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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

Showing 2 responses by georgehifi

georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
eohtar OP
  Others that sound (no pun intended) interesting but will be a lot harder
to get a hold of in Canada:
Parasound Halo JC1 - around 6K USD

Good choice the JC1's if you get a pair, in high bias mode they sounded really good on Wilson Alexia's my friend has, and as I said if too expensive the new JC5 stereo is suppose to have the same sound character but cheaper.

Cheers George 
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
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.
The new stereo Parasound Halo JC5 would have it all, it’s said to have been bought out for those who didn’t want to go to the 2 box JC1 Halo monoblocks. Still designed by one of the best John Curl up there with Nelson Pass. And won’t put too much of a hole in your pocket.

http://www.parasound.com/jc5.php

Cheers George
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