Pass Labs

jj77,
And so what? They're statement products for the wealthy few. As usual, if you are interested in their house sound, you will eventually benefit from trickle-down of the advanced design technology. No one is forcing you to buy, and there are many great values in new and used gear. 
I'm not sure what point you are trying to make, unless it is just a passing observation of how expensive some gear can get.  

Note that Nelson Pass has been working away in his own little Class A world for years on his First Watt amps that sell for relatively peanuts…3 grand or something? They’re so popular now that he recently decided to have the Pass Labs dudes build ’em. Dennis Had (retired from Cary audio) hand makes an Inspire "Fire Bottle" or "Hot Rod" single ended little gem about once a week, people seem to like those, and they’re around $1500 or so although maybe 12 single ended watts aren’t for you. My beautiful sounding "factory upgraded" Jolida 502p tube gem was under $1500 new and is a seriously good amp. I like Boulder amps and the D’Agostino gems, but the big secret in audio is that LOTS of stuff can get some sweet hifi tone into your ear balls for small money…when you win the lottery, get your Ferrari needs out of your system, dump your beautiful wife so 20 year old Ashley (who likes to try new things) can move into your 20,000 square foot McMansion with you, get the Boulder and the Magicos and think to yourself, "is this it?"

If you have big bucks its NOT nuts!!

If you have nuts it's not big bucks ;-).