Here's where I'm at currently: I'm leaning toward class A, despite my worries about power consumption and heat. This is based on the hypothesis regarding transients and dynamics, but also other reasons, related to the distortion characteristics and the sound signature, often associated with most class A amplifiers.
Looking at the options discussed, the Pass Labs INT-25 is on the top of the list at the moment. I'm trying to be open to higher budgets given the options discussed, but even ex demo or used units remain perhaps too pricey. But the smooth, warm, liquid sound that many reviewers note could be exactly what should work for me. I would likely be underpowering my current speakers, but in a way, that might be a good thing.
In the case of Luxman, I think I would need to go to the 590 (similarly priced to the Pass), or perhaps 550. But even if it's considered smooth, it is a very different sound compared to the Pass Labs, a more neutral and balanced presentation, less forgiving of bad recordings, so I'm not sure if that's for me.
Reading about Sudgen and seeing reviews comparing it to Pass Labs, there seems to be more energy in the highs and there isn't the same smoothness and warmth. I wasn't convinced that was the one for me. There is also no standby mode, which I would ideally like to have.
Not sure about class A/AB amps, such as Parasound, given their high power ratings and reviews being less clear about the smoothness (the best proxy I have found for the sound I'm looking for).
Accuphase could be an option, both class A and AB, but they are expensive and their availability is limited, both new and used.
I would like to stick to integrated amps, just because of the need for an easy to use, that's the reason I feel the need to move from my current tube amp. However, I was wondering whether there are class A separates where the power amp can be turned on and off (or toggle the standby mode) from the preamp? I've seen mentions of this communication being possible, but haven't seen a pairing that does this. Space is not really the issue here. As mentioned before, First Watt amplifiers would be high on my list, but they don't fill the ease of use criteria.
The ideal would still be to find a class AB amp, but I haven't really found a way to judge which models could work for me. Higher end amps are usually very powerful and I worry that it translates to an overly microdynamic sound. Most reviews don't seem to find the options discussed (listed in a previous post) that easy on the ears, for example Stereophile says about the Croft:
the Croft didn't spare me the bad news of the peaky top ends that made cymbals sizzle overmuch, over-emphasized vocal sibilants, and suchlike.
Thanks in advance for any comments on these current conclusions I've drawn, as well as possible suggestions for alternatives to the Pass Labs, be it class A integrated or communicating separates, or class AB options that you think would fit with what I'm looking for.
