mono versus stereo ampflication

A compromise is a "Dual Mono" Stereo amp on one chassy. In the most extreme case you would have 2 power cords showing the two amps share only the case. The advantage of this approach is that it gives better separation while saving on cost of another case , etc. My MF NuVista has three power leads from the power supply, one for each channel of the power amp and a shared one for the preamp. You cannot use this approach to put the amps next to the speakers but it has some real world advantages. But be warned, what constitutes "Dual Mono " differs not only by company but by individual model within the same company. For example , MF has called "Dual Mono " both amps which have separate power transformers for each channel and ones that have separate windings on the same transformer. A case could be made for either but they are not the same.

You can purchase TRL M225 monoblock amps brand new for only $5500. They put out close to 300 watts per amp and I have not heard better. The TRL stereo amp, no longer being made, beat the new $7500 CJ Hybrid (ET250S) amp by a good margin when I heard them both side by side this weekend in my friends home.

The new monoblock amps from TRL are a big step up from the old stereo amp so that should give you a good idea on how good they are.

I am confident you will find the m225 amps as good as it gets regardless of $$$$. They sound great with a nice tube pre like your AH.

>>Perhaps he can comment further.<<

OK

Reputable companies such as Pass, Art Audio, Atma-Sphere, Bel Canto, Mastersound etc. etc. do not use cheaper parts in their stereo amps as compared to their monoblocks.

However for somebody to state categorically:

>>They normally have better bits and pieces inside of them as compared to their stereo counterpart<<

is BS as I noted.

My statement is hardly provocative.

Dealer disclaimer.

Many mono's do have better power supplies & transformers etc. They are "overbuilt" to a higher level if you will.

Going from the Aragon 8008BB to either of the Pass models you mentioned with the VR4 Sr's might be disappointing in the bass and dynamics but would sound more refined in the mids and highs.

The problem is the $8K budget for monoblocks. It can be done but you might have to get used or go to some of the class D amps for similar grunt as the Aragon. You could run dual Plinius SA-102's, in bridged/balanced mode for 400W/ch for about $3K each used, except you'll probably want a preamp with balanced outputs.