are all amps equal


I have recently gotten the Mcintosh bug, but a friend of my who does a LOT or reading on the net says power output is the answer not the name. I am looking for the best sound I can get in the 3k$ range for my Usher Be 718s. I have looked at many used Mcintosh units in the 200 watt plus output area, but my friend says a new 250 watt Emotiva would be a better value. The Emotiva is around $800.
I would like some imput.. Thanks, Don
keslerd
Re the question about subs, although it is true that there won't be much to listen to below 40Hz or so, a good sub can be expected to handle the range from say 40 to 80Hz more cleanly (with less distortion) than the Usher's 7 inch mid/low frequency driver. Especially at high volume levels.

Regards,
-- Al
03-28-09: Kijanki

Unless somebody listens to symphonic orchestra with big drums going down very low or needs special effects for the home theater than 42Hz should be fine (if its really 42Hz).

I cannot disagree more.

There is substantial bass information below 42Hz which is clearly audible (or discernible) in systems that reproduce it.

Piano goes to 28Hz, organ goes to 20Hz and double bassoon goes to 25Hz. This does not take into account bass from electronic music, nor does it take into account fundamental tones.

Anyone who listens to the same music on full range speakers versus semi-full range speakers will experience the difference.

If you're happy with bass that goes only to 42Hz, that's perfectly fine, but there's much more to be had.
Tvad - I understand, but shouldn't 42 Hz be fine if somebody listens to jazz or popular music (and not the organs or double bassoon).
03-28-09: Kijanki
Tvad - I understand, but shouldn't 42 Hz be fine if somebody listens to jazz or
popular music.

Not in my opinion, no. I am not one who is satisfied with the semi-full range
experience.

Again, all one has to do is listen to the jazz or popular music selection on a
system with full range speakers and a system with semi-full range speakers to
discern the difference.

Many listeners are satisfied with the semi-full range experience. For them, a
subwoofer is not necessary. Keslerd will have to determine if he wants a sub or
not.