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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
googoogjoob
88 posts
 
im lusting after PS Audio BHK
ronkent's avatar
ronkent
366 posts
 
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.
wspohn's avatar
wspohn
606 posts
 
Interesting system you have.  The Marantz receivers are actually pretty good. I use a 7702 Mk 2 pre in my AV system (the one that superseded it was a step down) and as I use two different amplification set ups depending on whether I am doing AV or just pure audio, I sometimes get lazy and leave the AV stuff (all solid state vs. the 'listening system which is tube) in the loop when I want to do a bit of casual listening and it is very decent.  BTW, think about going to a separate server with all your music on it - I have around 4,000 CDs and for the first time I can actually find anything I want on my computer when I want to play it!

I haven't heard your power amp but have found several of the Bryston power amps a tad dry (I do run one of their preamps, a BP17, in a second system, and have an old 2B power amp - still a pretty good sounding unit despite the age, in my library system).  I don't know that you need monoblock amps and can save some money by going for one stereo amp and as I am also in Canada, I think the Simaudio products are a good way to start looking, but don't discount the early Dave Reich designed Classe amps - they are once again up and running under new ownership and I was able to get one of my old Classe DR3 - VHCs overhauled with no problems.

There are a lot of heritage older amps out there that compare well with current stuff.  I run an older Roland in the AV system, for instance and you can buy them for a fraction of what a new amp costs.


notesaddict's avatar
notesaddict
63 posts
 
I’ve enjoyed the Krell 575 monoblocks for 6 months. Not a day goes by that I am not thoroughly happy with them. No problems with heat. 
doitwithlife's avatar
doitwithlife
98 posts
 
Another vote to consider the bhk 300. Been lusting for them. Luckily they arrive next week, going to be a momumental upgrade
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