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

I’m surprised to be the first to mention the Van Alstine (AVA) M225 Monos - the pair can be had for under $4k and are amazing. 225W@8 ohm, superb bass control, great delicacy, nice tonal color. Great depth of presentation. These little dynamos got great reviews when they came out and have been a staple in one of my systems (driving a pair of Dynaudio Heritage Specials, 4ohm). If more power is needed, there is a bigger option (M7700), but that would be a very large room with inefficient speakers. I would make these the first stop for anyone. The only caveat is that they are internally bridged, so very low impedance speakers could be a problem. For anything else, they compete with the best of the best.

Budget would be an Outlaw 2160 MK II Receiver.

A Musical Fidelity A1 or any of the M series.

Low budget would be an Outlaw 2160 MKII Receiver.

Musical Fidelity A1 or any of the M Series Integrated amps.

First Watt SIT 4.  Despite being no substitution for a first hand experience, read 6moons review or Stereophile (Herb Reichert).  A brilliant amplifier unless you require fancy casework.

I am really impressed with the Michi 8 build and sound quality. Way underpriced IMHO.

ozzy