@airdronian
This has been a great thread and everyone is sharing their listening experiences here, in order to help you find the right integrated amp - and hopefully learn a bit more on their own journey.
None of us can audition every amp on the planet - and some of us can audition none at all - so it would be good if you could do the same with the amp trials you have been through; including the less successful trials.
Not trying to bust your chops here - just looking for a bit of reciprocal sharing...
is
As an aside, if I own the particular bit of gear that you didn't enjoy, I'm sure that you comments would either: -
A: Fall on deaf ears, if I love it; or
B: Provide a helpful confirmation, if I too am less than impressed with my purchase.
Either way I am happy and keen to hear more...