Perhaps "strain" wasn't the best word. During loud passages it just feels like the dynamics aren't there... It sounds like the musical power is falling short of what it should be.

... It feels "not quite there". You know what I mean?

I'm watching Gladiator (for example) and just feeling like there should be more sound!

M22, VP150, QS8 <--all v2
Sub: Outlaw LFM1-Plus
Denon AVR1910, Sony X900-65"