Is it easier to sell mono blocks or stereo amp on the used market?


I will be buying a new 2 channel McIntosh system soon and I am trying to decide between a 2 mono block amps or a single stereo amp. Curious... if I decided to sell down the road is it easier to sell mono blocks or a single stereo amp on the used market? Was not sure which is more in demand. 

dman777

Mono blocks all the way for listening, I moved from Stereo Mac to mono's and very happy i did.

The only down side when selling is shipping cost and luging two. I feel the mono amps will hold their value longer, potentialy anyway. Really depends on the models but gen' speaking mono amps are the next step up. But being more expencive may reduce the number of buyers. 

Amps are heavy, especially as you age.  Monoblocks are lighter, (but not 50% lighter). 

Not sure aobut selling.

Jerry

Have the models been on the market long enough to compare their selling history on Hifishark? Or to extrapolate from other Macs that have sold over the last few years? (I don't know the answer to your question but I'd think that monoblocks are more niche to the general public and you might have a bigger resale market with single amp--but I really have no idea.)

I might ask how committed you are to the decision of buying the new amps, if your first concern is how easy will they be to sell.  I say buy what you think you will enjoy the most right now.  Who knows, you may have them for 10 years and the resale question is moot.  IMHO.  Cheers.

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+1, “buy what you think you will enjoy the most right now”. And also what amplifier sounds the best to you.

Two mono block amps or a single stereo amp decision depends on what sounds best to you in your home audio system. Concern about space also needs to be considered (one box or two). In my case, I decided on an integrated amp.

In summary, “The decision between two monoblock amplifiers and a single stereo amplifier depends on your specific needs and preferences:
    •    Sound Quality: Monoblocks offer better channel separation and reduced crosstalk, ideal for high-end systems. However, modern stereo amps often have negligible interference, making the difference minimal for most users.
    •    Power Needs: Monoblocks generally provide higher power output, suitable for demanding speakers.
    •    Space and Cost: Stereo amps are more compact and cost-effective, while monoblocks require more space and are pricier per channel.
    •    Practicality: Stereo amps simplify setup, while monoblocks allow flexibility in placement and shorter speaker cables”. 

If you are primarily concerned with sound quality, then monoblocks would be the choice. For me, that would be the only concern. But, I can't imagine that stereo amps are easier to sell. 

The OP wasn't asking for advice on which to buy but for advice on which would be easier to sell. I'm kind of curious about his question as well.

the higher the price, the more specialized the product, the smaller the demand. Check out usaudiomart, how long these amp are stalling, not selling. 

@dman777

As you requested, I believe it would be easier to sell a stereo amp on the used market as opposed to mono blocks. This is my opinion.

My mistake... I intended to say that stereo amps have to be easier to sell... not the other way around. 

I’ve gone from intergraded, to single amp to mono blocks and back.  It think monos will always have a market.  I’m back to monos for my “end game” amps.  

@dman777 

My Additional comments regarding stereo amplifiers versus mono block amplifiers in the used market are:

Advantages of Stereo Amplifiers for Resale

1. Broader Market Appeal

• More universal compatibility

• Typically less expensive

• Easier for average audiophiles to integrate into existing systems

2. Cost Considerations

• Generally lower price point

• More buyers can afford them

• Less specialized investment

3. Practical Considerations

• Simpler setup

• Fewer components to manage

• More straightforward for non-expert audio enthusiasts

Potential Mono Block Challenges

• Higher cost

• More niche market

• Require more sophisticated audio knowledge

• Often need specific matching requirements

The broader compatibility and lower price point of stereo amps make them more attractive to a wider range of potential buyers.  IMHO.  

While stereo amps may be easier to sell in general, I have a theory on this already mentioned. I’d like to believe the answer may change when going up in quality of amplification. I’m done lifting 100-120lb big iron stereo amps around or risk of damage.

  • 100+lb stereo amps are a beast to rotate in/out if you like trying different amps or when dealing with audio racks is another reason
  • Two mono amps of the same breed of amp are slightly over 1/2 the weight. Can be so much easier to manage and deal with in general
  • As you go up in quality with old school iron stereo amps, and weight keeps shifting upward, there seems to be a pivot point where Monos are just as desirable [or more] new or used to some of us out here

My personal experience is that mono blocks are harder to sell.

Looking at HiFiShark's date listed seems to indicate that my conclusion is correct. 

Stereo amps have a broader appeal.  Especially among novices and uninitiated.  “Yeah, cool.  What’s a mono?”

Amps and speakers in my experience are the hardest two things to resell. I have two of them in my current main system. OP, to your question though; I agree with the previous posters above that stereo amps are generally easier to resell. Because you're looking to buy Mac gear you really want to focus on responses from Mac only guys. The answers may be different from them. Good luck!

Both are popular in this hobby. It totally depends on the model in question. 

Rogue Audio claims they broke up the Zeus 225 lbs stereo tube monster into Apollo monoblocks because of the logistics of moving the damn thing. When you have a single chassis weighing beyond 100 lbs, it gets pretty difficult without hiring help - especially secondary market sales w/ shipping. Monoblocks help break that up, though then you're paying for shipping 2x boxes, 2x power cords, 2x amp stands...

I think that you'll find that the price point not the form factor will be the determining factor.

Yup mono's more difficult to sell but please get what floats your boat. If we set up our systems looking for future resale values, then without a crystal ball it's likely moot anyway.

Also (Duhh) mono's need a pre that also may require selling. Then there's more power cords, shelf space, tubes and at lease twice a year dusting. It's exhausting to contemplate. 

