantage to having one big shared power supply, rather than two smaller independent ones, because there will be greater headroom when only one channel has a peak demand. Most stereo amps benefit from having one channel run out of phase, as this results in a more even draw from the plus and minus rails of the power supply.

I like monoblocks, but just for the short cables and lighter weight.