OP here. I'm currently using an Onkyo reciever that puts out 65w/ch. I rarely exceed 1/2 the volume and it does a fine job. I listen to some rock-n-roll(no heavy metal) but trend more toward stuff like Alison Krauss, Lyle Lovett(who I might add makes beautiful albums, check out "The Road to Ensenada" or "Smile: Songs From the Movies"), Steve Earle, Guy Clarke, The Two Dollar Pistols(check that out), Alt. Bluegrass, Classical Music, etc... I really enjoy well recorded and mixed music, but prefer accoustical stuff. There's just something about those tubes glowing when the ligts are low that makes me feel like "I gotta get me somma that!"