My XLS 1500 is burning in and is less fatiguing now, the compression is certainly there but either it's less compressed or I'm getting used to it. I have a track that I can use to test it, there was one instrument in particular that was a lot louder then with my SET amp. I got to try my SET vs an Air Tight Pre and fi 2a3 monoblocks and my SET was it's equal so it's a good benchmark.
Tom, I doubt you will regret your purchase, this amp is sounding much better than yesterday, it'll be like the TBI with 10x the power and cheaper too. Better than your JOB? I doubt it, but it's a good amp...
I have a Odyssey Stratos on the way, should be an interesting comparison there too.