Some interesting reads

[Feanor]

In my limited experience on one of those paths, I have found as I moved up Onkyo's Integra line from the M-5060RS to the M-504 to the M-508 and finally the M-588F not only do you get more power but a cleaner/higher quality sound. Why is this?

Please don't infer from what Ajani said that higher power is associated with lower quality in general -- ain't so. Ajani was speaking of the specific instance of a SET amp verus a relatively modest solid state amp. (And let's not forget the that choice is a matter of preference any way.)

I have always noticed that within product range of from a given manufacturer, going up the line almost always improves both features, power, and sound quality.

[Ajani]

Please don't infer from what Ajani said that higher power is associated with lower quality in general -- ain't so. Ajani was speaking of the specific instance of a SET amp verus a relatively modest solid state amp. (And let's not forget the that choice is a matter of preference any way.)

I have always noticed that within product range of from a given manufacturer, going up the line almost always improves both features, power, and sound quality.

All things equal, increasing power should improve the sound of an amp... what I was saying is that there are other ways to improve sound, such as using higher quality components in the amp...

Let's take a look at 2 possible scenarios:

1) You have a relatively low powered amp trying to drive inefficient speakers in a large room... and you find yourself forced to listen at volumes much lower than your desired listening level, to avoiding clipping...

2) You have an amp (maybe a low powered one) with more than enough power to drive your speakers to acceptable listening levels...

Suddenly you get a bonus at work and a real bad case of upgradeitis... in scenario 1, you might see the best results by upgrading to a more powerful amp... while in scenario 2, you might have better results by going to an amp with higher quality components and the same or even slightly lower power...

Amp selection is really about personal preference and making sure that your amp has enough power to meet your speaker/room/volume requirements...