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How can a 40 watt amp outshine a 140 watt amp

My query is; I see $6,000 integrated amplifiers with 40 watts per channel, how is this better than my Pionner Elite SC-35 @ 140 watts per channel, what am I going to hear different, with a, let's say Manley Labs - STINGRAY II? I obviously don't understand the basics involved and if someone could explain or point me in the right direction, I would greatly appreciate it.

I would like to set up a nice two channel analog system. I really can't afford the aforementioned Stingray, what is "out there" in the 2.5 grand range?
mystertee
mechans
3,048 posts
 
I just don't understand why it is that we all love this hobby if so much of it is truly unbeievable. As in "Snake Oil" etc. fixed delusions. I think we all believe that there are real differences in some aspects of audio or else we would join the silent majority of listeners content with whatever they use for sound reproduction.
schipo
1,268 posts
 
Mechans: every industry has snake oil are we to believe that ours doesn't?
cyclonicman
693 posts
 
Mechans I don't believe that the hobby is unbelievable. Snake oil is eventually exposed as such, but for the majority of us, there are real differences. IMO, Each individual must trust their own conclusions drawn upon their listening/hearing experience. What else matters? Can anyone honestly tell you that you aren't hearing what you say you are hearing?
mechans
3,048 posts
 
I guess I worded my response poorly. I intended to convey that despite our knowing that some aspects are Snake Oil, we know that there are real differences between products. It is that belief that makes this hobby fun. By saying belief I don't want to convey that believing is unfounded. It is just remarkable that we know some of this hobby is absurd but we still love it.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,887 posts
 
# watts alone says little about an amp other perhaps than how loud it can go with a particular pair of speakers depending on how efficient the speakers are before its published total harmonic distortion specs are exceeded (assuming those are accurate).

All the other things that go into designing and building the amp, including the details beyond THD that determine how the amp really distorts and sounds is how.
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