benefit of Higher power over Lower power Amp ?

I was wondering the samething. It was not mean spirited at all. Just a lot of different viewpoints. Towards the end, it was mostly about the sonic merits of the Parasound JC1's. Different points of views and thoughts but nothing mean spirited. All of a sudden, boom, it's gone! I've seen a heck of a lot more contraversial stuff stay on.
Anyway, to answer the question, it is a BIG depends. It seems it is easier for manufacturers to get smaller amps right more than it is the big ones. However, there are some good big ones out there.
To me, smaller amps have a sweeter more delicate sound. But it does depend on the overall system the amp is be utilized in.

Hi Simon:

If I remember your system correctly, you were using NAD amplification and listening to a lot of orchestral music. In my main system, I just upgraded from a 85 wpc Musical Fidelity (A3 integrated amp) to a 250 wpc Musical Fidelity (A300 power amp). I still do not play my system very loud (the joys of coop living with many elderly neighbors), but what I like about having more power is that even at lower listening levels, the more powerful amp does not sound strained at all ... very easy sounding. In your case, upgrading from 160 to 250 wpc will fall a bit short of doubling the volume of your system, but depending on your listening levels, the sound may be perceived as less strained and that may be more enjoyable to you.

Regards, Rich

I find the capacitors and transformers to be a more important factor and that its really a matter of sybergy and the sound that the amp you choose puts out. I have a 150wpc Musical Fidelity which puts out transparent clean sound to a point but then starts to clip if it is stressed. I also have a 100watt old Audio research with capacitors the size of soda cans which play less distorted controls and defines the bass at louder volumes. Low power as in my tube amp is great for tonal accuracy but don't ask it to play very loudly. There simple volume will be the issue at 40wpc.

Musical dynamics.

Mitch, I'm with Bigtee -- i.e., there is no reason I can determine why that thread was eliminated. Maybe it's a system glitch???