How can I tell if I need more power?

Great offer Jvia, & good for you! Dwpc: rule of the thumb, you should try around 100 good ss watts, some 60+ tube -- just to get an *idea* of what your speaker can do for you.

Connect with Jvia, I say (I live half-way round the globe) !

Jvia, thanks for the offer...but I'm in CA.

Dwpc, please don't take this the wrong way. With that in mind, here goes:

Your current system is equivalent to owning a high performance muscle or sports car and filling up with watered down 87 octane from "Joe's Gas & Go". While it will get you from Point A to Point B, you're not getting ANYWHERE near the performance, benefits or fun of what you paid your money for. As such, your Vandie's are SCREAMING for a chance to to be taken out on the open road and strut their stuff. I'm not just talking about in terms of sheer "output" but also of the finesse and detail that they are capable of.

I would HIGHLY suggest looking into a higher quality amplifier section (as a start). While more power would probably be beneficial, i would first worry about "quality" and then look at the "numbers". Low powered high quality amps will ALWAYS sound more powerful than what they are spec'd at. As a case in point, look at how many "little" Pass amps rated at 30 wpc are floating around in relatively "high dollar" systems. Low power doesn't necessarily mean lack of bass output or low frequency control, clipping, etc... IF the amp and power supply are well designed and the speakers / type of music aren't overly demanding. As such, I would rather have 50 "good" Class A "hi-fi" watts of power per channel than 200 watts of "generic" Class AB "mid-fi" at the same appr price.

Keep in mind that you're working with a music SYSTEM. Your choices should blend together sonically, not just look good on paper. Hope this helps and gives you something to think about... Sean
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Well, in Ca there ought to be somebody ithat would enjoy taking you through this.
When we 1st buy our gear, we are taught(or should be taught)that speakers make all the difference, and they do on the 1st couple of systems. But once we get used to our systems, especially one's where the speakers are the strongest link, it is amazing what a good amp will do.
Good listening.

once again, sean gives wise advice, as does jvia (a transplanted gentleman from tennessee of the first water). as for me: i've NEVER heard an "overpowered" system (given that the amps, of whatever variety, provide clean power with plenty of current). -cfb