Krell Solo 375 Monoblocks are by far exactly what you are looking for. They have the auto-bias Class A and just have a softer way of bringing the treble. The treble is not rolled off, just not what some of these so called state of the art amps do to your ears. Krell does Class A right. No matter how many amps I put into my system, nothing sounds better with my Martin Logans. I sold all my other amps and now have 3 Krells. Currently I'm using one with the auto-bias Class A and it really works. I am constantly reminded how much a proper Class A design can produce vocals and instruments with weight and clarity that is non fatiguing. If you can't afford new, just look for used. I don't like the Evolution models, but ones before that have the auto bias technology. Bryston is great for reliability, but can't really give you what Krell does with musicality. I'm sure some like Pass Labs, and power to ya. But back to back, the Krells or D'ags with give a faster decay from instruments, and thus more natural. Let the mud slinging begin.
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!
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!
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- 80 posts total
- 80 posts total