Chris,
In my opinion there are numerous factors that influence the sonic signature of an amplifier. All of the factors you mentioned as well as other factors will effectively alter the sound of an amplifier. The power supply, the amount of negative feedback used and where it is applied, the passive components (resistors, capacitors, chokes), the active components (transistors, tubes) and the circuit design all play a part in how the amplifier will sound. FYI - just because a component is the more expensive than a lesser priced component does not automatically mean it will sound better than the lower priced component. In the best amplifier designs, a designer will spend hours trying different components (resistors, caps, transistors or tubes)and listening to them as well as measuring specifications of these components in order to get a result that both sounds pleasing and measures within specifications. What two amplifier brands/models are your referring to that you like.
Brad
In my opinion there are numerous factors that influence the sonic signature of an amplifier. All of the factors you mentioned as well as other factors will effectively alter the sound of an amplifier. The power supply, the amount of negative feedback used and where it is applied, the passive components (resistors, capacitors, chokes), the active components (transistors, tubes) and the circuit design all play a part in how the amplifier will sound. FYI - just because a component is the more expensive than a lesser priced component does not automatically mean it will sound better than the lower priced component. In the best amplifier designs, a designer will spend hours trying different components (resistors, caps, transistors or tubes)and listening to them as well as measuring specifications of these components in order to get a result that both sounds pleasing and measures within specifications. What two amplifier brands/models are your referring to that you like.
Brad