I believe Johnk's point isn't that you have a preference for some amps that are less expensive and well known, but that if you were listening to several well-designed amps regardless of price with no clue of which was which, you wouldn't be able to tell the difference. I tend to agree.
However, I have to admit I'm still attracted to the idea that it's possible. If I can be shown any independent testing similar to the Stereo Review article posted by JohnK that shows different results (in the 'how much power do I need' thread, pg 2), I'll be ready and willing to reconsider this issue. Testing in this way, to me, seems to be the only truly objective procedure to help point me toward a conclusion in this highly subjective matter.
