How much is too much...

You should buy what sounds best to you, no one elses' opinions matter!

Hi, Banksfriend, when you suggest other peoples opinions don't matter, does that also include your opinion? Forums = other opinions. But I understand & agree with you that your suggesting Thegoldenear should go with what sounds the best to him. I am quite certain that is how it will turn out in the end anyway. Good deal!

- tube or solid state.....personal prefence here...tubes generally require more maintance.. alot has to do with matching it to your speakers...space, and power ( good point - better to have to much than too little)

-relability.. buy from a reliable mfg... chances are you might need service (higher for tube gear)and a mfg that has a good reputation for service and relabilty is REALLY important... if tubes, i would suggest to go with a really long term mfg with a great reputation ( BAT, ARC, Quicksilver) and not a start up company..

single end / dual differential inputs - important to optimize your connections and topology (for true balanced) and iec connection for power cords

impedence- should be considered to match with the pre-amp.

current capability - 100 wpc from a krell/classe/pass is going to have a differnt presenation than 100 wpc from a rotel/parasound/adcom. with that being said 100 wpc from most tube amps will even have more current than a good solid state amp (except the bass -"generally speaking")

mono block vs stereo - depending on load, design, and budget...mono blocks "generally" sound better and look really cool

there are more points - hope this helps out

Yes, my opinion does not matter... to anyone but me.

Most problems occur at the frequency extremes. Most amps do the midrange pretty good but can have shrill HF or bass can be weak or boom.