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.