I've listened to nearly all of the amps discussed in this post over the past few years, and they reflect very different musical and sonic priorities to be sure. One thing I can say with certainty is that they sound very different in different contexts, and that it can be very difficult to predict how they will sound in the only one that counts, yours. The upshot is that it is essential for you to listen to the amp in the context of your system. Any dealer worthy of the name would loan you an amp for a weekend audition, which should clear things up rather quickly.
However, I do have my personal favorites in this group, and they sound very different in my system (which is primarily phono based, with a tube pre, and Wilson WP7 speakers). The Berning ZH270 is marvelously neutral with vocal naturalness a distinct plus. The Cary 805Cs render instrumental textures with great palpability. The Jadis Defy 7, which I didn't see mentioned, had beautifully delicate harmonic detail, especially with violins and high percussion. My favorite, however, was the Music Reference RM-200. I have struggled in the past to come up with a purely sonic explanation, but I think it has something to do with its visceral impact with basses, tymps and bass drums, and its fantastic clarity with vocals, guitars, brass and woodwinds. It's also, somehow, quieter than the others, which helps it be less obtrusive. The bottom line for me is that I connect with the music more effortlessly, and more intensely with this amp. Your bottom line should be to find the amp that does the same for you.
However, I do have my personal favorites in this group, and they sound very different in my system (which is primarily phono based, with a tube pre, and Wilson WP7 speakers). The Berning ZH270 is marvelously neutral with vocal naturalness a distinct plus. The Cary 805Cs render instrumental textures with great palpability. The Jadis Defy 7, which I didn't see mentioned, had beautifully delicate harmonic detail, especially with violins and high percussion. My favorite, however, was the Music Reference RM-200. I have struggled in the past to come up with a purely sonic explanation, but I think it has something to do with its visceral impact with basses, tymps and bass drums, and its fantastic clarity with vocals, guitars, brass and woodwinds. It's also, somehow, quieter than the others, which helps it be less obtrusive. The bottom line for me is that I connect with the music more effortlessly, and more intensely with this amp. Your bottom line should be to find the amp that does the same for you.