mono blocks for home theater?


I have always used various 5 channel amps in my home theater. It also doubles for 2 channel listening, 75% movies, 25% music. I now have a chance to purchase 3 mono blocks for the front and a 2 channel for the rear. I understand the benefit of mono blocks in two channel. I know everything is system dependent. Are there any pros or cons besides looking for extra outlets? Is it overkill? Will it improve movie soundtracks? Would I be better off upgrading elsewhere? Has anyone tried this and gone back to a 5 channel amp? Thanks to all who respond.
theaterhome

Showing 1 response by tombowlus

I recently acquired two Theta Enterprise monoblocks to power my Thiel CS3.6's, and a Theta Intrepid for the center and surrounds (still trying to decide if I'll use the extra 2 channels for zone 2, or move from 5.1 to 7.1). My reasoning for this approach is that I do my critical listening in 2-channel, and I want my soundstage and imaging to be as good as they can be, so monoblocks do deliver in these regards. I had considered either a 5-channel Dreadnaught II for the whole deal, or a 2-channel Dread for the mains, but once I heard my Thiels with the Enterprises, I was hooked. The multi-channel Thetas still had the "Theta sound", and were very balanced and nice sounding, but the imaging, detail, separation, and depth of soundstage couldn't match the monoblocks. That said, I find that when I listen to multi-channel music or movies, much of the refinement of the monoblocks is not as evident. If I were going to do multi-channel only, I probably would have gone with one or two Dreads, or a Dreadnaught/Intrepid. However, I do feel that monoblocks can interface well with a system that pulls duty as both a 2-channel and a HT setup.

Tom.