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More power for moderate listening levels?

Hi,

I can't seem to find good information regarding the effect of relatively high powered amps on low to moderate listening levels. I have a low powered class A amp that sounds wonderful at moderate volumes but not surprisingly shows signs of strain when cranked up. I am contemplating an upgrade that would bring much more power to solve this problem. However, since I don't play music really loud that often I'm wondering if the upgrade is really all that necessary. It would be worth it if the reserve power of the new amplifier improved sound quality at all levels.     

Thanks for your help,

Brian
brianbiehs
brianbiehs OP
23 posts
 
Your comments are taken to heart. Many folks swear by the difference that power makes. My initial question which is perhaps somewhat naive is whether all that power acts in a way to control the drivers at medium to low listening levels. It’s just sitting there in reserve but can it affect sound quality. I think a few posters here suggest that it can.
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au_lait
337 posts
 
@hshifi speaks a bunch of truth here in regards to what constitutes a system for dancing, whether or not you subscribe to the cult of Klipsch or not. When it comes to dance music history there's the Richard Long side, but the Klipsch/Levinson combo is a major crossover for home dancing—the Mancuso/Loft approach, not about "power"—you could do similar with loads of old horn-driven speakers like JBL monitors, Altec, TAD etc... but again, more cults.
markw1951
51 posts
 
I have found that a high powered amp, even at low listening levels, provides a sense of dynamics that a low powered amp doesn't have, even with Klipsch Forte speakers.  Just makes sense to me.  
ieales's avatar
ieales
1,201 posts
 
I have found that a high powered amp, even at low listening levels, provides a sense of dynamics that a low powered amp doesn't have
And I'm fairly certain that the amps are likely sonically chalk and cheese.
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