" I don't think its straining at all but not sure how to tell."
You listen to it. If an amp is straining, its very easy to hear.
" Although I love the sound this gives me, i feel it just doesn't have enough oomph! For example, in order to sound "right" when i listen to the Eagles Hell Freezes Over DVD, volume is at level 60 on the 5SE. "
Before you go any further, you need to look at the source. I don't know what DVD player you have, but its most likely a bottleneck. If you don't start with a source that has the qualities you need, the rest of the system doesn't matter. You can't amplify what's not there.
You listen to it. If an amp is straining, its very easy to hear.
" Although I love the sound this gives me, i feel it just doesn't have enough oomph! For example, in order to sound "right" when i listen to the Eagles Hell Freezes Over DVD, volume is at level 60 on the 5SE. "
Before you go any further, you need to look at the source. I don't know what DVD player you have, but its most likely a bottleneck. If you don't start with a source that has the qualities you need, the rest of the system doesn't matter. You can't amplify what's not there.