"The new 18's are in a whole new league than the other models... "
Hello Worldcat, I presume that by "other models" you mean other models of NuForce..or all other models of class D amplfifiers or other models availabele in the world, of all classes?
I am personally very glad that NuForce and Bel Canto finally realize in their latest model about the importance of increased stored energy in power supply capacitor's bank.
However, since about 2007,Spectron Musician III started to use 100 capacitors in their power supplies as well as provide optional oil and teflon capacitor board there. Their amp with this board cost $3,995 - about half or two/third then Ref 18 and Bel canto Ref 1000 Mk2 and what they doing today surely these companies will repeat in 2014 or whenever.
I prefer to stuck with Spectron - mostly for sonic reasons but innovation also plays role too. Don;t forget that their Chief, John Ulrick introduced first in the world high-fidelity audio amplifier at CES 1974
Cheers