Tvad writes:
"If you're talking about frequency extension and clarity, then the Class D amps are lively. Other than that, the Class D amps I have heard were anything but lively."
Grant, that's interesting because one of the biggest strengths of the NuForce amps is their unbridled sense of dynamics. My Ref 9SE's have nearly bone-crunching dynamic schmaaack in my system and they lack the homogenation and congestion typical of most analog designs. If the NuForce amps you tried didn't sound "lively" to you then there was probably something in your system that was limiting dynamics, perhaps unknown to you at the time. Many high-end speakers lack authoritative dynamic capability...
Muralman1, maybe a used pair of the Flying Mole amps would work for your friend. If not, I have a very good sounding vintage solid-state amp that I'd let go for a reasonable price...
