Ineed some help with a simple math equation

Bill,

Re: your last paragraph, the source has a lot to do with those sound attributes. Usually a DAC or cartridge with superior resolution and detail (but not of the hashy sounding "false-resolution" variety) will deliver on that.  Also, I find that listening at lower volumes with such sources is equally, or more, satisfying and involving compared to lesser resolving sources at higher volumes, making the criticality of ultimate power (but not quality) from my amplifier to deliver eardrum-rattling SPLs less important.  

Dave

Dave,
I agree. I play vinyl using a Clearaudio Stradivari II cartridge on a their Performance SE via an ARC PH8. I want music from my main system is a physical in-your-chest experience.

I find this very interesting; although I have custom speakers, me and the crossover engineer used the sound of top of the line Thiel speakers mated with an ARC amp as a model for the sound.

I find this very interesting; although I have custom speakers, me and the crossover engineer used the sound of top of the line Thiel speakers mated with an ARC amp as a model for the sound.

I have no idea what went wrong twice .  That's supposed to read,   "we used the sound of top of the line Thiel speakers mated with ARC amp as a model for the sound.