A single-channel audio amplifier. Two mono blocks are used for stereo reproduction. Because many audiophiles believe vacuum tubes produce a better musical representation, mono blocks often use tubes as the amplifying mechanism rather than transistors. See
audiophile,
stereo amplifier and
vacuum tube,
transistor.
High-End Mono Blocks
Both of these high-end amplifiers were designed by renowned audio engineers. Each mono block of Mark Levinson's Model One (top) and Bob Carver's Crimson 350 (bottom) weighs in at 100 and 45 pounds respectively. This kind of amplification is designed for dedicated music and home theater enthusiasts.