There is a lot of hype everywhere. Meaningful and reliable descriptions of the sound signature of a particular component are rare. I suggest you stop reading reviews/recommendations/websites and go listen to things. When you've found something that seems promising, bring it home and try it in your system. Audiogon members can tell you what they've tried and liked (which is worth something), but no one can tell you what will sound good in your sytem, in your room, with the recordings you like to listen to.
Part of the reason for the hype is that many amps sound remarkably similar these days (though there are exceptions), so everybody seems to feel a need to bend over backward to emphasize differences. So listen carefully.
That said, I suspect you'll get more oomph for the dollar in your price range by sticking with integrateds.
Part of the reason for the hype is that many amps sound remarkably similar these days (though there are exceptions), so everybody seems to feel a need to bend over backward to emphasize differences. So listen carefully.
That said, I suspect you'll get more oomph for the dollar in your price range by sticking with integrateds.