I have to say I love technology debates because they have been ranging forever. I have a Technics SU-R1000 that replaced a McIntosh Integrated (MA-6300). TAS also loved this integrated, but it was Stereophile's review wherein they compared it to the Technics SU-G700 which is the lower cost version in order to discuss the differentials as well as to S-Phile's review and Artkinson's extensive testing reveal an amazing array of new technology. The LAPC and JENO circuits are real tech. I think it took a company the size of Matshusita Electric (Panasonic) to produce a $10,000 digital (not D per se) integrated that is phenomenal against most A/B comers. It also weighs 54 pounds, built with superb capacitors, unlike lighter (see Marantz, NAD, et al) Class D amps that feel lighter and tinny and ones that did not advance the new tech properly.
I am not here to advocate any singular position--but there are always revolutionary changes in HiFi that shake industry standards every generation or so. Tubes gave way to stable solid state Class A and then Class A/B amplifiers. Tubes are making a rebound as millenials and genzers flex their economic muscle in seeking retro tech like fine turntables and tube amps (I recently purchased a McIntosh MA252 hybrid and put in Golden Lion Russian tubes--sweet for a 2nd office system). Tubes are warm, but not as reliable as well-built solid state--technology moves forward regardless of nostalgia.
The reason why I think more manufacturers will be using their resources in developing Digital and even lower cost Class D amps is in part due to the energy efficiency. With traditional energy sources so expensive, a class A amp that needs 600 watts to produce a 150 watts per channel at 8 ohms is the equivalent of a 1970's gas guzzling V8. Digital amps are the rough equivalent of a Tesla that can go 0-60 in 4 seconds with efficient battery power. Sorry gang, market forces drive changes.
Is this new Borrenson designed Digital amp the epitome' or state of the art? Well, at $30,000 + it should be. The tell-tale will be at the sub-10,000 range. Oh wait, Technics is already there.