NOLAGT,
Let's take the M80's 95dB in-room response rating as an example. That number means the speaker is capable of generating a sound that measures 95dB in amplitude -- very loud -- when supplied with only 1 Watt of power. The measurement is typically taken by a microphone placed 1 meter away from the front of the speaker.
Watts are not used unless they are called upon. A 1000 watt amp and a 50 watt amp are equally capable of creating deafeningly loud levels in an average sized room when connected to most Axiom speakers. I definitely see the appeal of having a beast of an amp to power your speakers, especially if you normally listen to music or movies at levels that approach the hearing damage range, but for the most part, extra watts are just extra watts.
