High end amp recommendation in China


I need some help.

I am in the process of upgrading my amplification. My current system consists of Egglestonworks Rosa loudspeakers being fed by an Electrocompaniet EMC1-UP CD player through a Mark Levinson 383 integrated. Analysis Plus silver cables all around.

Overall, nice sound - very nice actually, but the 383 doesn't drive my Rosa's with the authority I want.

But here is the wrinkle - I live in Shanghai, China. High end options are limited. I have a very good dealer here who is very knowlegable and helpful, but limited in their selection. My choices are Krell, Mark Levinson, and Halcro (and Graaf if I want to head down the tube path - I don't).

I am demo-ing a 320S pre / 436 power set-up in my home now. First impression - wow - talk about authority! Sucks me WAY MORE into the music than my integrated. Bass, imaging, width, and depth. I have heard the Halcro stereo amp (the 38?)demonstrated in the store - double wow - though I think it is out of my price range. I have yet to listen to the Krell's, but my previous experience with them back in the States is that they are not the sound I am looking for (Lyle Lovett, Eddie From Ohio, Diana Krall, etc)

So give me your opinions / experience.

Yes, yes, yes. I know - I intend to listen to my ears. I am just looking for some help to guide my ears into the right general direction.

No, no, no, don't tell me that these all are horrible and non-musical and that I really need to listen to Brand X - its just not an option for me.

In advance, thanks for your help!

ChinaBrad
bradleypeacockba28
Dracula,

Good to find another audiophile in SH. I did buy a Halcro DM38 from Excel Hi Fi in Shanghai. They are great! I can forward contact information to you. Send me an email.

Cheers!

Brad
I would recommend Chapter Audio without hesitation.They offer the best iron fisted grip on the bass region bar none and with liquid 3-D.

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I'm in Shanghai as well. Moved here in December and downgraded my system a bit. Living in Luwan. Where are you buying your CD's in town? I end up buying music in Tokyo and HK when I visit. You have any good leads on rock, metal, blues, well anything for that matter?
brad, did you ever audition the krells? i would think they would be a great match for eggleston's stuff. how do you like the halcro? i've never heard them, but i'm really looking forward to it.

sometimes, in a sort of conscious dreamstate, just before i wake up, i imagine i just brought home a dm58 and a pair of wilson maxx's... but soon i awake... *poof*.

i have krell, levinson, dynaudio now. very happy. i, too, find the levinson, the newer stuff esp., kinda laid back for my taste. incredible detail and control, just not as much meat as i'd like for my setup. so, krell. which constantly amazes me. even my wife notices the differences, and that's saying something.

fwiw.
Would second the Opera rec - heard rumors they go for 1/2 price over there - and they're already cheap here. The tube amp I have from them is simply incredible, but you're probably better off with the "Forbidden" line.