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
@AUXINPUT,
Your last post about fuse change was extremely well done. I have always wanted to know about this ability of fuse change in a controlled environment with enough time with good equipment to tell the differences of what the fuse is doing.
Bryston amplifiers are the reliable workhorses that usually sound very solid state, and could use some kind of a soft source or tube preamp to give that body to the music that most spend the big dollars for. I had no idea that the fuse change could get a good result that would be so worth it to Bryston owners.
The JC1 monoblocks have been something I would love to hear on my system one day. 
Took a long time for me to get the system synergy that I have heard before. The wiring of the interconnects and speaker wire changes things dramatically. It can drive you crazy, changing and listening with break-in time (if you buy new).


When I was younger, I had an Audio business. It was just "high end audio design" and installation. During installations, I had up to a dozen interconnects, and 4 pairs of speaker wire to tune the system. Had so much fun with other people's money, and going into these high end homes. Then things changed to home theater and computer systems design. So I took that route. You go where the money is. Still had a ton of fun (now retired) spending millions of other people's money. I got to build a lot of custom high end computers that were faster than what you could buy, unless they were custom built. It's fun to be back with the High End Stereo systems. Thanks, AUXINPUT for making some interesting reading with your dive into the fuse changes on the amplifiers. Dennis
Consider Kara Chaffee's new 40Watt mono amps. I have a set and have never been as pleased with others I have owned. Including McIntosh.
Dehaviland Super 40s  on the internet. Around 5 grand and worth every penny.
I totally agree with Elizabeth on leaving the Bryston on all the time. It really maje a difference. When I blew a fuse on my 17b3 preamp, I put my BP25 back in and my system sounded harsh. I was rather embarrassed because some friends came over to listen. It smoothed out 3-6 hours I can't remember, I had a tandberg 3008 preamp and it was the same. Its the same with my Tandberg 3014a. It sounds best after being left on 24 hours but the caveat is I run the risk burning out my capstan motor and they can be only rebuilt once. I only turn it on when I'm going to use it. I'm pleased with my 14b3. Its much smoother and has a tighter bass than my 14bsst. It has taken about a month for it to settle in but I could immediately tell a differnce after the first power up. Keep us posted.
per a few votes above,  i would strongly suggest the PS Audio BHK mono blocks.   I have the 250 stereo amp and it is fabulous driving my Thiel 3.7 speakers.  I want to put a strong plug in for their new power regenerators as they are incredible.   I have the P15 and it transformed my system.