Amp for my 2 channel

[RGA]

By this logic my 86 dB sensitivity Magneplanars would need only about 20 watts to kickout 96 dB, however in practice this is not the case.

Interesting - maybe you should tell Magnepan they need a bigger amplifier in their very own showroom. They use an amp (a receiver in fact) under 40 watts.

The 1.7 played quite well with an 18 watt SET - never had to push the volume past the 11'o'clock position on the full gain volume control. It played quite loud with controlled non mushy bass. Granted the transformers are exceptionally good but 18 watts had zero problems playing to quite loud levels.

I don't know why you don't actually get out and listen to some of these systems. Every time I read some putz on an internet forum claiming you can't play loud with 10 watts just tells me they never audition anything. I can tell you right now that a Soro and AN E/SPE He with an 18 watt amp in 25 X 25 by 15h room will blow you into next week. You will be in physical PAIN that's how loud it can play.

This is a room a small speaker with a small powered amp can handle and play very loud in. If a speaker/amp combo needs a bazillion watts then something is wrong somewhere. Either the speaker is incompetent or the amplifier is so "unclear" that it needs to be cranked to be able to make things out. Which of course may in fact be true because when transients are not clear - the sound seems lacking so it needs to be cranked up in attempt to add back clarity.

"A nice big room for a rather average looking system. But this collection of gear really did fill the room with life-like music.../...The music I heard was big-band circa 1960 or so. Nobody said who it was that was playing. I didn't ask. I hung around for three numbers. Easily, this was the best sounding exhibit that I heard during my visits to the various exhibitor rooms. There was astoundingly good prat. This system has the 'timing thing' very close to being right. Foot-tappin, finger-snappin', and at times jaw-dropping, good music. The speakers and the vacuum tube electronics were Audio Note UK. They have my attention." http://www.theanalogdept.com/vsac08.htm