https://www.stereophile.com/content/ayre-acoustics-vx-8-power-amplifier

For current owners of Ayre Acoustics amplification and those hoping to bring the brand’s sound to their system, the VX-8 would be a worthwhile, relatively affordable purchase. The amplifier worked seamlessly with older components including its sibling Ayre K-5xe^MP (which sells for $2000–$3000 used), as well as the current Sugden LA-4, and I bet it would sound fantastic with my Shindo Allegro two-box preamp. (Ankle surgery prevented me from extracting the Shindo from its secure space.) With ample power and even sound, the VX-8 gelled easily with the highly efficient Volti Audio Razz loudspeaker. It satisfied my inner music jones while spinning vinyl or streaming digital.

The VX-8 extends Ayre’s reputation for refined amplification that commendably reproduces music of all genres while asserting its singular, special sound, as unique today, under the guiding hand of Ariel Brown, as with its originator, Charley Hansen. A heartfelt, shout-it-from-the-rooftops recommendation.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/brilliant-corners-7-dual-mono-manley-mahi-amplifiers

This musical breadth and their energetic, approachable, largely faultless sound make the Manley Mahis a pretty compelling proposition at a price that strikes me as entirely sane. If your speakers and room can make a big noise with 40 watts, then these petite but never petite-sounding amplifiers will probably delight you, doing justice to all but the most ambitious systems. They will allow your favorite recordings to excite, inform, and inspire you, like an audiophile version of my Fisher Vinyl Grinder: a magic box, now with good sound.