Just to state my position up front, I'm not sure where I stand on the issue.

I've never had a reasonable way to do a proper A/B, but years ago I owned a NAD preamp and 2200PE power amp and things definitely didn't sound as good when I decided I wanted Dolby Surround instead of stereo and moved to a mid-range Technics receiver.

I don't remember there being a difference at low volumes, but at "normal" volumes and louder there was a lack of dynamics (yes, "punch") with the receiver.

There's been mention of a difference in bass, but I'm not sure how reasonable that is these days when powered subs are the norm. In my case, the bass was absolutely "tighter, punchier", but that was with passive sub in-line with my mains....I'm not sure what kind of load it presented.

Again, I've never A/B'd, but I'd buy a separate amp/preamp setup if I were in a larger room. I couldn't justify it at the moment with my room size.

::::::: No disrespect to Axiom, but my favorite woofer is my yellow lab :::::::