How can a 40 watt amp outshine a 140 watt amp

I had wondered the same thing too and found that current means more than watts (rarely do you see current in specs). I had a Bryston B100 rated at 180w @4ohms. I did buy an Octave V70SE rated 70w @4ohms. The Octave is tubes which is different than solid state. I also found the Naim line of integrated's seem to have a lot more current than the rated watts (50 to 80w) if interested in solid state and used should be right in your price range.

The biggest difference I hear with the Octave is much more control in the music. The loudness is the same. Since the Octave is tubes I can change them out and get a different sound like more or less bass - mids and highs depending on the tubes (type and manufacturer). For example with either the KT88's or the 6550's the bass just kills my Bryston (and Bryston is known for decent bass). With the EL34's not as much bass as the Bryston but killer mid range and highs. So I can't say what to expect in your system with your room - speakers and source. That's what I hear in my system but I think Cmalak summed it up the best in general.

Good luck

Unfortunately the Octave is a little beyond your budget too at almost $7K but a killer unit for the money.

Schipo I only have 1 problem with Mr Clarks conclusions. That being he may have been comparing 2 very closely types of amps. I would like to see the results of comparing something like my Bryston B100 and my Octave V70SE. To me there is no comparison and the differences are (punch you in the nose) obvious. Granted the msrp of my Bryston was 5k vs 7k for my Octave.

So my stance stays - There is a great deal of differences with just the amp BUT speakers - source and ROOM make a huge difference. I think I have heard that referred to as system synergy. I'm just trying to answer Mystertee's question with what I have experienced not what someone else thinks. I don't mean to knock your reply because I agree with most of your previous posts.