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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
mr_bill
346 posts
 
@auxinput - have you heard any of the other Bryston cubed amps or just the 7b3?

Thanks for your write ups. They are very good. 
mcgal
199 posts
 
I own an Esoteric K-01x and loved the sound paired with McIntosh 601 monos but when I switched to McIntosh 2301 tube monos the K-01x sounds much better - as in no digital edge. I wish I had used a tube amp sooner.
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
@mr_bill - no, I have not heard any other Bryston cubed amps.   Only the 7b3 that I just bought.
timlub
2,039 posts
 
If these Mono Blocks were mentioned, I haven't seen them.  My choice in Solid State would be: 
SST Ampzilla 2000 Second Edition.  
https//www.sst.audio/new-products/ampzilla-2000-second-edition-single 

there are a couple of reviews at the bottom of the page of the link provided. 

eohtar's avatar
eohtar OP
16 posts
 
@auxinpput

Thank you for the detailed look (and listen) at the Brystons - you're comments really have been a great help so far.

It's obviously not apples to apples but it's still quite helpful to hear how they sound in your system with the Krell S1200 and the B&W 805s in relation to the Parasound JC1.

I'm also quite happy for you that you seemed to have found the right tweaks in the form of fuses for those amps in your system.

From your comments on the 7BSST3s it sounds like they fit my list of attributes - at least in theory. But at in any case, there are definitely ways to 'warm it up' a bit if need be.

I will say that the Bryston is just about the highest resolution and highest resolving amp I have heard. That being said, it will not add anything (which could be bad if you need something added into the signal).

That last part of your write up sounds like it's just what I am looking for. Albeit unheard at this stage.Since I have to start somewhere, I might as well go with this one :)

Thank you again for taking the time to add your thoughts on the Bryston 7BSST3.
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