wrote in message
...
If all (properly designed) amps sound the same, how do I decide which
amp to buy?

Is it just a case of choosing one with sufficient power output and how
do I determine this?


No, thats not true - the myth of long wire with gain.
Amplifiers can have very similar specs but have different
sonic characters and abilities.
Bandwidth and an amps ability to pump out the amperes
when fronted with an awkward load etc etc etc.
If I were you the first thing is to not pay too much attention
to the big girls blouses of this group.
Do yourself a favour, don't heed mag reviewers advice either.
Try the pre-owned market, plenty of stereo bargains to be had.
This is just one example, the Pioneer A400 was a huge success
because of it ultra wide stable bandwidth (5 - 100) and it's
impressive ability to drive any loudspeaker and remain stable -
thats the ability to churn out amperes!
It sold by the truck load and often crops up in the for sale ads,
and it is proven to be a rugged longstander, can be picked up
for less than £100. But then there are others, Nad, and even Sony
from the late 80's and early 90's.
First port of call believe it or not would be Cash Converters,
then the specialist pre-owned dealers, then the small ads.
Once you've found a model, look it up!
Don't bother with Naim or Arcam, over-priced and nothing
special.