I also own one of the last pair of Parsifal Encore's made before the transition to the Ovations. I bought them as dealer demo's in 08/05. I have since driven them with a BAT VK-600SE amp, Jeff Rowland Model 6 monoblocks, BAT VK-75SE amp modified by Bob Backert, and currently with a VAC Avatar Super integrated amp. IMHO, my Parsifal's sing best with tubed equipment.
I won't lie and say the VAC integrated amp is better than my ARC Ref 3/ Walker Signature phono stage and modified BAT VK-75SE, but it is fairly close, and for quite a bit less $$$. The Aesthetix Janus and the Atlas may be quite a pair, I have not heard the Atlas, but the Janus is a good preamp for the $$$. I would just suggest that you try a full tube amp, be it a pair of Quicksilver V4 monoblocks or an ARC Ref110 stereo amp. For my money, I would recommend a tube amp, even if it is a 'tricked out' integrated amp like my VAC Avatar loaded with Telefunken and Genelex tubes.
Happy Holidays,
John
I won't lie and say the VAC integrated amp is better than my ARC Ref 3/ Walker Signature phono stage and modified BAT VK-75SE, but it is fairly close, and for quite a bit less $$$. The Aesthetix Janus and the Atlas may be quite a pair, I have not heard the Atlas, but the Janus is a good preamp for the $$$. I would just suggest that you try a full tube amp, be it a pair of Quicksilver V4 monoblocks or an ARC Ref110 stereo amp. For my money, I would recommend a tube amp, even if it is a 'tricked out' integrated amp like my VAC Avatar loaded with Telefunken and Genelex tubes.
Happy Holidays,
John