???What's The LEAST Expensive "End Game"Amplifier You've Ever Heard???

@samureyex If Benchmark ever upgraded the AHB2 I would think it would sound like the new SimAudio Moon 761 (have not heard the 861). I have owned the AHB2 many times and the 761 reminded me of a better AHB2. More power and a bit tinge of warmth and maybe as detailed as the AHB2.

These new amps are from the North Collection.

A bit surprise no one has mentioned the AGD Audion monoblocks. Owners and reviewers alike touted these amps as pretty much end-game.

I haven't heard them so I have no opinion 😝

I am very impressed with the Coincident Dynamo SE Mk.ll. I think it is now up to MK.lll status. It is a SET amp that uses EL34's instead of the usual suspects for a SET amp. If your speakers are efficient, the 8 watts seem powerful and also subtle. Lots of great musical textures and the midrange seems to have this backlit beauty that I really enjoy. It has a passive volume control, so you can use it as a integrated. It also has a nice headphone amp.  You can find these new for under $2,000, and used for around $1,000. 

although I'm a little disappointed that the majority of choices are no where near inexpensive.

@freediver - wishful thinking.

For a component to beat box store sonics, from increased costs from engineering, better parts (capacitors, resistors, custom transformers…), casework, one would expect costlier components.  Sonic bargains are very rare, no short cuts to better sonics unless new discoveries like GanFet.  

Well, for an 'end game' integrated within a ~$10K system I would choose the Pathos Model One MKIII which sells for $3K.