2. amps-preamps
  3. 137921-78158

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
eohtar's avatar
eohtar OP
15 posts
 
@elizabeth those are some good suggestions - thank you. Especially the high gain idea is something I didn't even think of. And also the easiest to test :)

The duplex the Brystons are hooked up to is the Furutech FP-15A-N1 (R) while the power cords are GutWire G Clef 2. The ICs are Nordost Blue Heaven XLR.
So yes, there is some potential for upgrades but I don't really want to spend more on cables (also keeping in mind the state of the Canadian dollar) than what the amps are worth at this stage.
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
Consider if you do go for better cabling. You are talking about buying a $20,000 pair of amps.. If you did got big on cables, Think of it as being ready for that amp upgrade down the road.
If you have your amps set to low gain, get ready for a shock when you set them to high. It REALLY sound better ... Sure you lose a little volume knob. but WHO CARES!!                                
PS:how long are your preamp to amp cables?
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
4,382 posts
 
Maybe these: http://6moons.com/audioreviews2/kinki4/1.html ?

My Kinki EX-M1 integrated sounds a lot like what you're after: detail and resolution. The designer of the amp studied extensively Swiss design and brings it to you at a very reasonable price. 

I'd take your time and research it. 😄

All the best,
Nonoise
jbrrp1
215 posts
 
I see two others have recommended checking out the PS Audio 300 mono's, and I'd agree that they are very much sonic contenders and worth anyone's hearing, but do be aware that they generate a decent amount of heat.  My room gets hotter from that pair than it did with a VAC Phi 200 (and sounds better in my system, room, to my tastes, etc.).  Also, they do use triode tubes on input, but that is a pretty easy tube usage to manage, nothing like power tubes.  I would not hesitate on that account (but I come from the tube end of the spectrum, typically).
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
One thing I forgot about the Bryston squared... If you are turning them off each time.. I know mine takes many hours to sound it 's best. and really is not 'wonderful' for at least 6 hours, and is still better after a whole day. So if you are turning off your Bryston 7B-SST²s each time and turning them on the play music. IMO you may be better off with some other brand which does not have such a long time to be at it's best. I play music all day every day, so leaving my amp one 24/7 is not big deal.
More to discover