I have no argument with Markphd's statements but let me give you another take.
Since all the amps, regardless of how they are configured, are limited by the AC signal, you can optimize using separate amps only with dedicated AC lines for each.
Now, if you look at a multichannel power amp, regardless of the number of channels, you can have each channel with its own PS, in which case Markphd's arguments for separate amps applies here as long as the power cord is up to the task.
OTOH, if there's one really beefy PS for all the N-amps, it can supply much more to active channels when there's less demand from others. In other words, since there's rarely instantaneous and simultaneous power demand from all channels, the needy ones get help from what the others don't need.
Kal (who thinks it really makes no difference in general)
Since all the amps, regardless of how they are configured, are limited by the AC signal, you can optimize using separate amps only with dedicated AC lines for each.
Now, if you look at a multichannel power amp, regardless of the number of channels, you can have each channel with its own PS, in which case Markphd's arguments for separate amps applies here as long as the power cord is up to the task.
OTOH, if there's one really beefy PS for all the N-amps, it can supply much more to active channels when there's less demand from others. In other words, since there's rarely instantaneous and simultaneous power demand from all channels, the needy ones get help from what the others don't need.
Kal (who thinks it really makes no difference in general)