Good thread here. Coming from a Rotel RSX-1057 to the A1400-8, I could tell a difference in transients typical of action movie soundtracks even at moderate volumes, where peaks were less than 90dB at the listening position. Bass reproduction is where it really makes a difference IMO. I can recall only one time where I was able to drive my M80's to audible distortion while using the A1400-8, and that was at an ungodly high volume (110dB continuous). I auditioned a Rotel RB-1080 2 channel amp for a weekend and, while it drove the M80s well, I was able to trigger its thermal protection circuit without a hell of a lot of effort. I suppose the RB-1092 would've been a fairer comparison, but it wasn't available at the time of my audition. My current A1400-8 doesn't ever get too hot, though I had a channel go out on my previous one due to what Axiom believed was thermal failure. I'm following up with them now, especially after reading RMK's messages about Audyssey possibly being a factor.
