@jyaki: We too listen LOUD a lot, I'm talking concert-level loud. Having tried both tube and solid state pre-amps, we now only use tube pre-amps, with solid state amplifier(s). And, FWIW, we have also resigned ourselves that the best pre/amp synergy (and true experience of "house" sound) is the pre and amp are made by the same company, and preferably both units are at the same rank in the given manufacturer's product line.
Help me understand the current amp market
I've been doing some research in regards to amplifiers in hopes of purchasing one some time in the near future. However, it's difficult to navigate all the different models and what makes them exactly special. For starters, which amplifier manufacturers are actually coming up with innovative technologies and which ones are more "assemblers" of slightly modified parts? Pilium, for example, is getting a lot of buzz, but the CEO is an ex gym owner that's an audio enthusiast and not an electrical engineer. So what makes them stand out? Also, I'm seeing companies like Solution and Jeff Rowland using switched mode power supplies. Are these truly better than the traditional toroidal transformers? I understand that you need to listen to them to truly understand each amplifier's significance. However, since it's almost impossible to listen to all of them in the same environment, I'd like to narrow my selection by which ones technological sound good first. Any help would be appreciated.