Stereo gear VS. Mono gear...& gear opinions?

[xj32]

Just a quick question for you guys,

I am looking at some new gear in the new year, I plan on getting in no particular order one or the other of the following or maybe all as funds permit.

Distressor (next on my list!)
Chandler Germanium (Not alot of opinions on this board yet but looks intriguing)
AMI Tab-Funkenwek V-78 (although I have only heard about these from Fletcher)
Great River MP-1NV (not as flavored as the above two but a staple I hear)


Now I currently have funds to buy two of the above,

My question is since all of the above are mono units would you go with two channels of one for stereo stuff like keys (DI-ed of course), Drum overheads, Stereo Acoustic, etc.

Or would you go for variety of sounds and stick to single channels of each.

What do you find most practical when you buy new gear...stereo or mono.

My current Mic pre collection is an 8 channel Milennia HV3, a two channel True Systems P2 (which I am trying to sell) and a Blue Robbie single channel Tube Pre.

Comp wise I own an 1176LN, RNLA, RNC and an old DBX 117.

I do professional sound design as well as record clients (CCM, Folk, Jazz and now Rap)

Thanks,

Paul

[feyshay]

This depends on how much you use keys. My setup is very similar--for acoustic and electric guitar, vocals, bass. I go with Mono--more variability, since I can have more preamps and compressors.