Help me pick an amp for under $5,000


So I finally have the scratch for an amp and I'm looking for some help. My system consists of a Sony SCD-1, Music Hall MMF-7 (new table in the works), Aesthetix Janus Preamp, and Totem Forests. I posted a thread a couple of days ago but only got one taker (I think I posted it too late at night, or it was too specific).

When I initially heard the aesthetix it was with a Bat VK-250SE and JM LAB 926BEs. I loved the BAT's sound (although find the look of it to be questionable, but I could get over that) but I'm wondering what else I should be looking at in this price range (slightly over is okay too) that would mate well with what I have, and with any possible speaker upgrades, since the Totem's aren't the last word for me (new listening room is 17x20 with high ceilings, so I worry about them dissapearing).

I'd like to stay with SS, and realistically think 150wpc into 8 ohms and above, just to cover myself incase my next speakers are power hungry. So what else would mate well? Parasound JC-1s have been mentioned, but can't get a ton of input on the match with the rest of the gear. Pass X250.5? Something from Simaudio? I feel a bit at a loss since I've not been able to hear the aesthetix with my speakers or other amps, so help is much needed.

FWIW I listen to everything, but concentrate on Jazz, folk/acoustic, Indie rock, soul. and classic rock, with some avante-garde classical thrown in.

Thanks a ton!
mimberman
Rowland Model 10. It replaced a Levinson 331 and Pass Labs X250. I recently posted a question asking whether anyone had upgraded from the 10 and, if so, to what. The question was more out of curiosity than anything else since frankly, I don't see where this amp can be bettered. Apparently, no one who has responded has followed this specific upgrade path. The going price for the 10 is $3200-3500 and worth every penny. So far it has held its value for as long as I've owned it.
So here's a long list of replies.

Ejlif: I'm very interested in the JC-1s, but can't find a store in NYC that sells them, nor one that would let me demo them in my system. I know you can order through AudioAdvisor and then return, but I want to demo any amp I'd be buying in my system, and the idea of demoing these with 0 hours on them is problematic. The guy I got my Janus from warned me about the Aesthetix/Ayre problem, which is great because I had been thinking of going with Ayre. Can anyone explain the problem to me in detail?

McIntosh Fans: I've never been that keen on Mcs, but haven't heard the 402. Since it got so many endorsements, I'll bring it home for a whirl.

Woodburger: I can't seem to get to the Nuforce website. Seems they let their domain name expire? Doesn't bode well for other areas of the business

Rello: I'm definitely staying with balanced connections (alas, no Edge amps for me) but I'm wondering how having my sony SCD-1 run into the janus will work, as it's not truly balanced. I know there are mods, but I'm thinking of adding a DAC first, so that may be one way to go all balanced.

Jfrech: Yeah, the black is much nicer (still can't figuer out why bat doesn't do any all silver) but the aesthetix and sony are silver, and I'm a little OCD about the matching bit. Jesus...now I sound like my ex g/f. I haven't listed any tube amps because the aesthetix is my first foray into tubes in my system. I'm thinking that since I'm doing all demoing at home, that I might just slide in the VK-75SE to see how it goes. I know i takea beating buying new, but I also get to listen to things in my system first with no outlay on my part.

Pardales: I saw one guy on AA who uses the 250.5 with his forests for a succesful combo. I'm interested in the amp, and love the look, but can't seem to find a pass dealer in NYC. Anyone know who carries them?

Digsmithd: I'll def. be trying out a Sim

Bigjoe: Thanks for the detailed info. I went to the Mc website but all I saw was the mc501, the monoblock version. is the mc500 discontinued? What does it run for?

Stew: Can't seem to locate a rowland rep in NYC that actually carries a full line, otherwise I'd throw them in too.

Thanks a ton evereyone, and keep the advice coming!
I have a pair of Nuforce 9's with the extended bass on order. I have heard and read too many good things on these amps to not try them. Keep researching!
mimberman,the mc500 is discontinued & nothing like the mc501, it's a better amp to my ear's & far above the newer mc402,the mc402 is a great amp but i thought the mc500 was so much better.

a reasonable price for a mint mc500 with shipping boxes is from $3,500 to $4,000,if you wish detailed tech info let me know & i will send you a few link's with detailed spec's.

mike.
If I am not mistaken, Stereo Exchange on Broadway downtown is a Rowland dealer.