In techno... Orphx, Voidloss, Inigo Kennedy, Surgeon.
I like production that has a bit of soul and texture and isn't ALL about clarity, space and punch.
I think way too much techno sticks to a certain set of rules for how things should sound.. Being creative with your sound is just as important as being creative with the music. I mean whats the point in abstract music (not that much techno is abstract atm) If your going to present it in a pedestrian manner.
I get much more from listening to some kind of 'sonic picture' than I can from 'a sweet mix down'

Is also important to look outside techno (or music for that matter) for how sounds can be mixed together.