Stereo or monoblocks

The difference between stereo versions and mono blocks of the same amps are subtile but important. But the operative word is subtle.

I own a Audio Research Reference 160s stereo amplifier. I also have had a set of Audio Research 160m mono blocks for well over a year. I switch back an forth occasionally. The mono bocks I have used for listening 95% of the time over the last year and a half. The two amps are exactly the same design... one spread out over two chassis and one adapted to inhabit the same chassis.

There is a difference, but it is small. It is by far smaller than the overall character of the amp, compared to any other amp. You want to chose the amp you want... by the character and sound... then decide if you can afford the mono blocks. As the amps get more expensive the more important mono’s become.

If I loved the sound of McIntosh amps... I would not even consider another brand because it offered mono block. Now, if I loved the sound of McIntosh, then I would consider if I could afford their monoblocks.

Unfortunately, all things being equal will not include price. I am listening to a pair of ARC REF160m monoblocks… they sound slightly better… nuances only, than my ARC REF 160s… but the difference in cost is $12K. So, yeah, the monoblocks are better… it comes down to is it worth $12K’s worth?

@unreceivedogma 

Yes… locating monoblocks within a foot or two (and shortening the cable) is supposed to make a big difference. A friend / dealer has done this repeatedly to good effect. Unfortunately, I have not… the interconnect / speaker cable cost is way too high for me to do as an experiment.

So you have two integrated amps. You are using one as an integrated and the amp as a monoblocks… you are only using the second as a mono amplifier?

Ok, with nearly 100% certainty that is not optimal use of funds. First integrated amps are a compromise by putting so much circuitry in a small footprint. Then buying duplicate preamps… then bridging… yes, that is not optimal from any point of view.

I would skip the integrated if you have room. Optimal would be something like a $8K preamp (personally I would get a used Audio Research Reference) and a $10K stereo amplifier. That should be a huge upgrade.