more power.

[perpetual]

I don't know if is because every amp sounds different (better or worse) or because of the added head room (and I don't want to start an argument), but adding an amp to your system really improves the sound quality significantly.

Even with very efficient speakers I noticed a substantial improvement with a separate amp over just the receiver.

[Kevin. W]

[QUOTE=perpetual]I don't know if is because every amp sounds different (better or worse) or because of the added head room (and I don't want to start an argument), but adding an amp to your system really improves the sound quality significantly.

Even with very efficient speakers I noticed a substantial improvement with a separate amp over just the receiver.[/QUOTE]

Unless you listen at insane levels, what your hearing is a difference in sound. Try sitting with a SPL meter at your seating position and listen too something you enjoy at the level you like. Take a reading with the spl meter. You'll be lucky to record a level equal to that off the efficiency off your speaker. Which means your using less than 1watt per channel.

[dsmith901]

Separate amps generally have better noise levels, and THD, especially at higher volume or during dynamic passages, and that is usually audible.

[perpetual]

Well I guess is difference in sound. Don't know and don't really care. All I can say is that sound is clearer at any volume, everything sounds more detailed. If I close my eyes while watching a movie, I can clearly hear where the sound is coming from and where is going to.
Everything sounds more spacious, more enveloping. The sound seems to surround you more or better. I didn't get this sound with just my receiver.

More power is definitelly an advantage in my opinion.