HI-FI NEWBIE NEEDS HELP!

That been said, one point that I feel is critical to this debate and perhaps the ultimate arbitrator, is humans’ hearing physiology and how the brain processes the sound.

Right. One point that has been trumpeted by @atmasphere is how humans perceive distortion, but most egregiously so at the higher odd order harmonics. Glad to understand he designs his products with that (presumed correct) fact in mind. Unfortunate though that manufacturers do not include this type of data in their specifications. 

For economical and yet very good sound reproduction, why not audition a Crown XLS amp? The Crown XLS 1502 will give you 300 W into 8 ohms, but it also covers 4 ohms and 2 ohms with higher power with the ability to bridge them. They are Class D, very efficient with power and have come a long way in very good sound reproduction with great detail, good tonal reproduction, sound staging width and depth, and transparency. Have a listen. The Crown XLS 1502 can be found new at $399.99 . . . possibly lower on line.

Somewhat off the topic of amplification, but related to getting the most out of your 1.7s.... Two things that significantly improved the sound of my Maggies were upgrading the tweeter jumpers and the fuses. I currently have Cardas jumpers and Synergistic Research Black fuses in mine and am very happy with the results. I know many folks will scoff at these suggestions, but hearing is believing. I’m a believer. Cheers and happy listening. 

@chrisoshea 
yeah that’s the idea, I just want the best sound quality for what I can spend. I’m posting on several sights and reading every reply to decide based on those who are more knowledgeable than me about audio.
Now if you walk in to my second home, the local pool hall, and want to learn about the nuances of shooting pool I’m your guy. I’ve been shooting seriously for over 20 years. I can tell you the differences in quality and play of all things involved; tables, balls, sticks, cue shafts, cue stick tips, ferrules, chalk and cloth. That’s just the equipment.
 I’m a novice and may not even be able to discern the difference in a higher fidelity system. Just as you may not be able to tell the difference in the skill level of two pool players who to you may be both “great players and better than I will ever be.” I would be able to show why this player is more skillful than the other. But someday you may become better and then even good at pool and would be able to also critique and discuss players’ abilities just as I may be able to identify good audio equipment and discuss why it is so. So if that happens I don’t want to realize that I purchased the lesser quality product even though there was a better quality product for the same price point.  

OP:

 So if that happens I don’t want to realize that I purchased the lesser quality product even though there was a better quality product for the same price point.

This is where it gets very tricky, because it is quite subjective. Depends on you.