Amplifiers:A Keeper for Life. Do you know of one ?

Good for you Johnnyb53, newer and more expensive isn't necessarily better..:). It's all individual. Heathkit, Dynaco and Hafler all need a comeback.

Esoteric A100. Sounds wonderful. I have been using the A100 to drive from a digital source (SS Mini --> Weiss DAC 202 --> Esoteric A100 ---> Wilson Watt/pups). It is very musical. It has met and exceeded my expectation. For now, I am not looking to change.

In retrospect, I wish I had kept the (4) Onkyo M-508 amps i began my home theater with. I've had several since, none compete for me. Price tag is definitely a concern, where can a reasonable line be drawnI

Atma-Sphere MA-2. Ralph Karsten is an outstanding, designer, manufacturer and human being. His amplifier and preamplifier designs are superb, and he's constantly finding new ways to improve the results he gets. Every improvement he creates can be implemented as an upgrade to any prior model, and with an upgrade to current factory spec comes a full new warranty. There are not many manufacturers out there taking care of their owners as are Ralph and Atma-Sphere.
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For hi-efficiency speakers (over 94 DB) and after listening to 45 amps. I would like to highly recommend the Border Patrol S10EXD 300B amp. with Gary Dews as the guru behind this awesome amplifier.