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Looking for ideas - new mono blocks for stereo music

Hello!

I am on a bit of a mission to upgrade my equipment and just recently purchased the Esoteric K-01X SACD player.
In my case, the primary focus for critical listening is stereo music (aka red book CD) from the Esoteric.
My current chain is from the Esoteric through the Marantz 8802A into the Bryston 7B-SST2 powering a pair of JBL 1400 Array speakers.
I am very happy with the JBLs and just upgraded to the K-01X (had the X-03SE before).

Right now I would like to hear some suggestions for new mono blocks. I am already planning on adding the Esoteric C-03X(s) to the system to replace the Marantz as (stereo) pre-amp.

The primary focus is detail and resolution as I really love hearing new aspects of CDs that previous equipment couldn't reveal.
Soundstage and instrument placement are also high on the list. Bass slam / impact is not really a priority since I am stuck in an apartment for the time being.
Another factor is heat - I am looking for an amp, not a space heater. Especially considering the already hot summers in Toronto!
The price ceiling for me is somewhere around $20,000/pair

My current short list consists of:
Grandinote
Pass Labs
Simaudio
Mark Levinson

Now it's time for the brainpool (that's you guys!) to have at it :)

Thanks in advance!
128x128eohtar
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,876 posts
 
Just in case you think the link I provided was for an integrated, it was not. It's for mono blocks made by the same company. 

All the best,
Nonoise
eohtar's avatar
eohtar OP
16 posts
 
@caphill 
I am trying to keep an eye on synergy as much as possible but sometimes that's easier said than done.
Especially with the decline of local stores that carry enough inventory to demo all the options.
I'd be happy enough to be able to demo the amps with similar speakers and front end.
On the other hand, considering the price tag, in home demos should be an option for sure.

@elizabeth 
It was most likely the EU that implemented those energy rules - but then I am from Europe originally as well. And nothing wrong with looking out for the environment.
I didn't realize that Bryston dropped the idle power consumption on the cubed. Checking the manual for the two version it's 215 vs 80 watts idle and 733 vs 270 BTU/hour also at idle.
That's some impressive numbers - thanks for the heads up.

Since some of you jumped on my comment about the speakers, let me clarify what I meant.
My thought was that going with a slightly warmer amp might give me a bit of a buffer IN CASE things get a little harsh with the Esoteric C-03X pre-amp in the chain instead of the Marantz.
Right now, with the K-01X SACD player going into the Marantz and then the 7BSST2, the sound is definitely NOT too harsh or annoying. If anything, the K-01X sounds smoother (compared to the X-03SE) while also bringing out more detail.
I think I also have a pretty high 'tolerance' and appreciation for treble - as Elizabeth called it: 'treble freak' :)

@auxinput
Krell is one of those brands that I initially thought of (since my go to dealer carries them as well) but for some reason didn't include in the list. Maybe because I haven't seen much about their latest models.
The specs for the Solo 375 look rather good though. On the other hand, based on the reviews I could find it's not exactly a king of treble - ".. if what makes you happy is a lot of treble detail (apparent or actual), the Solo 375 probably isn't your amp."

@nonoise 
I checked the link and got that it was for their mono blocks - strangely enough though, the manufacturers website didn't seem to list them (yet?).
auxinput
2,920 posts
 

Yes, you are absolutely correct when saying the NEW Duo/Solo Krell amps are not the king of treble. The previous generation EVO amps (such as 400, 402e, 403e, etc) were not pure Class A and had extreme amount of resolution. We were talking about taming those JBL horns, which are very bright metal dome tweeters. There are definitely better amps than the Krell for high frequency air/resolution, but the Krell Class A models will really smooth out those waveforms. It does make the treble smoother/softer, but it may be a very good compensation for those metal dome drivers in the JBL. Honestly, I’m not sure if the JC1 would have more resolution either, as it definitely softens the highs. I think the Parasound JC1 will soften and rolloff the highs. The Krell will just smooth out the highs, but the detail is still there.

Based on your requirements for heat and sound, it may be that the Bryston 7b3 is your best bet. Hopefully, you will be able to hear how it sounds at some point.

On your comments about the Esoteric preamp possibly being too harsh, I would suggest waiting until you have that preamp in your current system. Then you can see how things sound. I think the new 7b3 will be smoother/sweeter than your current 7bsst2, but the sst2 will help you gauge whether you need a warmer amp or not. If the sound of the Esoteric preamp is acceptable with the SST2, then you probably don’t need a warm amp.

Tell you a secret, I just bought a pair of 7b3 a few days ago. They are on their way and I should have them on Tuesday. I can report back on a comparison with the JC1s if you want.

If you get a warm amp, there is no possible way to increase the resolution. You can get a high resolution amp, and then warm things up if you need to with gold-plated connections (speaker wire, interconnects, and even power cord).

mr_bill
347 posts
 
 @auxinput. A comparison of JC-1 and Bryston 7B3 would very interesting to hear about. The new JC-5 is also out. 
I to am looking for a new amp and confused as ever. I really like clear open treble and soundstaging like the OP. 
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,876 posts
 
@eohtar,
Yes, they're relatively new and the site hasn't been updated yet. There is a member here who remarked on having a pair when the integrated was being discussed. I think he got his some time ago from the Asian market (it's been around in various forms) but remarked how wonderful they sound.

All the best,
Nonoise
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