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IMO the amp must provide a commanding grip over the speakers in order to reproduce the bass control and dynamics of real music. I've listened to several SETs, other tube amps, digital amps, and of course solid state up to 200 wpc with speakers ranging from 86 dB/w/m to 104 dB/w/m. It doesn't take 110 dB continous spls or anything close to a golden ear to hear what a commanding grip is like.
Public service annoucement: Extended exposure to 85 dB or more will lead to permanent hearing loss and possible permanent pain. So I critical listen (mostly jazz) at around 75 dB averages and less for classical. The spl meter taught me that most live classical music is below 60 dB. Size your amp to provide 10 dB headroom over your rock music playback levels, 15 dB over your jazz playback levels, and 25 dB over your classical playback levels (for your given speaker efficiency).
I agree with the 75db listening level, most of the time. However, sometimes I like to sit down with a sipping drink and recreate a live jazz club atmosphere-me in the front row. Sometimes I like to slip away to a hard rock or heavy metal concert. Now we're talking some louder listening-and don't forget the transients. I'm not going to damage my hearing when listening at a 90db average for an hour or so. Combine the fact that my ceilings are very tall, listening room very open, speakers ~86db efficient and 3 meters away, and I need some decent power. Not 600watts, but more than 6w if I want the transients to be controlled. A low wattage amplifier would suit me; most of the time. But for those times when I want to open her up a bit, I like having a healthy dose of headroom.
Anyway just thought i'd say that i liked the little sonic impact in my system but it kept clipping at the levels i like to hear music in my system. My speakers are relatively efficient 90db they dip below 4 ohms and i find that the little amplifier just doesn't give me enough power to drive them properly
btw how much can you buy a Panasonic digital amp for in australia? i saw an xr55 for $800au last year here in perth for sale.