Hack, when you listened to the various ICEPower amps, did you try them with improved (eg. thicker gauge) power cords or any power conditioning? In my experience with the ICEPower amps from Bel Canto and NuForce (as well as some home-made amps based on ICEPower), all were significantly improved when using thicker gauge power cords instead of the stock power cord as well as power conditioning...far more than I've experienced with other power amps.
(disclaimer: I'm a Bel Canto dealer).
(disclaimer: I'm a Bel Canto dealer).