I'm with mattmiller: the Adcom GFA 555 was (and still is) a great bargain-priced amp (used) and perfect for the entry-level audiophile or for someone who wants a decent 2-channel amp for surround speakers. Another great buy for the audiophile on a budget (again, used) is the Muse Model 100, which is bullet-proof and great sounding. It's my current center-channel amp. I even have a B&K ST-140 sitting on a shelf somewhere, my first one-step-up from receivers amp back when we were poor but knew there had to be something better than what Sears was selling. If one of our Levinsons gave out, I could live with a used Audio Research tubed preamp (e.g. an LS-15 or LS-16) and a Muse Model 100 until I had saved enough to buy another beefy Mark Levinson amp. I'm sorry to read that Adcom and B&K are not making reliable, great-sounding gear any more. Go used! Audiogon is a life-saver for those of us who are not rich but still have good ears.