More expensive = better?

I was considering  Bel Canto e1x integrated.

It's not just about cost it's also about the sound the particular designer is trying to achieve. That may or may not jibe with your ears, a more expensive piece of gear can be objectively better but subjectively worse.

Incredible that people think they listen to an amplifier.... For sure they sound different but most of what we listen to relate to the room acoustic coupling with the speakers...

Money dont buy audio experience with upgrading gear...

Acoustic do....

I dont say that acoustic is important i say it is essential....

Yes,  but there's a catch. 

Not all $8k integrateds sound the same. There are $8k integrateds disguised to look like $8k but sound like $2k so you've got to do some picking.

Buy what you want, when the receiver clips, and u blow a tweeter, …..

  I would stay with the SMC amp!

get an upgrade, best choice u can make!

owned receivers, preamps,. stereo amps, monos, etc etc….

 What you have is stellar! Build around it!

best choice u can make!

honestly,….

you would be making a backward step or a sidestep. 
 

 You can not beat headroom, and power. 
 

 I’m done. 
I’ll watch the messages……….