If the difference was that great to you, who are we to argue? Of course you have the right to quantify the change in whatever terms you want. I went from a mid-level Onkyo receiver to separates which include Axiom's A1400-8. I love the loud, clean playback levels compared to the Onkyo's obviously underpowered receiver with its harsher sound at higher volumes, but I'd personally be hard-pressed to call the difference night and day. Maybe clear blue skies versus a bit overcast.