Johnk,
Thanks great info. So is the blind listening comparison of amps. This stuff is just gold when trying to decide how to spend your A/V money.
My room is a little smaller than Gena's and probably a lot more reflective, so I would expect to get to ear splitting without strain or distortion.
I am beginning to think the "strain" I am hearing at loud but not exceeding loud volumes in some material may be due to the material. When I turn down the volume I think I am hearing it when near the speaker but not in the listening position. Maybe just a hot mic, close mic, or saturated mic on some of my recordings. They are modern recordings and otherwise well done so I did not notice. Nora Jones "Come Away with Me" is the CD I heard this on most. Not sure if there are any fans with amps in their system. Wish I had an amp. to compare.
