Needed: Honest Advice on high-end amps- either mono or stereo

@ghdprentice that question I quoted was from another member to which I responded with lightheartedness, but I appreciate the advice about Virtual Systems (which makes this forum unique). 

The diminishing returns is a real thing and if your budget can take it then its worth it to spend more to get a minimum upgrade. The thing is inside all these amps, regardless of price above a certain level, are similar components, there are only so many people making resistors, caps, transistors etc. It boils down to circuit design and the makers secret sauce as they say. Small changes really but worth it or not is up to the individual. 

You can't really ask the question about amps alone.  If you don't have, or don't plan to add, other components in your system that match the quality level then spending big $'s doesn't make sense.  However, there is not really a question whether a well-matched high-end system has better sound quality.  Whether it's a good value is a whole other question only the individual can answer.  The cost/benefit of moving up is more exponential than linear.  Same concept as why someone would buy a Porsche rather than a Chevrolet.  Relative value is subjective not objective.   

I'm constantly looking for the balance between high end and reasonably priced, and settled on the Willsenton brand to accomplish that for MY needs.  Listened to an R8 for several years with complete satisfaction.  Stock market gains were burning a hole in my pocket so sprung for a R800i 850 model online, based on pictures and reviews alone.  Couldn't be happier, and yes...for me it was game changing moving from class A/B to class A amplification.  

My feeling is that Willsenton provides excellent sound quality without breaking the bank...

What $$$ amount are we talking about for "High End". I just bought a Luxman L-509Z and I consider it as high end as I'll ever get. I don't think I'll hear much of a difference at another price point.