Semantic Gymnastics! Perhaps: because some think of various system topologies*, as being built of individual, "blocks" (syn: pieces, parts, components) and the long version is, "monoblock amplifier", as opposed to, "stereophonic amplifier."
Me too! Suppose LEGOs had preceded blocks, as the World's favorite building unit: mono-LEGO amplifiers? Just doesn't have the same ring to it!
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I got a pair of Krell KMA 100s back in the early 80s and back then they were just mono amps. The block came after. I cannot say where it originated. They were more squarish than stereo amps and instead of putting them in cabinets we stuck them on the floor either behind or between the loudspeakers. They looked like blocks so the term is not a stretch. I now have mono amps that are under the speakers and are in no way shape or form blockish. They look more like a whore house chandelier:-) |
From ChatGPT: The term "mono" comes from the Greek word "monos," meaning "single" or "one." In audio terminology, "mono" is used to describe a single audio channel, as opposed to stereo, which involves two separate channels for left and right audio. The word "block" in this context refers to a self-contained unit or component. In the case of monoblock amplifiers, they are often designed as compact, single-channel units that can be easily installed or integrated into audio systems. So, when these two terms are combined, "monoblock" essentially means a self-contained amplifier unit dedicated to powering a single audio channel, typically used in mono audio setups or in multi-channel systems where individual amplifiers are used for each channel to achieve higher power output or more precise control over speaker performance. Regards, barts |
Fun question @williambf and I’ll be curious to hear the definitive answer. |
