What makes you build a system around an amplifier?

Lots of interesting perspectives here, but would really love to know what it was about a particular amplifier that seduced you. Imaging? Relaxed presentation? Bass juiciness? Best presentation of Nina Simone you ever heard? 

What amps and what unique qualities of these amps has made you forsake all others?

Best,

E

Lots of interesting perspectives here, but would really love to know what it was about a particular amplifier that seduced you.

Dealer recommendation. At the time I was in a market for an amp, I didn't have the good fortune of knowing much about this site, let alone using it. The reality is there are hundreds of great brands at all different price points. I needed to start somewhere and what better place than the closets "high end" audio store? While the particular dealer I used carrier many brands, only three were on display for auditioning purposes. A McIntosh MA5200, Krell Vanguard, and Musical Fidelity M6si. I listened to them all and felt (and still feel) the MF blew the other away. Upon understanding it was half (or thereabouts) the MSRP of the others, it was a no-brainer. What specifically did/do I like about it? Succinctly, its neutral sounding muscular signature. Might there be something "better" at its price point? Perhaps, but it is likely I will never know. 

Hi gdhal,
You heard distinct differences amongst the 3 amplifiers you auditioned. That’s been my experience as well and so it seems with some other contributors to this thread. Some people seem to feel that if an amplifier measures well and has presumed sufficient power then there isn’t much difference that they offer.

To each their own and just confirms that people do hear and interpret in various ways. I happened to find amplifiers are uniquely individual as are speakers or really any audio product. DACS, cartridges, preamplifiers all have a sonic trait or character.

In reality we strive to blend and match all the links and components of our systems to achieve that coveted synergy. Numerous ways to get there. As has been stated by a number of posters on this thread, the amplifier for some of us is the system’s soul. For others this isn’t the case. Divergence of opinions are understood 😊.
Charles

Obviously the reason would be one cares more about the amplifier than the speakers for whatever reason. A totally subjective decision.

In the end the best system is the one you like best for whatever reason.

I did it once.  The Cary 300B pure class A SET amp was the reason, as with others here.  Bought when Denis Had was still running things.  Paired with ProAc Response 2.5s.  Dennis H was reliably reported to voice his amps with ProAcs back then.  The Cary came before the speakers.