I don't know if I could generate a list of 5 companies that I would definitively call top 5. I also only play in the shallow end of the big pool, so my exposure is to what I consider to be "affordable high performance" audio. I also have been a long time SET owner, so by their very nature those products are off the beaten path..
When I bought my current speakers I had to move away from SET, and found myself exploring more traditional amps. I had a very nice sounding Musical Fidelity NuVista M3 integrated here, and it was quite satisfying. On a lark I bought a H2O Auio 250 Signature, and it is an exceptional amplifier! It has the mids and spatial characteristic on par with better tube designs, it has a refined top end not typically heard in Class D amps, and has bass control and current capabilities equal to big SS amps.
For its $3Kish price tag, I can't think of a better amp than this one, it is an all around performer.
Cheers
Mister Pig
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