During the 10 Years of doing other things, there has been developments outside of the mainstream, but very attractive as a option in comparison to the Mainstream.
I strongly suggest a look at Neurochrome Amplifiers, they are produced on your side of the Pond, I have had demonstrations of these design in various Models and Build Guises.
They are a substantial Amp and the higher powered version will in my view not be surpassed for the money.
I heard one slotted into a £200K system, and the resident Soulution Power Amp' was not the better not the worse, they comparison offered something of each and a little difference of each designs sonic signature.
Additionally there are plenty of devices today, that are quite reputable performers and not adorned in oversized casing. The system does not need to dominate the Room anymore, a shelving or small cabinet can easily accommodate a High Quality HiFi System if certain devices are selected today.
The Room can quite easily be a multipurpose space, as the footprint that is to take the most space only need be the Speakers, if Large Boxes are the desirable designs.