To compare meaningfully output power of two amplifiers (all external factors being equal) it is useful to know several parameters.
--the manufacturer's definition of the power output metric. It should be
"continuous power", meaning the amplifer's delivery is not time limited and it does not overheat in the ambient temperature
--what is the distortion 20hz-20khz
--what is the signal/noise ratio
--what peak output power can be reached at 2-4-8 ohm, for how long, at what frequency and with what distortion
The peak parameters are useful to know, as musical peaks may need 5-7 times value of the continuous output power.
--the manufacturer's definition of the power output metric. It should be
"continuous power", meaning the amplifer's delivery is not time limited and it does not overheat in the ambient temperature
--what is the distortion 20hz-20khz
--what is the signal/noise ratio
--what peak output power can be reached at 2-4-8 ohm, for how long, at what frequency and with what distortion
The peak parameters are useful to know, as musical peaks may need 5-7 times value of the continuous output power.