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
I think the room you are using has a lot of input in the sound factor. What is the size of the room, flooring type,etc.
I don't know any thing about Usher speakers, but this might help those who do give a better answer than what I've read so far.

I have Magnepan, Thiel,Meadowlark and Soliloquy speakers teamed with McIntosh,Bryston,Aragon, Classe , Rotel SS amps and pre's and a CJ tube system.

It takes a lot of playing around to get great sound, move it to a different room and it sounds like S**t.

I have a great wife that lets me set my up systems in four rooms, not to mention two Plasma tv's on separate systems Harman Kardon, Yamaha, Def Tech and several subs.

By the way, I think subs are the hardest to balance in a system for great music.

P.S.
I think my wife has four boyfriends to make things even.
the room is 12 by 15, short cut carpeted floor, and two 2 by 2 foot sound panels in each corner (total of eight) all furniture is fabric... with a french door size opening on the rear wall into a larger room.

as far as extension, definition and etc the sub adds, most of the time I prefer the Ushers alone... the sub is not very "tight" as I prefer, that may be definition.
I don't understand everything I know...
Dcrookham53 - I'm afraid I might be one of them - she often mentions cruel husband that has systems in 4 rooms. Sorry.
I've found over the years of going back and forth between full-range speakers and speakers that don't deliver the low end (sub 35hz), that, like Grant, I get more overall enjoyment from speakers that make basement deliveries. I do not lean towards specific musical tastes that take advantage of that. I find I've been spoiled by the expectations that it will be there. When the music does not require it I'm not sure whether or not it factors into my enjoyment, but I would guess that it comes more into play than one might think. I'd certainly also agree with Grant's premise that price does not always define quality or lack thereof and wold extend that to any component in a system. I've heard plenty of great monitor speakers that are fun, musical and engaging, but even the best of them leave me wanting of something more. It is a personal choice though, and I am sure there are those who are very satisfied with a more limited range.
the sub is not very "tight" as I prefer, that
may be definition.
I don't understand everything I know...
Keslerd (Threads)

Tight bass with a subwoofer is often very dependent on placement of the sub.

Research a placement guide. ACI has excellent information on their website, as
I'm certain does Velodyne.

Experiment with proper placement, including facing the driver toward the
listening position and facing sideways into the room, and crossover point, and
I'll bet you discover a position where the bass tightens and integrates
significantly.