[kfr01]

Originally Posted by bodiezaffa

Most likely this question stems from my lack of engineering and electrical education.
I own a Luxman 507u rated at 200 watts into my 4ohm SF Cremona M speakers.
Lets say the lowest setting on my volume knob is equal to 1 (far left), the arrow pointing straight up is 6 (50%) and full volume is 10 (far right).
The Luxman delivers full, rich and crystal clear sound up to number 4. After that, the mid range begins to distort and the sounds becomes intolerable.
The decibel level at #4 is quite loud but with certain types of rock music, I would like to have a bit more “oomph”
I am baffled as to why a new $7000 integrated amplifier would not be able to deliver stable power to at least the 50% mark of my total volume range.
I also notice that as I increase the volume during a song, a “crackling” sound is heard.
Am I missing something

I agree with Masterlu: you're clipping the amplifier. I wouldn't push it, or you might damage your speakers.

How far one can turn the volume knob depends on many different variables (the load presented by the speakers, the sensitivity of the speakers, the source's output characteristics, the music being played, etc.).

I bet you can turn it up higher than 6 on classical albums that are recorded to be dynamic; not compressed with levels almost always maxed-out like a lot of rock music.

I doubt there is anything wrong with your amplifier, you simply need more power for your system: moderately powered integrated amplifiers might not be for you.

Time for separates for you, I'm afraid.