if you're asking as a general matter whether upgrading your amp will make a significant difference, i think most would agree that it does. i never had the 7400, but i had the 5400 (which i believe is the same series and general architecture) as well as the 545 and 555mkii (which was very good). the 5400 was okay but (as others have opined) not as transparent or detailed as my (comparably situated) parasound hca, acurus or b&k.