Mono block Sonic difference $5k vs $25k

What amps has the OP owned? What does he have in present use? What speakers?

A $5K amp vs. a $25K amp? That's the equivalent of a $5K watch vs. a $25K watch - just a greater level of bling! Too bad you can't wear it like a watch on your wrist to impress!

The problem with uber expensive amps is they often have something to prove. They try too hard to be stand outs and therefore have a heavy signature on the sound.

Instead of looking for differences based on price, I suggest you listen to a few distinctly different amps:

• McIntosh
• Ayre
• Luxman
• Pass
• Parasound
• D'Agostino
• Vandersteen

Two or three of those sound very very good and close to each other, and the rest are going to give you a remarkably different presentation.  Is the most expensive the best sounding? I have no idea, but there's a couple of really pricey brands on there I wouldn't have in my house, even if off for fear they'd corrupt my listening experience.  😂

The amps I am using are the Mcintosh mc611 600 W mono blocks.

When listening to music there are peaks and valleys and dynamics, I have always used the Rocky Mountains versus Appalachian mountains when comparing Sonic detail. A more powerful amplifier I believe tends to ascend to the peaks more effortlessly to better represent the accuracy of a Real performance.

The tonality of an amplifier is of interest and maybe higher quality amplifiers achieve this in a more impressive way; also the handling more complicated material such as Home theater stuff and classical music.

I have Sugden MPA - 4 Class A mono blocks, Around $15K for the pair they are my end game amps.