How Important is Dynamic Headroom?

Using that analogy: you are on the freeway ramp. you accelerate up to 95mph so you can 'pick your spot'.. as you enter you daub the brakes and join at 75mph ... so far so good... you are behind a truck and hate it... so you change lanes to pass.. you downshift and are passing but it takes time to just jump on it... lucky for you, as you and the trailer just passed a state cop who is gearing up to ticket the tractor trailer for going 80 in a 65 zone...
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I would not worry about specs (which is all the query is about) If it plays well.. who cares? you are using maybe 3 watts most of the time anyway!!! (unless a heavy metal gearhead, or you like to impress your down the block neighbors with your loud stereo)

no worries.

Interesting...I have been an audiophile for a long time, and so I understand your analogies. The amp has four of the biggest capacitors I have ever seen ("beer can" types or perhaps a tad larger). Anyway, I cannot fathom this being the type of amp that would run out of steam during transients. We will soon see. I am waiting for my new preamp to arrive.

Thanks.

Your B&K 200.2 is a pretty potent(and musical)amp. While specs may be a deciding factor when all other things are equal, they don't tell you how musical an amp is. Only your ears can do that. Just sit back and enjoy that movie or music tonight.

One comparision may be the term "bloom" you read so much about in the press nowdays.
I think it is something to consider when shopping for amplifiers.
IMHO, headroom is very important in good sounding audio equipment.