Ernie, you have to remember that some amplifiers are not very efficient to start off with i.e. pure Class A or very rich A/B, so they pull a lot of power. Especially if we are talking a couple of hundred watts output. Couple this with in-efficient speakers, music that sounds best when played "loud" and you now have to stand on the throttle. Power consumption can go WAY up REAL fast. Having said that, i think that you did a fine job of selecting what was appropriate for your system. I see no problems with what you did and think that it is probably quite sufficient. The fact that you seperated your digital and analogue can only help things out.
As to your "real world" comments, they probably apply to the mass majority of end users. Most people are enjoying basic systems that are fine under normal operating conditions. However, i am speaking from first hand experience and i know that more than a few others can relate. Try running an entire system with a BIG amp and "thirsty" speakers from a standard 15 or 20 amp outlet and watch the lights on the equipment ( and possibly in that and other rooms ) flickering to the beat.
Keep in mind where i am coming from though. I have 6400+ watts RMS feeding my HT system, 4800+ watts RMS coming from a mono-blocked tri-amp system, 1600+ watt mono-blocks driving some very inefficient full ranges in the computer room, 200+ watts driving some monitors in the bedroom AND a "whopping" 30 wpc tube amp driving some horns in the basement. Hardly a "normal" installation, but then again, i've never been "normal" : )
As you can see, being able to deliver enough power to all of these was a major concern of mine. While Albert has me beat by a long-shot, he too has come to appreciate the differences that "add up". I know that Bob Bundus and a few others have installed similar systems and have noticed definite improvements when all was said and done.
