No offence but going with a Krell, McIntosh, Classe, Conrad Johnson (I have owned all of the above) is hardly scrimping. You might also add a Meitner/ Museatex mono block, McCormack, Sim Audio(moon) to the mix.
The end result will be the synergy with his whole system. Possibly one of the amps that we have mentioned will provide that synergy.
You might also wish to look at adding some tube to your system by either going with a tube preamp or a tube DAC. There are a lot of exceptional tube preamps and DAC's out there. Will add some sparkle/ analog sound to the system.
DAC's- NEW had some tubed DACs/CD, as well as CAl Labs.
preamps- Conrad Johnson
Aronov
CAT
Audio research
Copland
any of these units will do an exceptional job with your system. Good listening- once again. Your ears will tell you what is good for you. Make sure it is a good listen and not a short audition. You want to make sure long term listening pleasure is attained and not a quick impressive sound. Brighter items usually give you that quick sounds great and then.........
The end result will be the synergy with his whole system. Possibly one of the amps that we have mentioned will provide that synergy.
You might also wish to look at adding some tube to your system by either going with a tube preamp or a tube DAC. There are a lot of exceptional tube preamps and DAC's out there. Will add some sparkle/ analog sound to the system.
DAC's- NEW had some tubed DACs/CD, as well as CAl Labs.
preamps- Conrad Johnson
Aronov
CAT
Audio research
Copland
any of these units will do an exceptional job with your system. Good listening- once again. Your ears will tell you what is good for you. Make sure it is a good listen and not a short audition. You want to make sure long term listening pleasure is attained and not a quick impressive sound. Brighter items usually give you that quick sounds great and then.........