Merrill Audio Element 118

Im betting the near future will introduce several highly competitive GaN amps at far more realistic prices.

I have a RicSchultz EVS 1200 based on dual 1200AS2 modules + a lot of tweaks, which sells for ~ $2400. PS Audio just introduced their mono 1200AS2s with tube buffer (why?) for $6 grand the pair

I suspect in the very near future the competitive market for GaN will be heating up at much more realistic prices.

And FYI, just because an amp is based on GaN tech doesn’t mean the designer gets it right. apparently, the Merrill’s lean toward a warm tube sound, which is NOT my kind of sound

Stay tuned

I have not heard warm tube sound in regards to a general sonic profile. I have heard accurate and producing too much detail. We can try to ascertain until we are blue in the face. Until one listens in their system it's all nothing but subjective talk.
I'm going to do a demo in June. I will be more than happy to share my listening experience. 

I also agree with you, a warm tube sound is not for me either.