Talk me out of buying Monoblocks and into a stereo amp instead

@jeffreyw how do you feel about a c 12000 preamp sound compared to the system you are switching to? 

@jsalerno277 

started with McIntosh 1.25’s

went to ARC 160S

ended at Burmester 218

Good Luck @dman777 

@dman777 

The C12000 sounded beautiful in the system I listened to. However, my MAC system cannot compete with the Solution 331. It is not even close. The Soulution was paired with Magico A5s. I love McIntosh, but they are not in the same league. What came out of the Magicos was an eerily present performance. I read one review where the reviewer stated that the "331 produced sounds that made him turn his head and thought it was an artifact in the room." He eloquently stated what I heard, but I could not put this into my own words. 

Solution is more analytical and less warm than MacIntosh. This sound may not be to your liking, but it has made me rethink what I find important in musical presentation. 

Again, some context here.  

If you have 90db sensitivity speakers in a medium sized room, a robust 200 WPC stereo amp is more than enough.  

If you have 84db 2 ohm min load large tower speakers in an extra large room, mono blocks are a practical way to get more power.  

@jeffreyw In your transition to the new Solution system, have you sold your monoblocks yet? I was curious how difficult or easy it is for you to sell them?

Again, some context here.  

If you have 90db sensitivity speakers in a medium sized room, a robust 200 WPC stereo amp is more than enough.  

If you have 84db 2 ohm min load large tower speakers in an extra large room, mono blocks are a practical way to get more power.  

I am pretty sure that there are high powered stereo amps out there, as well as low powered monoblocks.  

@dman777 

Have not tried to sell yet. Still working things out. 

All things being equal, mono blocks should have an advantage. But it’s more about the quality of the amp(s). A better designed and built stereo amp will outperform mono amps of the same output. And it’s rare that you could compare mono and stereo amps of the same power rating from the same manufacturer.

@immatthewj

of course there are exceptions. in general a parasound JC1 monoblock (for example)  offers 850 watts at 4-ohms in a 107 lb chassis while the same power in a two channel amp would have prohibitive weight and size. It is a way to support the needs of more demanding power requirements while not requiring a hoist to get it into your room.

I tried dual mono block amps and while a high quality design the overall tone and transparency was not what I was after.

As long as the amp has adequate power and capabilities at lower impedances depending on speakers I prefer the sound based on how they sound and not whether they offer an advantage on paper because they have an extra power supply and power cord.

Comparison is only valid in cases when the same amplifier is offered in monoblock and stereo versions by the manufacturer.

Of those, I can't recall a single instance of a stereo version's sound quality being preferred over the monoblocks'.