What is Floyd Toole saying about extra amplifier power and headroom?


I've been reading Floyd Toole's "Sound Reproduction The Acoustics and Psychoacoustics of Loudspeakers and Rooms" and came across a passage that I wish he went into further detail about. It has to do with whether having amplifier headroom has any noticeable improvement in sq. He happens to be talking about getting the bass right in small rooms, but in doing so, he also touches on the use of a larger amp for extra headroom: 

Remedies for unacceptable situations typically included spending more money on a loudspeaker with a “better” woofer (without useful technical specifications, that was a lottery of another kind) and a bigger amplifier (for useless headroom ...

It's the last part ("useless headroom") that I'm curious about. I have notoriously hard-to-drive speakers (Magico Mini IIs). Although the recommended amplification is 50w - 200w, in my experience, that's a bit of an underestimation. I'm driving the Minis with a Musical Fidelity M6PRX, which is rated at 230w @ 8ohms. (The Minis are 4ohm.) The combination sounds excellent to my ears at low to moderate listening levels, but I notice a slight compression in the soundstage at higher levels. My listening room, while small, is fairly well treated with DIY panels made from Rockwool, sound-absorbent curtains, and thick carpeting. So I don't think I'm overloading the room. But I have wondered if an amp with far more power than what's suggested (more headroom) would drive the speakers with a little less effort.

Those of you familiar with Toole or with driving speakers with power to spare, what are your experiences? If I went with, say, a pair of monoblocks that drive 600w @ 4ohm, would the extra headroom address the compression I'm hearing at higher levels? Or am I wasting my time and, potentially, funds that would be better spent elsewhere? 

Thanks!  


128x128diamonddupree
@yyzsantabarbara a second AHB might not even do it. There's a pair of Belo Canto Ref 1000s available right here on Agon I think for less than $2k. 
ref1000s do not have custom input stage for best tube amp results nor beefed up power supply.....stock icepower. So may not be best still for a 4 ohm load or use with tube pre-amp if needed, ....even though 500 w/ch. You need somewhat pricier ref1000m for that. ref1000m is what I have been using for a number of years now and still sound very good.  Drives every speaker I have  thrown at it to the max  (Ohm, Dynaudio, KEF)  and never breaks a sweat.
If you are looking into CODA, try the Sanders MagTech.  Made by CODA with built in power supply regulation.  The only other big amps I know of who have any sort of regulation are the Krells.  I'm sure there are others though.

That was going to be one of my suggestions from the start, but I thought you wanted to stay with bigger brands.

Best,

Erik
PS - When it comes to convolution filters and roon, I go 100% with Toole. I think they are too much, and if you want to go that flat, what is the point of your speaker brand to begin with?

With Roon, I prefer minimal EQ, using parametrics. It maintains the character of my speakers, reduces CPU demand on the Roon server, and does the least harm. Also, prevents over-EQing for 1 spot.
@diamonddupree I should be happy with the sound I am getting from a single AHB2 now. However, if I was that type of person I would not be hanging around A'gon.

I have great synergy with my all Benchmark system now. Adding that second AHB2 will just move the needle to 11.