One of the things I've really enjoyed about this forum is how infrequently, practically never since I've been participating in it, it degenerates into ad hominem attacks or patronizing or sarcastic comments, so it's disappointing to see this discussion begin to deteriorate into squabbling. All it takes is one to say something bordering on the personally insulting to change the tenor of a conversation, and, potentially, the site generally. Even if you strongly disagree with another's comment, or feel a judgement is being passed without sufficient or credible supporting information, much more is gained by respectfully making your case than by being snide or sarcastic. One, you're much more likely to get a sensible response, possibly even a concession, and, two, it keeps the debate palatable for others on the site looking for information and not an argument. I'm not being Miss Manners here (though I could be worse), or trying to come to anyone's defense or take a position in this debate - I'm aware we're all adults and can fend for ourselves - but I do love coming here to read the varying viewpoints and decide for myself who's opinion in a given discussion I find worth attending to. The bickering is just that, bickering, not informative or entertaining. I know I sound like I'm scolding, which probably isn't much help either, but I'm just disappointed to see even a hint of the tone that's turned me off reading at least two other hifi forums, and I just hate to see it.
On a related side-note, I've got one of the Orchard Audio GaN amps that's been making the rounds coming my way in a couple of days. Right now I own a Don Sachs Valhalla integrated amp, which replaced my Classe SSP-800 pre-pro and CA-2300 amp, powering a pair of X5s. I'm really curious to see where I'll fall in this discussion.