What 50wpc or higher amps have a totally different sound from Pass Labs, in a good way?

I will add that I think an Ayre preamp with a Pass amp may be close to a perfect combination. Just a hunch as I've never heard it.

@erik_squires and a couple others on here have said Ayre and Luxman. I agree 100%. I just had a Pass X150.8 in my system to try. It's very, very different than the Ayre V-5xe I have. I know the Ayre isn't new by any means but I've had newer Ayre here and the sound signature is very similar. I could live with either easily but I think system matching may, and I emphasize may, be more important with the Ayre than the Pass. It seems the Pass would sound good with most anything. Maybe that's why it's so widely liked.

At the moment Ayre has no lower priced (under $10k) amps or preamps, just an integrated. The EX-8 is an all-in-one if you get every option (they’re boards that can be added or apparently upgraded in the future) for about $8k. I think that’s a bargain for what you get. They also have a $13k integrated that is latest spec. My dealer says they’re coming out with some lower priced stuff in the 8 series line, their least expensive. I have their older V-5xe and have had the K-5exmp preamp in my system and, for $2000-$2500 used I can’t imagine finding better if you like their sound. I preferred the V-5xe to the PassX150.8 in my system and to my tastes using the preamps I had/have.

Would love to hear CJ Art line, Ayre, Atmasphere. Clearly high end, unique designs.

@redwoodaudio These would be in my top 5 to try also. Atmasphere, Ayre, Pass, Luxman and CJ...all great choices and established, well-liked companies with well-built gear. I don't know about Luxman support but the other 4 are great.