High-end amplifier clarification?

It might be easier for you to list the amps you may be considering;then I think you will see responses from people.I would not concentrate on what is high end but more on what mates the best with the speakers you are considering driving.
My shot at answering your question would be;High end solid state; Pass,Roland,gryphon,Plinius,MBL,Spectron,Levision.
Tubes- Atmasphere,VAC,VTL,Manley,Joule Electra,EAR,Cary,Audio Research
These are the amps I consider class A high end there are more I am sure.

If it makes me sit up and take notice, repeatedly, then it sounds like 'high end' to me.
If I find myself stuck to my couch while never intending to do so, then it sounds like 'high end' to me.
If I end up forgetting about the equipment, then its 'high end' enough for me.

Weiserb,
I kind of like your attitude. Too bad it is uncommon. You see dozens of posts like::
'Help me spend 10,000$ on an amp'.
No mention of anything else. Just a $ amount.

Adcom and early Parasound amps I don't consider high end. A high-end amp will provide a spacious soundstage, float the airiest highs, deliver a full but sparkling midrange, and has excellent dynamics/bass without sounding boomy. It should do all this and still sound musically involving & refined. Given that & without an equally high-end preamp you will fall short of your goals.

Figuring out what makes any product a 'high end audio' product has long been a vexxing subject. In thinking about this over the last 20 years, the best answer I have ever been able to come up with is 'intention'. So in this regard I think I agree with Phaelon the most, although most everyone here has made points that I consider valid.

But even with the idea of intention, products occasionally appear in the mainstream that are so good they qualify despite their humble origins. Radio Shack has produced a few of these, for example their Linaeum speakers from about 10-15 years ago. They were inexpensive but got good reviews. But for the most part, the intention of the designer will be the primary aspect we are looking for.