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Looking for ideas - new mono blocks for stereo music

Hello!

I am on a bit of a mission to upgrade my equipment and just recently purchased the Esoteric K-01X SACD player.
In my case, the primary focus for critical listening is stereo music (aka red book CD) from the Esoteric.
My current chain is from the Esoteric through the Marantz 8802A into the Bryston 7B-SST2 powering a pair of JBL 1400 Array speakers.
I am very happy with the JBLs and just upgraded to the K-01X (had the X-03SE before).

Right now I would like to hear some suggestions for new mono blocks. I am already planning on adding the Esoteric C-03X(s) to the system to replace the Marantz as (stereo) pre-amp.

The primary focus is detail and resolution as I really love hearing new aspects of CDs that previous equipment couldn't reveal.
Soundstage and instrument placement are also high on the list. Bass slam / impact is not really a priority since I am stuck in an apartment for the time being.
Another factor is heat - I am looking for an amp, not a space heater. Especially considering the already hot summers in Toronto!
The price ceiling for me is somewhere around $20,000/pair

My current short list consists of:
Grandinote
Pass Labs
Simaudio
Mark Levinson

Now it's time for the brainpool (that's you guys!) to have at it :)

Thanks in advance!
eohtar

Showing 3 responses by caphill

caphill
678 posts
 
Are you leaning more towards SS or tube? For tubes I like Audio Research, Lamm, VAC, BAT. PS Audio BHK monoblock amps are excellent too.

For SS, give a listen to the Vitus Audio, either their Signature series or their Reference series, and some Tidal and Soulution stuff if you have access to them. They are phenomenal.
The Parasound Halo JC1 or the new JC5 are bargain considering their performances and are highly recommended. The recently discontinued Classe Delta CAM-600 class AB monoblock amps are also spectacular and can be had at discounts nowadays. Some higher end Naim amps are very musical and has very good rhythmic drive and are special. 

caphill
678 posts
 
@eohtar 

If you're after warmer sounding SS amps in order to tame your tweeters on your JBL I would get the McIntosh MC601 monoblock amps (recently discontinued) or their replacement MC611 monoblock amps. 

Again all the amps that you listed above are great but it's a matter of sonic synergy with your speakers and the rest of your setup gears, cables, etc, etc....
It's all about system synergy as a whole. 
The perfect synergy and best pairings of all your equipments will achieve excellent results. 
caphill
678 posts
 
You should try a pair of Linn Klimax Solo Chakra 500 monoblock amps. I used to own these in my all Linn Klimax setup and system driving the Linn Klimax 365 passive speakers. But I've moved away from all Linn Klimax setup and system and upgraded my gears couple times since then. I used to be a huge fan of all Linn setup and system or the so-called Linnie. My two-channel rigs used to consist of all Linn Klimax stuff as well as the Linn LP12 Klimax version turntable package with all Linn Klimax PSU. 

But I have no idea how these Linn Klimax Solo 500 monoblock amps will perform and sound on your JBL. They sounded very musical in all Linn Klimax setup and system paired with the Linn Klimax 365 speakers. These are great amps and sounded very natural / organic. 

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