cost no object integrated amps

+1 on infection. I have the DarTZeel LHC-208, little brother (@ $18K) to the CTH-8550, and best I can describe is “organic”, meaning instruments (Woodwinds, strings, and human) sound like they are right in front of me. I understand that the LHC-208 is more for digital, and the CTH-8550 (which I have not personally auditioned- I’m afraid to) is more for analog. The LHC-208 is rated by DarTZeel at 180w for 8 ohm; where’s they rate the CTH-8550 at 220w for 8 ohm. I’m driving PMC Fact 12 floorstanders, 8 ohm speakers with 84dB sensitivity with no problem. If you’re auditioning ether of these, just put on the Jennifer Warnes CD, The Well, and prepare to be amazed!

If you could, listen to the Krell K-300i. I have heard this amp using three different sets of speakers. Was fortunate enough for a blind listening test. Krell still has the magic with the people that are there today that were  also their back in the day. Not seeing the amps and listening through the same set of speakers (Wilson Audio Yvette) It will hold its own and then some with cost no object.
Other speakers : Dynaudio Contour 20 and B&W 805 N

Full Disclosure I'm a Emm Labs dealer. Mtrx/2 are unreal!

Ok, 1. they're mono blocks & 2. they're $85k.

if i had your budget i’d look very hard at the Dag. if you stay with it you should be able to find a used one but they are rare. it will make the tubes vs ss argument superfluous. don’t know about remote control of balance. the new progression integrated, which is awesome, does have it..ymmv

Surprised the Nagra integrated hasn't been mentioned..