Amp Upgrade - 3k to 4k used?


Hi Folks:
I’m thinking of upgrading my amps and would value some advice. I currently have Blue Circle BC2 Monos. I’ve been really happy with them, but the upgrade bug is starting to bite again. I could spend about $3k to $4k on the used market. I’m particularly keen on tube amps (especially low powered SET), but not sure if my speakers would be efficient enough. I know my CD player is a little old too, but don’t think an upgrade here will get me a big bang for the buck. I’ll also consider upgrading IC and SC as well a little later on, but want really really good stuff (FIM or Valhalla likely). Another option may be to get a Shunyata Hydra. The rest of my system is:

Audio Physic Virgo II (89Db efficiency, I think)
Sonic Frontiers Line III – (but expecting delivery of Supratek Chardonnay in a month or so).
YBA CD 1a
Nordost SPM IC & OTA Sakura IC
OTA Sakura Speaker Cable
3 Shunyata Sidewinder Power Cords, 2 YBA Diamond Power Cords, 1 pair of Bybee IC Filters, FIM outlets.

All advice and recommendations welcome. Thanks,
John.
128x128outlier
Thanks for all the advice guys - some very good amp options mentioned - good food for thought. Cheers,
John.
If you're eventually looking to upgrade to JMLabs Mezzo Utopia's, you may just want to save the $3-4k you're looking to spend on amps and allocate it to the JMLabs.

I suspect the change in speakers will be much more dramatic then changing amps. Besides, the amps you buy now may not mate as perfectly with the JMLabs.

Nevertheless, I think it would be worthwhile checking out the Manley, Rogue and Audio Research gear if you're looking for something that may give you a different perspective from the Blue Circle.
Keep those BC's, and send them back to Gilbert to update to BC2-8's (2500) or the BC2-8000's (4000.00). I would send my 2.1's back, but I spent way too much on audio lately. Check out the web page, getting 80% of the AG8000 (14,000.00) for 4k is a deal.
If you really want the BAT's with the Chardonnay, Mick will make 1 of the sets of outs XLR for $50. I know that doesn't make it balanced, but you could skip the adaptors.
Patrick