Anybody know what happened at JOB...

If you recall, the Nuforce was going to be discontinued, thus, the huge discount from $1299. However, demand was so strong, looks like Nuforce kept having units made. I assume the STA200 is made by the same manufacturing facility as the Goldmunds (all outsourced). 

Nuforce has to be making a little money or they would not continue to sell so cheap. Since the 200 is pretty much identical (except for power), this really tells you the mark up Goldmund had. 

I currently own the STA200 and that is why I am shopping for a much higher end amp ($4000 +). There is practically nothing under $2500 new that is worth the extra cost over the Nuforce. Possibly the $2900 Benchmark ABH2. 

Abery, I am wondering why Zu does not offer biwiring / biamping options. To be able to vertically, passively biamp your speakers, using a 2nd Sta200, would be, imo awesome. I am using my pair in another system, doing this ( although, admittedly, I listen to my main system, so much more than my other systems ). I know of a few, that have modified their Zus, to have done this. BTW, the statement made by Goldmund, stating the " competition " was fierce, was driven, imo, when Nuforce lowered the price of he STA 200, down to $499. Again, Goldmund, shot themselves in the foot, licensing the circuit out. They are likely getting residuals on the licensing agreement, I suppose. The circuit boards, their layout, the toroids, are quite similar, so factory of manufacture, might, or might not be, the same. Still, at the $499 price, a really nice, musical sounding amp, doing many things right. As I have mention on other threads, this STA 200, made it easy for me, to take an amplifier collection, of over 100 specimens, to now, about 20.  Enjoy ! MrD. 

... abit off topic - but do you think the Nuforce STA 200 has enough steam to power my 88bd Gershman Avant Garde RX-20s? I have a Morrison ELAD pre I could hook in but no new DAC, I'd have to use the DAC in the 20 year old CD I use as a transport when hooked into the JOB INT (Marantz SA-8001)...you HO please.

Anyone else with opinions about what happened to JOB?

I would say yes, of course depending on your listening level preferences.  The Sta200 actually has much more gain than typical amps ( about 4-5 dB). 

85 watts is actually quite a bit. You can try one at audio advisor and then return it if it does not work out. 

As far as bi amping with Zu’s, it may be possible to have Zu install the option when ordering.