Since you have a nice deck and speakers, I would suggest to buy an upscale amp to complete a nice package. I like brands like Arc, Zapco, Audison, Zed, DLS. If you go with any of those, you will be pleased. It would be even better, if you saved up a little more money for a higher line amp in any of those brands, instead of entry level. You will have solid SQ, street cred, and bragging rights

BTW, I know Mr.Marco personally, and can vouch for him, as without doubt, he tried to help you with no intent of malice.

 

After reading a few more posts, I tend to agree with sasha. You obviously like higher end equipment, and I don't believe you would be satisfied with anything else, so I think you should be looking at Audison, Focal amps, Tru, Zapco etc...Hey, there's nothing wrong with having expensive taste. You know you're getting excellent equipment, and regardless of any comparison tests scientific or otherwise, your ears are the only judges that really matter. As long as one sounds better to you than another, who's to say it doesn't!

 

Not trying to start anything here but I know a big enough difference in slew rate can be heard. An amp is not an amp.