In our opinion almost all hi-fi amplifiers available are underpowered. With speakers less than 92db sensitivity it is a fact that amplifiers with less than 200wpc are clipping (and that means distortion and non-linearities) frequently. The A5.5 has 250wpc and is capable of reproducing proper dynamic range. It has fabulous technical performance and a delicate neutral sound which belies its great muscle power potential. The A5.5 sounds rather like a super quality tube amplifier but with guts and proper dynamic range. Coupled with the A5.5 CD we reckon there isn't much available, at any price, which offers better performance than this pair.