I have heard a KR amp (i.e., not your Cary) driving: Mini Utopia, A-Physic Step+sub; Proac2 with a different set-up.
I personally preferred the JM & Step experience with jazz/blues: the source equipment was cdp (YBA 1) with both speakers, and the s/ware bog-standard, discount S-Vaughan compilation, Keb Mo. The JM sound was placement critical (it took a good hour to tame the tweeter). The Step were less so. I found that fast cabling with good extension was necessary (critical?) to get the best out of these combos (in both cases it case N. Valhalla, maybe overkill price-wise). So, placement and cabling are, IMO, very important parametres to take into account along with the actual model you utlimately choose!
I must admit that the sound, in both cases, was IMO majestic: large soundstage, good transient attack (to which I'm partial), better upper register than bass... but this "compromise" did not register when I was happily listening.
Good luck!
I personally preferred the JM & Step experience with jazz/blues: the source equipment was cdp (YBA 1) with both speakers, and the s/ware bog-standard, discount S-Vaughan compilation, Keb Mo. The JM sound was placement critical (it took a good hour to tame the tweeter). The Step were less so. I found that fast cabling with good extension was necessary (critical?) to get the best out of these combos (in both cases it case N. Valhalla, maybe overkill price-wise). So, placement and cabling are, IMO, very important parametres to take into account along with the actual model you utlimately choose!
I must admit that the sound, in both cases, was IMO majestic: large soundstage, good transient attack (to which I'm partial), better upper register than bass... but this "compromise" did not register when I was happily listening.
Good luck!