What is missing here?

I think the OP isn’t a seasoned audiophile for a couple of reasons:
* if you see an amp that is 9 watts or something on the low watts side, you know this amp will need high efficient speakers in the 100db range. Nobody drives an amp at its maximum volume, so you really have much lower watts than 9 to play with.
* usually the specs section indicates if the watts are class A or A/AB. This in itself is very important. I have read many of this reviewers reviews and he usually states what class watts it provides. * you either match your amp to your existing speakers or you match your speakers to your amps specs. If you have 87db speakers, which aren’t that efficient, I would look at amps in the range of 200 watts or more. If I already had a 9 watt set amp, I would buy 100db efficient speakers. System synergy!
* you need to also look at specs from a reputable reviewer or manufacturer especially if you are looking for efficient speakers. For example, if you read in the latest stereophile recommended components section, they found out that the tekton speaker was rated in the middle 90’s efficiency from the manufacturer whereas the stereophile review tested them at mid-high 80’s efficiency, this is a huge difference. This usually happens in the cheaper line of products. It wouldn’t matter much if you were going to drive them with a 200 watt amp, but if I had a smaller set amp, I’d be upset.
* $15k isn’t that expensive for a quality amp, whether it’s a class A 2 watt amp or a 300 watt class a/ab amp, there is much more to an amp than its watts

I used to always read the specs section first to see price before I decide to read the review. But I am letting both subs to TAS and Stereophile expire....just got tired of reading glorified ads written by gushing reviewers for ultra-expensive equipment, that regular music lovers are not excited about. Only the reviewers seem excited about these products. The devil is in the details, which often are not in these reviews. 

Reading forums and looking at specs is why I was very hesitant to buy Vandersteen model 2’s to pair with my Schiit Aegir. I am glad I did not listen to the opinions out there as the two together sound fantastic and will get loud enough to to shake the house. You can go by specs only but at the end of the day it is your ears that matter.

Why would you consider buying an amp like this in the first place if it puts out that amount of distortion?  There are better choices.

i have to say, this thread cracks me up

the full comic, ironic genius of this forum all on display, all at once

op - with 1800 posts, being called a non-audiophile HAHAHA he should be on a sweater sewing forum then

chuck m getting his face slaps and hand claps in HAHAHA

op reads a stereophile review (the most blatantly commercial stereo magazine out there) gets mad dick olsher doesn’t say an air tight tube amp has low power in his text review (clearly stated in the specs), complains bitterly he is wronged HAHAHA

op writes paragraphs upon paragraphs, post after post, to subsequently defend his position, restate his

LIFE IS SHORT - WE SHOULD ALL SPEND LESS TIME ARGUING WITH STRANGERS WE COULD CARE LESS ABOUT ON THE INTERNET

people, let's try to learn and share info on this site, not rant...

i am going for a swim get some cardio now, have a good day all!