Difference between amps


OK so let's talk amps.  I'm sure this has been addressed before but are there real differences between  multi-channel amps among the various brands in the mid-fi to high end markets with comparable specifications? Adcom, Anthem, Classe, Emotiva, Krell, McIntosh, Marantz, NAD, Parasound, Outlaw, Rotel, etc.  What are the differences in these brands?   I can site one difference.  In multi-channel Marantz amps, the specs never state "all channels driven".  They are notorius for misleading the consumer with their power output ratings.  But that's a marketing decision. What are the real or should I say physical or performance differences among these?  .  
pdn

Showing 1 response by erik_squires

I think we rely too much on power ratings.

It takes 10x the power to double the volume, so do I care a lot between 120W and 100? No, really I don’t. In most homes, with a sub, and speakers run as satellites (not full range) 100W per channel is way more than enough.

Honestly, if you are running satellites, with subs, 75W amps per channel x 5 is more than enough unless you are running a mini theater in your home.

How the amps work with your speakers and how they sound is a much bigger deal. I like NAD for the use of nCore, and Parasound a lot.