Watts is like HP - it tells you nothing about the torque, it will give you a hint how fast (loud) a car can go but thats useless when you listen in the 1 to 5 Watt range at 80 to 90 db. Its about the instant acceleration, how much torque and at what rpm it will be available. Some speakers (heavy cones) need a high damping factor for the bass but the mids and highs will suffer because the most immediate and best sounding amps are pure high current CLASS A with low feedback.
WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH WATTS?
I'm considering acquiring a new (for me) integrated, under $2k, to drive my KEF full range speakers. They are very efficient (93db) , 4ohm and rated for 50 - 200 watts. It seems that a good amp with 80 or 100 watts per channel at 8 ohms will take these speakers to any volume I'd want to experience in my medium sized living room. So what advantage/benefit in sound am I going to get with 150 -200 watts, or more, per channel? Is it worth spending more for extra power that will never really be demanded?