@stephenwerner Statements like: "Luxman produces a very shiny sound... being treble forward", "MacIntosh produces a very heavy midrange and bass but is light on the details" and takes like "warmer", "richer", tonal balance", etc. are all personal opinion (i.e. what somebody else's ears hear ... or think they do, anyway), some of which MY ears couldn't disagree with more. Do some critical listening when you start shopping and trust YOUR ears! All I can bring to this discussion is what I've experienced in critical listening sessions and what MY (and a friend's) ears were impressed with. A friend and I spent about an hour & a half with a McIntosh MA7200 (can't remember if it was equipped with the DA1 or DA2 DAC) and a pair of SF Olympica Nova floor standers (think they were the 5s but can't remember) listening to a mix of music (i.e. rock; classical; jazz) streamed through Qobuz. Both my friend and I thought that pairing or matching was nothing short of outstanding! I've also spent oodles of critical listening time with Luxman and McIntosh amps and have always found these to be outstanding power sources when properly paired or matched with the appropriate playmates. Many trade publications indicate that McIntosh and SF are particularly well suited to one another in this regard. Perhaps this is why McIntosh acquired SF? Based solely upon reviews, specs and what I've read, I'm all but certain that amps like Accuphase, Hegel, Burmeister, Gryphon and others would be good pairings for SF Olympica Nova, as well, in the right room, right acoustics, with the right playmates, etc. The "best match" will be what YOUR ears like. I think the best advice here is what kofibaffour offers. Given what you are contemplating spending, accept nothing less than the biggest "WOW" factor. Good Luck!
