Parasound - Pass Labs - VTL - Krell Amp Selection


Hi,
I noticed a similar thread to this a few days ago, from Punkawalla, but just wanted to add another variable or two.

I'm shopping for a new amp for Maggie 3.6's....the Krell I'm using is excellent, but I have the upgrade bug and would like a little more power for the 3.6's.

I've seen a few decent amps and just wanted some opinions to help me unravel the options and hopefully make the best choice.
Setup options steer me toward monoblocks, these provide the easiest integration into my room with WAF considerations.

I hope Sean spots this thread, since I know he has respect for Nelson Pass and John Curl, and wondered if ultimately he had a preference.
The amps I've shortlisted are all available used on 'Gon and I'm listing the prices to help with perspective:

Krell 350Mcx Mono's $7700
Pass X600 $6500
Parasound JC1's $3700
VTL 450's $4500

The Krell's at $7k+ are a little more than I want to pay, though if I could justify the higher price based on margin of improvement over the others, I would probably stretch to it.
The JC 1's seem like an absolute bargain, so much so that I'm skeptical if they can really compete against say the X600's with an original $16,000 retail.

The VTL's really whet my appetite, since I'm a tube kinda guy at heart. But, since I've bypassed fuses on the 3.6's, I must have peace of mind that the amps are capable of delivering the current that these speakers need and that there is no clipping at high SPL's. Also, I need to know that the internal protection circuitry is of high integrity....I don't want a tube failure taking out my tweeter(s).
I've read that the JC1's and the X600's have 'tube like' quality, so I guess I'm trying to achieve 95% of what tubes do best from a SS.

I've been trying different amps now for almost a year. My home office looks like an elephants graveyard (for amps and cables), and it has to stop!!
I need an amp that I can plug in and sit back and enjoy the music, without having to worry about power, or if I should have gone with tubes, or whatever else I worry about!!

My priorities are:
Good soundstage and presentation of scale.
Clarity - natural - openess.
Truth of timbre and natural non-fatiguing presentation- it all happens in the midrange for me.
Enough bass but not bass that overwhelms the midrange and hides inner detail.
Clean highs, maybe on the darker/warmer side of neutral.
Fluid - flowing presentation, not necessarily with the dynamic snap, pop and tizzle that many crave.

Everyone has a different opinion about these things I know, but I've had a lot of good advice here in the past, and I don't regret any choices I've made based on the advice that I've received.

Thanks much

Rooze
128x128rooze
Rooze, I've never heard the Parasound JC1's, but I can tell you that I replaced the same amp you currently have with an X-350 and the sound improved dramatically. The grain on the top was gone, inner details came out that I couldn't hear before, and I could go on. Not quite the low end slam of the Krell, but not too far off either. The mids in my system are not bloomy like tubes, I can best describe the sound as natural and totally non-fatiguing and I thought I would never get there with solid state given my speakers. I'm almost afraid to sell my amp and try something else. You definitely won't go wrong with Pass if thats what you decide to get. You can see my system for associated gear.
I would try krell MDA 500 mono blocks. Outstanding detail smooth you can reach out and touch the performers. The VTL will be too smooth after a while. I now have VTL 300 bass is krell like but not as controled. Have has Ksa 250, 300s , mda 300. best was mda 300. On b&w 801#3. Each design will be best on certain recordings, so dont jump at first impressions. MDA 500. Ive found nelson pass to be speed fast but in the long run dissapointing. good Luck
I have used a Krell FPB 200 and VTL 300 Deluxe mono blocks with Thiel CS 6's. The Thiels are very hard to drive and need lots current. The Krell was a little bright for my taste, given the room and associated equipment. The bass was to die for and worth a little perceived brightness. I repalced the Krell with the VTL 300's. The Vtl.'s smoothed things out, yes the bass slam is not as pronounced but is not lacking either. I have had dealings with both companies regarding repairs/upgrades and they were easy to work with and have gone the extra mile for me. When and if I change amps both companies products will at the top of the list.

Good Luck
Allan

System:
Esoteric DV-50
VTL 2.5
VTL 300 Deluxe Mono Blocks
Thiel CS 6
the VTL 300 deluxe didn't come with the signature style output transformer which was a dramatic bass improvement over the standard style transformer. The VTL 450 signature will definitely have better bass control and power.
Rooze your sonic preferences which you describe are describing the VTL 450 signature in triode mode.