Emotiva XPA-1 or Wyred SX/ST-1000

Many feel DF over a value of even as low as 20 or 30 is a redherring parameter.

Also, low DF allows the speaker to dampen ITSELF. When your system is off, disconnect the speaker from the amp. Pull the plug, so to speak. Thump the woofer with your finger. THAN bridge the speaker binding posts with a paper clip. yep, a simple paper clip. Thump again. BIG change, right? Well, the paperclip will simulate the amp with low ON RESISTANCE.....which is what gives a high damping factor.

You could, in the interest of science try a few other values....maybe a pair of 1ohm in parallel which would simulate a DF of about 16 on an 8 ohm speaker. This may give an idea how low or hi a DF you really need.

I think I'd like the W4S amps. They are a visual (color / finish...excepted) duplicate for my PSAudio GCC amp. Right down to panel front and back.

What is the problem with Emotiva? Well, I've never heard one. But, from strictly an engineering standpoint, they should work well. SQ? you choose. But, the difference in lifetime and build quality may be an issue in a few years. To take the extreme example, Bryston has a no-prisoners attitude with a price and warranty to match.

Thanks for reply, Fmk.

One additional factor to consider. Yep, hi mass cones are a potential problem, but I think that speaker 'Q' is part of the answer.
A system with hi 'Q' will have plenty of overhang and maybe even a midbass peak and bloat. A critically damped system of 'Q'=.7 will produce good bass, maybe even with a low DF amp.
NFB? maybe the '3rd rail' of hi fidelity.