high-end vs. ultra high-end amplifiers

About two years ago I managed to compare about a dozen amps in the $10k to $30K (new). They all sounded good. They all sounded different, some very different.

Fortunately, my wife, who is as golden an ear as I've met and very picky about the sonic signatures of our equipment, and I preferred the same amp. Some of our friends preferred other amps. That's life in high end audio.

Dazzdax = A very interesting and controversial post. Can you elaborate and edify us what comparisons you did with what gear? How did you come to your conclusions? In what specific areas did you feel certain amps bettered others? Were you listening in similar rooms/speakers/systems or different rooms and systems at different times?

May I approach this from another angle -- it is no secret that the price of a piece of equipment can be perceived by us in the hobby as directly related to performance (and maybe status). Could it be that some of these expensive pieces are designed above and beyond sonics, i.e., appearance, fit, finish and feel that can drive up these ancillary costs considerably? Not to mention the nameplate factor proudly displayed for all to see. Porsche does now, after all, offer a tiptronic (automatic) transmission. When I purchased my (then) SOTA Levinson 20.6's, I will admit that the black faceplate with the white lettering was more of a factor than I'd like to admit. But I still have yet to hear a finer sounding SS amp in my system and room.

So it does not come as a surprise that small outfits (George Wright comes to mind) can provide a superb product at significantly lower prices which can make us look at our priorities a little differently.

I think some amps appeal to your own ears and others don't. But I also read a review recently of the Aleph 30 amplifier in which they noted that some designers design for specs while others design for music (musicality?). This could be the case.

I am just taking a stab at this, but I think Boulder et al. targets a different (sub)market than the big boys, which affects their respective product goals. Similar to what has already been said, the big boys cater more to the casual enthusiast, etc. while the smaller outfits are more prestigious for and respected by people further in to the hobby.