High End Amp Price Collapse musings

I'm 55, so I've had a front row seat to the birth of high end audio and it's many transformations.  Old tech is not necessarily better or worse than any other tech, rather, it's performance is dependent on it's execution.  Once in awhile we are given a glimpse of what is possible.  Digital amplification can and will supplant old technology because it can eliminate the inherent flaws in it's design.  Limitations can be removed by simplifying the reproduction chain, adding full digital control of the source material without damaging the signal!  Preamplification can be reduced to software...that's absolutely inspired and purist in design.  The future is here and the potential is boundless...conventional tech is comparable to the Victrola!  

I only meant that when a consumer technology is going thru its vibrant growth phase, the accelerated pace of development and innovation is accompanied with accelerated depreciation curves as consumers want to ride the front of the wave. 

Ii really don't care how anyone spends their money, and I've spent my share chasing the edge.

Really interesting stuff here
My two cents
Just replaced two behemoth Emotiva amps ( a 5channel and a 2 channel) in the ht rig with a tiny little Nuforce mca-20.
Now the tanks were rated at 5x200w and 2x300w and the Nuforce "just" 8x150w.
I am pleasantly surprised to say I am totally blown away...literally!
The Nuforce puts on quite a show and combined with my Rel Stentor sub (more class D) we are rocking the cabinets with a good action movie. Yes I know the Emotivas are not top flight stuff to begin with but still.

Now my stereo rig comprises of BAT VK600SE amp, 2x300w weighing in at 120lb.
Just bought a Red Dragon s500 to compare, basically i am going to sit it right next to the BAT and swap cables and see what I think
This will be interesting.......

I couldn't get rid of my Emotiva preamp fast enough - made my ears almost bleed.  I would listen to a $200 1970s Technics receiver before I would own Emotiva separates.  You've made a good point.

"Some of you miss the point. The point is simple. As Class D advances it will eat into the high end class A market. We have seen this already happening to a small degree. Some people on this thread indicate they already switched.
Once Class D is close enough in quality even some of the deep pocket Krell, Pass etc guys will switch.
Once that happens they will sell thier existing gear which will gradually bring the value of that existing gear down giving not so deep pockets the chance to own true high end as it exists today."

I think what you forgot to factor into this is if Class-D reaches or surpasses Class-A or A/B, then the prices for Class-D will also reach or surpass Class-A or A/B.  

Some people may sell, but I don't expect to see pennies on the dollar.  If so, I'll be the first one there to grab a pair of XA-160's!