I have a solution to this and have given this much thought over my maturation of my audio habit
How about a DBS or our own. or at least a single blind study (SBS) where the listener knows not of the amp they are listening to
I will contribute what you all seem to think is a shitty amp
Someone throw in a Carver of your choice, and someone donate a nice esoteric tube or solid state amp and lets do a SBS of our own.
I'd be curious to see the outcome.
In order for this to be possible, the listeners have no idea of the amps being used or the order at which they will be selected.
When the shop is open, I'm in!
Any takers? or better yet, anyone with enough salt to risk picking a lesser amp then what you are currently using?