comparation between Magnepan & KEF ref. series

Gmood1...You are accurate in the observation that power levels are never even close to the ratings of the amps that people use. But, my experience is always that higher power amps sound better. This was most clearly illustrated when I changed between two Adcom amps having identical specs except for power...100wpc vs 350 wpc into 4 ohms. There is some other characteristic which goes along with high power capability that does the magic.

That said, Maggies sound very good even with low powered amps. It's just that they sound even better with high power.
This is true of all speakers, but more so with Maggies.

If you are a Kef fan, check out the newest Referance 201 through 207. I own a pair of 205s and I plan to keep them.

Eldartford...I agree to a certain extent. My Soliloquys 6.3s actually sounded better with amplifiers under 100 wpc but I also used them with amps better than 500 wpc. With no loss of dynamics what so ever,I could rattle the windows with a 25 wpc Monarchy SM 70! I believe the room has alot to do with it as well. I know you use a fairly large room..so the extra power comes in handy.

Also have a friend that uses the MMGs. I keep seeing people say you need all this power.He powered his with a 60 wpc integrate. I could never listen to music as loud as it pushed those MMGs for a long period of time. There would definitely be some hearing loss!

I suppose everyones threshold of hearing is different. But I do believe the louder you play your music..the less noticeable it will become. Making you feel those are normal listening volumes. As time goes on.. you will need to push the volume higher and higher as your ears adjust to the loudness.

The Mid/Tweeter Ribbons in my Maggies will probably pop with more than 20 watts being sent to them. I guess it also depends on what type of Maggie used that dictates the power requirements.

Gmood1...One must be careful about subjective evaluations of loudness. It has been shown that music sounds "Loud" when distortion occurs. Clean audio sounds less loud than distorted audio even if a meter will prove the oposite.

This has been cited as the reason why women are always telling us guys to lower the volume. Supposedly their hearing is more sensitive to distortion. But then I wonder if this is just more feminist propaganda!

Yes I agree Eldartford..but I won't tell my wife that!!LOL
You ever went on a long trip playing the radio in your vehicle at a volume you thought was normal. Only to have a rude awakening the next morning when you turn the ignition only to be blasted by the radio!