1. I also highly recommend Robert Harley's "Complete Guide to High End Audio". A consummate guide.
2. I have not heard many of the fine SS amps alluded to, but I can isolate the impact of the new amp in the system as I replaced my excellent Accuphase E550 with the Dagnostino Momentum driving Sonus Faber Amati Homage Anniversiers, and the difference was dramatic. A super clean fine-grained signal, what my wife describes as "pure", That may be something you want to audition if you have speakers requiring current.
