Digital amps overhyped ?

It's not "digital", just a switching power supply. ICEPower is a Class D-like circuit licensed from B&O and is maturing into the basis very good amplifier option. (Many makers greatly modify the ICEPower unit). If you like the Classe' then go for it. Others to consider are Jeff Rowland Design Group, Bel Canto, Spectron and a few others.

Generally, they provide high performance. Don't worry about the operation mode, since it's sound that you're after. Does it match well with the requirements of your speakers should really be your first consideration.

I love my Rowland Continuum 500 integrated amp, driving Vienna Acoustic Beethoven Baby Grand speakers. The Aerials are great speakers that should benefit from a powerful amp.

Dave

I have the iceh2O amp and preamp from designer Henry Ho (iceh20audio.com) and I couldn't be happier. If you're wanting a warmer sound, you can always use a tube preamp. The preamp/tubes that you choose can make a very big difference.

I said "Spectron" in my post and meant "Spectral". Sorry.

Dave

I've had the Classe 400, and replaced it with Acoustic Reality 500w ICE amps. The bass is much better, defined, controled, etc. The mids and highs are more revealing, but that actually gave my speakers a boost they needed. The cost was less than half, no heat, no weight, great move for me.

Hi Tan 43, 6 months to burn in?

If you are listening to your system, including just having it playing music in the background, say 7 hours a week, that equates to over 1500 hours needed to burn in a unit.

Please take no offense, I just find that extraordinary to take that long to burn any component/speaker straight from the factory.
Wow six months.