which is better? Stereo Amp or Monoblocks?

Mono amps tend to excel in:

• Stereo separation
• Power supply
• Current delivery
• Heat dissipation

If you have difficult to drive speakers, or just want to have the absolutely most solid amplifier possible that is the way to go. You aren't going to find a 200 W class A amplifier that goes down to 1 Ohm (1600W) in a single chassis, the power supply and heat sink requirements are monstrous.

But better...... meh.

In a HT that I could afford to live in however, I’d be looking at the ATI or NAD digital amplifiers based on Hypex modules. Smaller and more compact units are much more attractive to me these days.

Best,

E

I should also point out, despite the amps I used having relatively poor channel separation, using them in mono or stereo didn't make a really big noticeable difference.

Eventually I used one for pure surround, so I could turn it on/off by trigger and save the electrical costs.

Best,

E

Depends. I like mono because of better channel separation, but cost savings in stereo is often worth it.

I used to run a pair of Parasound amps, one for L and L surround, the other R and R surround. Worked great.

What I really want is a HT integrated though. Getting rid of all the cables and reclaiming shelf space is a big deal for me lately. :) 

E