How can a 40 watt amp outshine a 140 watt amp

Wow, you "guys" rock! I've had a few "duh" moments after reading your responses, of course it makes sense to figure the size of the listening room and speaker type into the equation. Obviously, there are a lot of factors to think about, and I can take everyone's suggestions (which I will do to some extent) but I need to get my butt out to a true audiophile type store to make comparisons based on my own ears. I figured I could surf the net and find out everything I needed to know, I can to some extent, but I have to now do the leg (ear) work. I live near Cleveland OH, I used to go to Audio Craft but they've gone down hill a little (IMHO) if they're still in existence. Bottom line, I've learned that watts is quality not quantity (I think I've mentioned something like that to my wife once or twice, just not about watts) ;) are smiley faces allowed here? I love Griffithds' quote "If the 1st watt doesn't sound good, why would you want 139 more of them!" (first duh moment).

There is so much to learn (crossover considerations, etc) I can see already that this site will help me immensely. Thanks to all who responded, I look forward to additional comments.

It is useless debating the quality of amps alone, they are only heard when they are driving speakers. On speakers that are easy to drive there is less difference, on hard to drive ones more. Don't spend money on things you can't hear; I hear differences IN MY SYSTEM so I have a reasonably expensive amp; my friend drives his Quad 57s with a rebuilt tube Heathkit; they are not sensitive to changes in amps. You pays your money and makes your choice; on some very difficult loads the old Classe 25 watt amp would outdrive amps 10x as powerful, IT ALL DEPENDS!

the output transformers!

Sorry, but I can't get past the first response.

02-20-11: Griffithds
It all boils down to this. If the 1st watt doesn't sound good, why would you want 139 more of them!

Brilliant.

Regards,

Am I really reading that all amps sound alike here on Agon and some actually think this is true. Come on - really?

This test and article must be a joke of some kind right?

My goodness I hear differences as true and real as day is from night with my eyes. Someone said if you can't hear the difference, then that is true for you. I agree and that is the bottom line. If you can't hear it, then no reason to invest in better amps! Just buy a 100 watt 1980's Sears MCS series amp for $35 and be done with it.

Strange a person with such ears would even bother with this site or any high end gear?