Thanks so much guys for the honest opinions, I really appreciate the insight that I'd have nowhere else to get this from.
For the speakers- don't tempt me pops, my house is already beginning to swell with audio gear as it is! Great distinctions there.
Regarding the amps, appreciate the info on the KAV, it sounded quite good to me and never got warm, but I see what you mean now about it being geared towards the AV crowd, I still think it is a useful piece to hang on to for the time being. But if the sound difference was due in part to the amps, I can see how the ML gets the nod.
Oh and Jafant, audio journey is a great description, such a good rabbit hole! Thanks all.