But don't be silly! There is no way I "take home say three of the world's best class A/B amps, B amps, and Pure Class A amps regardless of price". If you have some suggestions for affordable gear I can try, I'll listen, (but no tubes at this point in time).
BTW the Forte 5 will be going soon. It just doesn't sound right in general -- hard to put my finger on why. The Class D Audio SDS' shortcoming is clear but it's limited to the top high frequencies. Otherwise the CDA is a better amp so it stays for a while.
In that regard people tell me I ought to hate the CDA amp, well I know its problem but I also know its strengths (including value for money). I'll listen to people's ideas but I don't give a damn about their judgement of my preferences.
I love the music of ...
... Gustav Mahler