miziq,
I have no comment on the Max because I have not heard one. Looks of course are very subjective but I love the way the Grace looks. Build quality is another thing, I don't know how the Grace could have the appearance of being built any better. From the jacks used, to the operation of the switches, the solid face plate, steel chasis, pure quality. Also the capabilities of the Grace make it the perfect tool for evaluating cables, headphones, sources, DACS. If your source has digital and analog outputs you can hook them both up and instantly switch between them. This of course will give you an instant comparison between your source's DAC and analog interconnect and a digital interconnect and the Grace DAC. With the High/Low range button you can set the 901 up perfectly for Grado's or Senn's or ETY4S's or even K1000's at moderate volume. I am probably biased because I bought this, but I really think it is an excellent product. This amp is powerful, articulate, and musical and the only amp so far that has been able to play the RS1 or 325 to what I think is their full potential.
The major draw backs to the Grace for me were the inability to audition one before purchase, and I don't believe there is anywhere you could return one if you didn't like it. If you decide you may want to get one send me a PM and I will tell you a place that has them discounted a little, and if you're in the US free shipping. If you have further questions you may want to Give Michael Grace a call (he designed it). Everybody at Grace Designs I have talked to is very pleasant and customer oriented.
The pictures of the 901 on the Grace web site for the front panel and rear panel are very good. I have always wanted to open the thing up and take some internal pictures but have not done that yet.
Hope that helps.