If you have been to trade shows as members of the trade/press rather than the general public, you'll see why.
The HPA-3B is a pretty decent balanced output amp with a lot of grunt. But i'm pretty sure its not quite SOTA like the THX 789.
Based on Matrix's old specs, think it should top out at around 105-108dB for SINAD numbers.
For all purposes, its more than good for listening though.
I have been to Trade shows as a memeber of the trade, just not Hi Fi trade shows. I ended up taking my name and company badge off because as soon as the other trade people know who you are and who you represent there is a marked change in attitude.
I found I learnt a lot more about my companies competitors through being anonymous.
I also found I was able to get a much more honest opinon from the customer base if people thought I was just another customer and not one of the boys.
There is a general human tendency to respond to the badge rather than what the person wearing the badge says. It's how so many 'experts' in Hi Fi particularly get away with talking so much garbage.