@ghdprentice
"No I have not heard AM.".
I am extremely surprised as I would expect anyone interested in high quality equipment and with "50 years of experience" to be familiar with Fang from Stereo Knight, even though not a lot are sold in the US. Fang went on to form his own company called AM. US audiophiles are very insular.
Here are some comments from the British distributor, Ian Borthwick:
Pros.
1) They look incredible and the build is up there with the best
2) Even cold and not run in they are easily the best amplifies I have heard.
3) The midrange is sublime and human voice effortless and so real.
4) The bass is effortless and incredibly articulate.
5) These will obviously improve as they get played in. Awesome.
6) No noise whatsoever. No hiss, no hum, no farting noises. Fang really has excelled himself. In a different league to Stereo Knight.
7) Inky silent background due to incredible noise floor.
Cons.
1) Bloody heavy but look stunning.
Now, I am sure you could have done your own research, oh and they are much more than "$2.5K".
Another quality brand, though not in the class of AM is Opera Consonance.