Monitor Audio Silver 8 - Power Handling

I typically listen to orchestral recordings...my listening position is 6ft from each speaker.  The room is about 24x12 with a 15 foot ceiling.  When I 'critically' listen it's usually between -25 and -20 on my Emotiva XSP-1 preamp...but I'm not really sure what that means (read many various explanations).  I do need to get an SPL meter...the free app I downloaded was all over the place. 

Given that you are only six feet away, I doubt you exceed 10-15 watts before it makes you uncomfortable.  So, no worries, a lot of people think they need the high wattage when they don't.  

Thanks rotarius. This is not a forever listening room...next house hopefully I will get my "man cave" back.

Does anyone have an amplifier recommendation that would surpass the XPA-2 in clarity/resolution?  Is it even practical to consider without putting down serious $$?  The XPA seemed like a good choice at the time as it had ample power, good reviews, and an even better price tag.  

Jason, what source and preamp are you using?  I think you want to look at those if you lack some resolution before you try swapping amps.