I can’t even tell who manufactures in house vs outsource.

No reason to run a class a tube amp constantly

I have bookshelves and a sub with my desktop setup. Wouldn’t have it any other way. Separate amp for speakers and headphones too. I’m not mastering audio, trying to have fun.

Going deaf

High end audio is a boutique world, many people don’t know how to navigate it. Lots of various reviews for decades from stereophile, most will just watch YouTubers review the same Arendals. Lots of direct ship companies with trial periods, many will just get what is available on Amazon. I’m guilty of starting this way; paying the privilege to hear something in my own room didn’t seem like a good use of money for some reason initially.

My favorite uncommon (in US) brand is Acoustic Energy. Carbon fiber midrange/bass and tweeter is just cool. Not about having the best sounding, greatest value; things changed for me when I realized it was about having fun listening to stuff.

I love my A12, even more as time goes on. I only heard McIntosh amps a few times, but that was over 20 years ago. I just don’t think they have a great price / performance. Can’t beat their style tho if that is important.