If you want volume, you'll need as much power as you can give the SCM11's, but it's really down to whether an amplifier can control a loudspeaker, which isn't a volume dependent quality. It's the amplifier's job to tell the speakers what to do. It needs full control over the drive units. If an amplifier isn't in control of a speaker, bass notes become 'blurred', and you end you with a soft, dull bass that lacks punch and definition. Bass notes should be well defined, with no overhang, and kick drums should be punchy (not bassy, punchy) and should stand out from the bassline. The more an amplifier has to work to control a speaker, the harder it works trying to give a demanding speaker all the current it needs, and the more strained it will sound. If an amplifier doesn't sound effortless, it can end up sounding compressed, lacking in dynamics, and you could end up with a hard edge to the treble, making it an uncomfortable listen. As most amplifiers are kicking out their maximum at about the 12 o'clock position on the volume dial, if you're using your amplifier between the 11 and 12 position, you could very well be demanding a little too much from your amplifier. I've been a little too busy to try that particular combination yet vikhund, but I'll give them a good testing some time next week and post up my findings. it'll be interesting, as I've not really found any amplifier below an Audiolab 8200A that can drive them to my requirements. But one thing I will say, is that there is no amplifier under £1,000 that will make the SCM11's 'realise their full potential'. The most ideal "budget" system I would use with them would be the Audiolab 8200CDQ CD/pre and 8200P power amp.