Help me understand the current amp market

@josephp732 Have you thought about Accuphase E-5000 or Gryphon Diablo 333?

@soix I agree, this hobby is tough. It seems like you have to somewhat take a leap of faith and hope it sounds good in your system

@grislybutter I do have some high-end audio stores around me, but I feel a bit guilty if I take up a lot of their time and don't end up purchasing from them. So far, most of my contact with audio gear has been through visiting shows like AXPONA and other local events

@jyaki I think if you have audio stores near you that should be part of your decision making process. Being able to go in and listen will help so much with helping you decide on preferences. Don't feel bad about "wasting time". Salespeople in these stores know that part of the decision making process is listening and that its unlikely you're going to buy that day and that its likely you're looking at other products. Thats just part of the gig. 

@ghdprentice 

You need to think first about tube vs solid state… although some solid state, like the Pass XA series are very warm and tube like and visa versa Rogue.

Brands you should consider first and foremost are Pass (solid state) and Audio Research (tubed). Others, solid state: MacIntosh (tubed or solid state, heavy with midrange and bass… light on detail, look cool), Luxman (heavy on treble and bass… so detailed ( shy on midrange a consequently not musical), Krell (warm) Tubed: Conrad Johnson, VAC, Cary (really warm and musical).

Obviously there are others. Also lower tier NAD and Rotel.

I would read a lot and audition a couple key brands. They have house sounds… so in general they have the same kind of sound with gradual improvements over time… so listening to a current MacIntosh and Pass will give you a good idea of what you are in for with the brand.

Nice amp character summary, I am saving it for future reference! Possibly worthy of it’s own thread.

The Luxman L-509x is a hugely capable amp (I have a 509u now in a second system).  

I am not familiar with Wisdom Audio speakers, but having in-wall speakers could be the weakest part of your system.  

Maybe you should be looking for speakers at the same level as your Luxman amp?

Two Nad c268's bridged for 300 watts per channel is serving me quite well. I bought them for when I need more power, despite already owning both a sugden and accuphase integrated. For "lower tier" amps, they sound terrific. Class D was never really on my radar, but these amps sound warm and musical to my ears.