Thanks. My recent gear changes have been entirely predicated on what kind of "sound" I want in my ear. I've just gotten started. More changes and a paring down are imminent.
I originally looked at the Parasound A 21 (just realized my typo in the previous post). It's dimensions better "matched" the SAE Mark IIIA (tall); but, the A 21 was much more power than I needed (especially given the better efficiency and sonic presentation of the JBLs over the EPIs). The A 23 has more or less the same power output as the Mark IIIA despite being "height challenged".
There is plenty of UK gear that I've drooled over but would've cost a fortune to have shipped. The Trans-Fi tonearm was the first piece of gear I simply had to have regardless of freight costs. It was well worth it. Same with the Mike New Audio bearing.
I would certainly be happy sitting on beanbags. Nevertheless, it's doubtful that would go over well with SWMBO. I'm already pushing it with having this system where it is. Waiting in the wings, I have very large chunks of our cut down 100+ year old white oak tree in the garage. They've been in there for several years now. I hope to send a chunk over, to the same gent who CNC'd my plinth, for some custom stands before the year is out.