In support of what others have said, such as Carls, I have a 100 watt amp, and I bet I am only using the first 15 watts. I think where it becomes more confusing is when a passage has huge bass it or huge horn entry, does the amp have the ability output alot of current in a short period of time. This is where I could notice a difference between an AVR and my AHB2 although both has a similar wattage value.
Why do speakers improve with more powerful amps?
So, if I have a solid state amp that more than adequately powers a speaker, why do people recommend a larger more powerful amplifier to improve things?
Why do more powerful amplifiers impact speaker sound quality in a favorable way? Is it because more power is reaching the speakers? Mid and Tweeter drivers I was told receive a reduced signal versus bass drivers which receive relatively more power via crossovers. All for the purpose of balancing a signal going to the various drivers.