TC, from what you describe, a "class-3 audiophile" would appear to be one totally out of touch with the realities of modern audio technology and who isn't to be taken seriously. One of the great things about the current audio scene is the fact that for a few hundred dollars we can have fully-featured receivers(such as the Onkyo)that provide audibly transparent amplification within their designed limits. A receiver which would amplify with an added sonic characteristic is either defective or hasn't been competently designed as a high fidelity unit.

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Enjoy the music, not the equipment.