fliz, as to the exception, I checked-out the website and based on the description this does appear to be more than viable option. At least the website is informative and includes pricing info, unlike the other sites mentioned in this thread. I would welcome an opportunity to see/hear one in person, but that doesn't seem to be an option as the sales portion of the site doesn't indicate there are any dealers close to my location (Long Island, NY).
I do have one "issue" with the exception, however, that I simply cannot get past and frankly this would likely preclude my ever purchasing one. The wattage. 50wpc is simply too low. No head room what-so-ever and even with very efficient speakers (92db?) it would be conceivable to drive the unit into clipping if heavy metal or many rock songs are passed through it and the desire is to achieve anything close to concert levels. Even if the desire is to only play at modestly loud levels (98db), that would likely require (of course depending on speaker efficiency) 8 watts or thereabouts and there just isn't enough headroom with 50 being the max it could do. Also, speaking in general terms, I've read in numerous other posts that it is "better" to have an abundance of power in reserve even if never needed, as it contributes to the quality of the sound when played with significantly less than the max rated wattage.
I would have to think the designer of the exception would be better served making the same unit in a 150 (or more) wpc unit and upping the price another grand or so.
