The HTA7200 can easily achieve the reference cinema sound levels of 105dB from all channels. The HTA7200 is rated at 210 Watts per channel, all channels driven (not just one channel, as stated by most competitors) into 4Ohms. Used with typical speakers this allows for a sound-pressure level of 112-115dB, 7-10dB more than required for reference sound levels. The additional dB’s means the amplifier is working well within its normal range, and this keeps the distortion low. (A good example of this is turning your TV up too much - it does not sound good. This is because the closer you get to full power the higher the distortion.) With this amplifier at 105dB, the distortion is below 0.01%.