Quote Originally Posted by E-Stat
And yet, there is some data that while possible to quantify, is rarely available. Here's but one example. Since my choice of speakers exhibits a highly reactive load, they present a challenge to many amplifiers that can result in audible differences. While one can quantify IV analysis in all four quadrants of an amplifier, conventional testing stands mute on that issue. A dummy resistive load is useless in that regard. Therefore, my choice of amp in that system is necessarily affected by its ability to deal with a reactive load.
Ok, if you say so. That doesn't change the fact I value technical experience based on my observed correlations between sound quality and sound design practices.

If anything I think you've just re-enforced my earlier point - you're selecting an amplifier based on symptoms you've been able to assign to the reactive load of your speakers. If you are absolutely correct in your assessment, then there's some correlation between pleasing sound and amps that don't mind the reactive load. That's more accurate than "I think this can sound better, maybe I need a new amp". You've followed that correlation to a conclusion. That's the kind of experience that blends subjectivity and objectivity that we should see more of.

That's a much more reasoned and calculated process than simply assuming "more power will make those speakers sound better, always".
Too often a person's answer is to throw more money at their system's perceived weak spots. Often they're assessment of a system's weakness is off, and the proposed solution is ineffective at addressing the true weakness. Even worse, they spend their money on an upgrade, and the sound is different, even improved. It's not the optimal upgrade, and the original weakness remains, though the new system sound is better. Voila! - a false cause-and-effect relationship is born. This sage then proceeds to pass his wisdom on to the next budding audiophile. Meanwhile, the most cost-effective, highest yield improvement is overlooked. That's the kind of experience we could use less of.