What makes the difference in these two amps


I recently bought a B&K 202.2 amp to replace my Carver TFM 24. They have very similar specs I believe, but the sound is dramatically different. I've had my Carver tucked away for a few months and decided to sell it locally. After listening to the B&K, which I realize is not exactly top of the line, I plugged in the Carver to make sure everything worked before I sold it. It sounded like a clock radio until I got way up in the volume, almost like it didn't have the power of the B&K, not to mention the lack of nuetrality and it's annoying distortion. These are the only 2 amps I've had, with the exception of a Yamaha MX 1000, which I blew in the early 90's. So my question, why the big difference in sound, and what do I look foward to as I upgrade up the food chain?
sprink
The Carver is what it is.Entry level with glitzy hype.Look at the Belles,pre-Power Modules for a inexpensive step up (non-OCM design).The B%K is a well designed amp,made by a high-end designer and was sold as the "entry" level at the hi-end stores.Big difference.
Tpsonic put it nicely. The deal with Carver was a lot of cheap power. B&K goes for quality over quantity.