Fishing,
Any difference at all in when the problem occurs between old amp and new? If so, equating the two to produce exactly the same problem may be confusing the issue.
My guess at this point is it is some combination of these that is causing the problem.
1) defect in the amp that affects performance over time
2) amp is having problem with speaker load
3) patterns of human hearing as identified above.
Trying a different amp that is up to the task on paper or better as measured on the bench would address both 1 and 2.
Not much one can do about 3 except be aware when doing listening tests.