Tiger, welcome. Yes, the difference between 80 and 120 watts is only 1.76dB in maximum loudness capacity(e.g., a brief split-second peak could be played at 106.76dB compared to 105dB). If you prefer the features of the Marantz(but as Rick points out, the 3490 also has tone controls)you shouldn't hesitate to choose it because of a small difference in maximum power output(which might never be put to use).

Last edited by JohnK; 01/05/10 04:47 AM.
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Enjoy the music, not the equipment.