One Amp To ‘Rule’ Them All....

brettmcee:
"That amp does not need to be perfect, but it needs to be competent, consistent, reasonably affordable and something we all can/could/will have a chance to hear."

     Okay, that clarifies your question for me.

     I would say that mikesfinest23's suggestion of a Hypex NCore based class D amp is a suggestion that meets all of your criteria you mentioned above.  
    These are actually a range of amps that are the best method I'm aware of for 'the masses to gain entry into audiophileland'.   These amps have measurable performance levels that objectively equal or surpass some of the finest and most expensive solid state amps both currently and ever made. As mikesfinest23 stated: "Superior measurable characteristics in terms of distortion, damping factor, efficiency, etc. while powering difficult loads down to 2ohms. Not to mention far more affordable that many suggested here..."


     Here's a good link to learn more about Hypex NCore:

https://www.6moons.com/industryfeatures/ncore/1.html

     Years ago, The Absolute Sound audio magazine defined the ideal amp as "a straight wire with gain".  This meant an amp that would take an inputted signal, amplify it faithfully without adding or subtracting anything and output this accurate signal to the speaker.  This is exactly what Hypex NCore, and several competing class D power modules, are very good at.
    The above leads to amps which have a sound quality best described as neutral.

Tim      

I am a major McIntosh fan.  While opinions differ McIntosh goes a long way back providing quality equipment.   The Greatful Dead used their equipment back in the early 70s for their “Wall of Sound”.

The produce solid equipment that holds value better than virtually all audio.  My MC501 mono blocks bought used in 2008 can be sold today for what I paid back then.  

They also make fabulous tube tube equipment as well.  Not everyone is a fan, but those who are make a strong market for much of their equipment, especially amps and preamps.

Management research has found that the best variable in estimating the probability that a firm will be in business a year from now is how long have they been in business.  For McIntosh that number is 71 years.

Just one guy’s view on Amps to rule them all.  We all have different needs, but for me, McIntosh rules them all.

I haven’t listened to a McIntosh yet in my setup. I have been very curious to hear what so many rave about.

What is a good place to start with McIntosh amps, something that can handle 1ohm loads. Right now I have Kappa 7 and 8’s and Yamaha NS-10’s available. At the moment whatever amp comes into my system needs to handle low ohms just to be safe.  I have Kappa 9’s but those things are rediculous. 

Only one answer for all these scenarios, and I’m shocked everyone is avoiding the obvious:

A pair of Psychron Master Legend Retro ES20 monoblocks

Hybrid design, switchibable, dual everything...

Not a fan  of Mcintosh amps and their autoformers, I have heard too many amps that are better.  The best amps I have ever heard on the most impressive systems are Burmester, 911 or 959's.  Recently I heard a system priced >$1M, it consisted of Wilson WAMM's and matching subs, 4 Burmester 559s sourced by a Linn Kimax.  It was absolutely magical!