Besides being in the market for new speakers,I'm also looking at amps. I have been learning quite a bit but have some questions. I've had my eye on a B&K 200.5 at a local store & have been waiting for the chance to deal them below the $2300 they currently have it "on sale" for. In the meantime I discovered the Outlaw 755. It is also a 5 X 200WPC amp with a higher damping factor # & an impressive looking build with dual torroidal transformers for $1365,delivered. However,having only heard the B&K(impressive) & not knowing anyone with an Outlaw,it's hard to compare them other than by the specs.
My question to all is: Can the specs for amps really be an indicator of what one could expect it to sound like? I saw the Marantz (mm9000 I believe) being advertised for $750. It's a 5 X 150WPC but by looking at the specs,weight,& cross-section picture, it looks no better than my Yammy 3300. Would one assume the B&K would sound better than the Outlaw because,after all, it's a B&K! Or could this be a case of, it's no better than the Outlaw but because it's a B&K it's a $1000 more?
I'd love to hear as many responses to this as possible,even if it's just speculation.
Thanks.