I always try to get good bang for the buck. I will listen to folks opinions, read a lot of reviews and hit the various boards; but I always trust my own ears in my listening environment. Hence, your comment has puzzled me as well.
I like fooling around with lowish-powered amps and high impedance, high efficiency speakers, which often provide excellent sonic results. For example, I recently purchased a used Almarro MK II for a little over $600. I paired this 5 watt integrated with Tekton Lore and Tekton 4.5 speakers with an older Sony DVP S9000ES and Eastern Electric DAC with Shuguang Black Treasure 12au7 tube. Sonic results are way, way above its cost. Cabling is good quality Silnote, Goetz, Cardas at various times. Speaker wire has been 8TC, PS Audio Statement, Goertz A1, and Jeff Day's White Lighting home brew. 16x14 listening room. Now, that's music, and all for less than than $3,000. Oh, must often tube swap as well. Best for me, Mullard EL84, NOS 7189, Ei EL84, Tubestore Preferred EL 84. For the 12ax7, have substituted GE 5751-WA blck plate, Sylvania 5751 3m black plate and Telefunken with great success.
I like fooling around with lowish-powered amps and high impedance, high efficiency speakers, which often provide excellent sonic results. For example, I recently purchased a used Almarro MK II for a little over $600. I paired this 5 watt integrated with Tekton Lore and Tekton 4.5 speakers with an older Sony DVP S9000ES and Eastern Electric DAC with Shuguang Black Treasure 12au7 tube. Sonic results are way, way above its cost. Cabling is good quality Silnote, Goetz, Cardas at various times. Speaker wire has been 8TC, PS Audio Statement, Goertz A1, and Jeff Day's White Lighting home brew. 16x14 listening room. Now, that's music, and all for less than than $3,000. Oh, must often tube swap as well. Best for me, Mullard EL84, NOS 7189, Ei EL84, Tubestore Preferred EL 84. For the 12ax7, have substituted GE 5751-WA blck plate, Sylvania 5751 3m black plate and Telefunken with great success.