 

 

I would select a stereo amp that can be bridged into mono, gives you or any future owner the ability to increase power should you/they need to.

read the small print of whatever you consider: some impedance taps are unavailable when you change to bridged mode.

@rick_n I agree with you.  Buying 2 mono block McIntosh amps at $7,500 each vs buying 2 Crown amps is the difference.  I have my mid-fi Emotiva monoblocks and they work for me whenever I want a 3 some :), and if I dont want them anymore.  Selling it for half the cost does just fine for me.

Personally, everything else being equal, I’ll always prefer monos over stereo.

But reputation, brand, model, and service history probably matter a lot more at resale than form factor.

 

Advantages of Stereo Amplifiers for Resale

1. Broader Market Appeal

• More universal compatibility

• Typically less expensive

• Easier for average audiophiles to integrate into existing systems

2. Cost Considerations

• Generally lower price point

• More buyers can afford them

• Less specialized investment

3. Practical Considerations

• Simpler setup

• Fewer components to manage

• More straightforward for non-expert audio enthusiasts

Potential Mono Block Challenges

• Higher cost

• More niche market

• Require more sophisticated audio knowledge

• Often need specific matching requirements

The broader compatibility and lower price point of stereo amps make them more attractive to a wider range of potential buyers.

Isn't it amazing how humans can sound like ChatGPT nowadays? 😂

Considering the ease of selling is not the way to think through this, it's frankly ridiculous. The smart way to think about buying is what would I want to last me a lifetime. That said, I'd think a majority of people would want a stereo amp, not monoblocks. Stereo amps are one unit and take up less space, and for many of us that's the concern. Many people would also never hear the difference between stereo or monoblock anyway. Just my opinion and observation.

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It would be the McIntosh MC611 amps. But they really weigh close to the McIntosh stereo amp (forgot the model number) so I am not sure if I can say weight would be a benefit.

I am trying to look ahead down the road because I have been prone to changing gear in this hobby.

 

Looking at Hi Fi shark, it looks like they sell with in about a month of being listed. Am I looking at that correctly? 
https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=mcintosh+mc611
 

@dean_palmer Yes most do want one box and for good rea$on. And many integrated's are superb.

I always had an intreated AMP until (and I was never ensorcelled with monos or even thought much about 'em.)  But a life long deeper dive into sound reproduction took me finally to Mono Blocks.  Blocks are often an audiophile's progressive destination for some, not imagined until they are. Bingo.

I have dealers that will let me bring home demo gear that I can listen to, but when I'm interested in a brand I'm not sure of compatibility with I'll buy used so if I don't care for the match I can resell at or near my initial cost.  Buy a pair of Mc611's used at discount and play them a couple months then keep or resell them.

A crystal ball is your friend. As a buyer and seller for over 30 years I have seen the market shift in various ways. As audiophiles move to smaller, closer accommodations, space becomes a consideration. I have been lucky in having a dedicated room to listen in, but more audiophiles share space and resources. What will the market be like in five or 10 years?? I suggest you buy what works for you and you will enjoying and not sweat resale. For all you know blue or green lights might not be in vogue when you go to resell, just enjoy what you have right now.

I bought my MC501s 15 years ago used for $3,000 eaxh.  They have driven my 3.6Maggies for that entire time.  I could sell them tomorrow for what I paid.  I found a recent sale on eBay for $3,000.

The sound is still amazing!  Do not fear selling if you change your mind.  Buy what sounds best and know you will not get hurt don the road selling.  They are not for all, but no other mainstream amp hikds its value like McIntosh.

Stereo amp is easier. And there are a lot more of them. However I recently sold a pair of Tube monos and was grateful for that!

@coltrane1 how long did it take you to sell the pair of two monos? In what price bracket were they in? If I may ask

@dman777 2.5 months. But nearly every ad on USAudioMart takes a long time to sell. Back in the day I recall ads on AG selling in a matter of days. Those days are gone. I see great buys for used gear sitting for a long time.

It didn't make a difference to me for many years.  But after a bit of back trouble, I've derated my lift capacity to around 70 lbs.  If can can get the power/quality I want in a stereo platform under 70 lbs, that's the one I'm going to buy.  But if it's not available, then it's monoblocks for the win.  How does that relate to your question?  There are a lot of aging audiophiles who likely think along the same lines.  In the grand scheme of things, we're a niche market, and based on all I see and hear within the audiophile community, the median age is getting older.  And while it sounds a bit pessimistic to those who don't think you should consider future resale options on today's purchases, it is a realistic bit of data to consider when making a purchase.

@pickindoug sorry to hear about your back trouble. Wow, so monoblocks sound that good? I actually never heard them yet so that saids alot.

@dman777   Appreciate the thoughts.....my back is fine for its age.  I just don't lift 150 lb amps and related gear any longer.  I service my own gear, so if I can't lift it up on the bench, it won't follow me home.  As far as monoblocks vs stereo, there are some stereo amps with dual power supplies that provide equivalent crosstalk isolation to mono amps.  I still have some lower powered monoblocks for the vintage system.  The reason they were made and sold as monos was that stereo hadn't quite been invented yet.  And to the point made by some others, you can always opt for a bridgeable stereo amp, so if in the future you want to pick up another amp for 3db more dynamic range.  

Life's too short to worry about resale.  Go listen to some mono blocks and let us know.  If you really concerned enough to ask the question then they might not be for you (or maybe you're just a curious fellow).  But I would hate to be thinking about resale value while relaxing and listening.

Anyway, just find a dual-mono stereo amp and your in. 

Regards,

barts

 

Weight and space are not limiting factors with all the  great sounding class D amps in the market