Question re: power output and volume

[kexodusc]

Thanks yet again, Wooch. I got into a discussion about power ratings between the Yamaha RX-V1400 and RX-V2400 receivers (I'm a few paycheques away ). A friend of mine is considering purchasing the one of these two models. He doesn't really crank up the volume and I couldn't see much advantage for him to add 10 more watts per channel.
What about putting a different spin on this question then. He's driving some DIY VIFA speakers (Ed Frias, I think) so would buying a receiver with 10 more Watts per channel improve sound quality at moderate volumes, or just give him more potential to to make noise, and not really add value for him? We've already established the other features the 2400 incorporates over the 1400 probably wouldn't be of use to him. Any input? Thx.

[markw]

If I may interject, an additional 10 watts won't really provide an audiable difference, assuming the same speakers in both cases.

To get a barely audiable increase of 3 decibles, you need to DOUBLE the power. To get roughly twice the precieved loudness, you must multiply the power TEN times. So, those additional 10 watts won't amount to a hill of beans here.

For this to be a good move, there must be other niceties added to that receiver he needs other than those 10 additional watts

If those additional 10 watts are his only reason for looking at this, then I wouldn't waste my money.

[kexodusc]

That echoes my sentiments about the two receivers. 100 extra dollars for a few extra watts doesn't seem worth it. His current receiver is only 85/channel I think and that's been more than sufficient for him.
Thanks for the input.

[TinHere]

That echoes my sentiments about the two receivers. 100 extra dollars for a few extra watts doesn't seem worth it. His current receiver is only 85/channel I think and that's been more than sufficient for him.
Thanks for the input.

The 2400 allows for the receiver to be hooked up to a PC via the RSC232 connection. This allows for different settings to be stored on the PC and transferred to the receiver with a program they call the "Yamaha Receiver Editor". This allows for multiple "sweet spots" to be uploaded to the receiver from the computer without having to rerun YPAO each time you want the change, or manually redo the settings.