Why monoblocks?

Uuummmm.....just to name one reason: a lot of amps are only available as mono-blocs: most VTL's, CJ Premier 8's & 12's, many large Krells, the biggest Bryston's, etc. etc.

To get the watts & current of many of those in one stereo amp, you'd need a forklift to get it into your house. At any rate, to get the precise sound quality & power of VTL 450's say, or CJ Premier 8's, or some Cary monos, you need to buy those, because they don't make 1-unit versions.

But if you don't want mono-blocs, don't need them, not interested, then don't buy them. Personally, I've always lusted after big VTL mono-blocs, or Cary 805's......

Audiofiel's association of mono amps with mono records strikes me as dubious, though I will tell you that you would never see a stereo amp on the Springfield Monorail and with good reason.

I use MBL monoblocks as doorstops. Let me tell you one thing - those doors are staying f'in open when I want 'em to.

Foster_9, Just do it. You will be glad you did. Bigger soundstage and images, better dynamics and better overall sound.

Most audiophiles buy stereo amplifiers because it is cheaper than buying monos.

In all seriousness, monoblocks do not guarantee a bigger soundstage and images, better dynamics and better overall sound.

Any recommendation to that effect would be the voice of inexperience speaking.

A well engineered and implemented stereo amp will smoke its' poorly designed counterpart. Given the choice of 300B products would you choose a pair of Ming Da monoblocks over a VAC Renaissance stereo amp? I think not.

I have no financial interest in either line.

Undertow, since when did dual mono become monobloc? All I'm saying is if monobloc designs were the end of and be all, then why aren't there a substantial number of monobloc preamps and converters?

It may be that, at least historically, that monobloc amplifier designs came about not for any sonic reasons, but instead due to engineering/construction practicalities. In a high powered design, especially one using output tubes, a single chassis would have to be so large as to become impractical. It's probably cheaper to manufacturer two smaller cases than one humongous case of equal rigidity.