FWIW - The AS3000 is one of the few components I've bought where I did not read reviews or actively seek advice on forums, I just had this innate gut feeling that it would be a superb amp and was therefore happy to buy blind in this instance. I also got a good deal on mine, which you could argue reduced the magnitude of the 'punt' I was taking. You could also argue it wasn't a complete leap of faith, as I'd been using Yamaha amplification for many years before that and was never disappointed in any of the Yamaha gear I owned. If cost is a significant factor, my recommendation would be simply to buy a new or used A-S3000 as IMO they represent the best VFM for a TOTL offering. If buying used, you can always sell it on if you don't like it without being out of pocket. I'm still happy with mine 5 years on, and have no desire to upgrade. Then again, I haven't auditioned anything else, so who knows what I'm missing out on?! Ignorance is bliss, as they say. If you're the kind of person who can be happy with their lot then I think you'll find peace with whatever Yamaha, Luxman, or Accuphase has been mentioned in this thread as I'm sure they're all great sounding amps.