High-end amplifier clarification?

Leave out the 'end', just state it as 'hi fool', which is anything over $1K.

Any amp that sounds great. It includes a $ 250.00 Adcom Carver, Luxman, Tandberg or $ 10,000.00 VTL's, ARC CJ's.

High end doe not have to mean high priced.

Piece of cake, high end solid state amps share these physical characteristics:

1. rows of external heat sinks
2. tiffany style gold connectors
3. torodial tranformer(s)
4. large can, screw-top, computer grade capacitors
5. at least four power devices per channel
5. weighs 50 pounds or more.

and this electronic characteristic:

a. a four Ohm RMS power rating that is double its 8 Ohm rating

For tube amps? No clue.

It might be easier for you to list the amps you may be considering;then I think you will see responses from people.I would not concentrate on what is high end but more on what mates the best with the speakers you are considering driving.
My shot at answering your question would be;High end solid state; Pass,Roland,gryphon,Plinius,MBL,Spectron,Levision.
Tubes- Atmasphere,VAC,VTL,Manley,Joule Electra,EAR,Cary,Audio Research
These are the amps I consider class A high end there are more I am sure.

If it makes me sit up and take notice, repeatedly, then it sounds like 'high end' to me.
If I find myself stuck to my couch while never intending to do so, then it sounds like 'high end' to me.
If I end up forgetting about the equipment, then its 'high end' enough for me.