How would you rate these 2 Channel amps


Hi,
In which order would you rate the following amps from the era of pure HiFi before Home Theatre's advent,
Krell, Accuphase, Mark Levison, McIntosh,Counterpoint, Luxman,Hafler, you can add any in the top ten that I may have missed, also please give your opionions on thier preamps.
I am basically talking about solid state stereo amplifiers not Tube amps.
Thank you,
SF6966, Pakistan
sf6966
I agree on the Levinsons (golden era). Today's McIntosh amps are pretty darn nice. I was fairly blown away by a pair of MC501's last weekend at the dealer.
I fear there are real limits to the extent general answers to this very general question will be helpful. You simply have to listen to products from the different brands to know if they are going to please you in your system. For instance, several people have recommended Krell and Levinson, whereas I personally have never been very impressed with either company's products, and most especially not from a price/performance perspective. I emphasize that this is a reflection of my own taste. While I have found a considerable number people who share my views about these brands, the larger point is that someone could probably say exactly the same thing about the products of just about any respected Hi Fi company. You simply have no way of knowing what you will like before hearing it.
Only slight familiarity with one of these (Krell). There are too many other top end companies not listed hear. Newmanoc already said it best. You have got to seek out brands and try to audition if possible, preferably in your setup. This is the only way you'll know which "house" sound will make you happy. It's believe it's seldom easy to accomplish.
My situation is somewhat different from you guys, being in this corner of the world you do not have the luxury of being able to audition everything you want to, we are restricted by only what we come across. I presently have Accuphase power and preamp, Yamaha B-5 power and preamp, I have Denon power which I use with JBL XPL 200 and Yamaha NS 1000 speakers I have many other pieces of equipment.
I have just bought a Krell power and pre amp, a Luxman M-02 power , a Hafler 110 preamp and Vandersteen speakers from the US which will be shipped later this year, I am not in the same league as you guys, I cannot afford nor do I know much about the botique brands, I will stick to the mass producers, your help in suggesting some good makes and models will be very helpful as I still have time to make a few more purchases.