Hello @jfrmusic to me the Benchmark amps were on the dry and sterile side compared to the organic and lifelike qualities of Audionet. The Audionet are extremely resolving, but not fatiguing or overetched. Very full spectrum natural sound with what I call 'sparkle'. Nothing boosted just all there. In my family room I have the MM Makua preamp w onboard Tambaqui. I used to have the beautifully matching MM class D Kaluga amps. They sounded great; until I carried up my Audionet Max amps to try and they have never left. I sold the Kalugas and bought new Heisenbergs for my basement system. My friend brought over his ABH4's to compare with my Max amps. He was determined to find what it was in my system that sounded so good. It did not take long to appreciate the difference between the Max amps and the Benchmarks. I think the Max are the sweet spot in the Audionet line up. I have only ever heard good things about Coda, but I have not had the pleasure of their company, nor Ayre. Ask more or come listen! Ken