Check out Channel Islands Audio...

http://www.ciaudio.com/

There are reviews and descriptions of their amps at the site. Dusty Vawter is a Hall of Fame level audio guy. Caveat: I havne't heard any yet, just word of mouth, but "sounds great" and "runs cool" have passed through my ears several times when people tell me about them. Stereophile has reviewed their second from the top amps, as well.

I'll try and get some time with them at CES and report to ya!

Reviewed this month in Stereophile is the PS Audio GCC-100, which can be purchased for $2090 at: http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1140312933

I would urge you investigate Induction Dynamics' ID1 loudspeakers, as well as Simaudio's wide array of components.

Sound like the Krell should be the 2nd amp for households up north. One for summer, the Krell for winter. The best sounding "fireplace" on the planet. Chestnuts roasting over an open Krell...Whoops that was kind of lame wasn't it? I think Mel Torme got it right.

The first name that comes to my mind for warmth without giving up transient details and resolution is Conrad Johnson.

With careful shopping, you might be able to snag an MF2250A somewhere around that price.

I have an Odyssey Stratos Amp with a 128,000 uf upgrade that I would highly recommend to fit your needs. Klaus Bunge is the sole distributor for it and I am told the amp is based on the famous german line of Ralph Germaine.

The new Outlaw receiver is a very good looking product.Sure looks to be good on paper. Can't wait to here what people have to say about the sound...