Agreed...the ES-L XLR link is a leading reason to keep it all Grandioso.
Also, not saying anything against Constellation by any means; I do think the C1X and M1X would be the ideal match sonically
given what I've heard from Constellation amps in the past (that I like) and the past C1 and M1 combination. If it were me,
I'd stick with C1X and M1X together, no doubt. The only deviation from all Esoteric in the stack that is being contemplated
is the Lampi Pacific DAC which is an amazing piece.
Also, if the mono amps are out of reach. We can assume, perhaps later this year or next , that the stereo version will arrive to replace the Grandioso S1.
I bet it will be called S1X