Help me pick an amp for under $5,000


So I finally have the scratch for an amp and I'm looking for some help. My system consists of a Sony SCD-1, Music Hall MMF-7 (new table in the works), Aesthetix Janus Preamp, and Totem Forests. I posted a thread a couple of days ago but only got one taker (I think I posted it too late at night, or it was too specific).

When I initially heard the aesthetix it was with a Bat VK-250SE and JM LAB 926BEs. I loved the BAT's sound (although find the look of it to be questionable, but I could get over that) but I'm wondering what else I should be looking at in this price range (slightly over is okay too) that would mate well with what I have, and with any possible speaker upgrades, since the Totem's aren't the last word for me (new listening room is 17x20 with high ceilings, so I worry about them dissapearing).

I'd like to stay with SS, and realistically think 150wpc into 8 ohms and above, just to cover myself incase my next speakers are power hungry. So what else would mate well? Parasound JC-1s have been mentioned, but can't get a ton of input on the match with the rest of the gear. Pass X250.5? Something from Simaudio? I feel a bit at a loss since I've not been able to hear the aesthetix with my speakers or other amps, so help is much needed.

FWIW I listen to everything, but concentrate on Jazz, folk/acoustic, Indie rock, soul. and classic rock, with some avante-garde classical thrown in.

Thanks a ton!
mimberman
I would go for the JC1s. I have them and have compared them to a few different high powered amps including, Ayre V5xe, VTL 450s, Innersound ESL 300. I like these the best and love the power. I think you would learn to love the extra power and in time probably never want to do without it again. The JC1s are smooth on top and have great bass with plenty of drive for dynamics to be top notch. If you are a hyper detail freak they may not be what you want, but to me they are musical. They are a great deal to for their price.

You didn't mention Ayre, but as a caution I've hear that Ayre amps do not work well at all with the Aesthetix preamps
a mac mc402....and it would be just fine if you upgrade your speakers, though the forests and the mac will fill your big room
Listen to, and then buy one of these: McIntosh MC252 or McIntosh MC402. If you can go for the 402, you're done for a looooooong time.

Phil