kjf

Hello Forum. I'm old but I'm new here. In the 1970s I remember going into the local audio store "Lafayette Sound", later "Leiser Sound" and hearing awesome stereos with a sound I loved but I don't know the nomenclature of the experts here to describe what I like. I only know that you could hear the pick strumming every string, the tight snip of the high hat, the deep-but-quick thud of the bass drum. I guess crisp would fit. I don't like long lazy bass that rattles the dishes. The speakers I bought back in 1974 were store brand "HLX 10" speakers guaranteed for life and they really have lasted my whole life! I have driven them with everything to a Realistic STA 82 pushing what? 30 watts RMS? to the current Onkyo that is about 50 WPC. THe point is I never was able to reproduce what I heard in the 70s. They were probably using JBLs pushed by 100 WPC or more. Sooooo..... Recently I wanted to upgrade without spending a lot. I bought a used Technics SL-Q350 turntable, and some Klipsch Tangent 400s. I havent decided on a receiver. I have a few to choose from I bought used ad I see many cheap on a popular social media site. My question (at last) is: How many watts per channel RMS should I be pushing these Tangents with to make them sound their best? I Have several receivers of different powers. An Onkyo TX 900 (40WPC @8ohm), a TX-903 which is 60 watts per channel, a Technics SA-AX530 which is a 5.1 AV receiver putting out 80 watts per channel. I just saw a Teac AG-790 putting out 90 WPC I can buy for 35 bucks. I've been thinking I need 100 watts per channel to get the most out of these speakers. Or do I? The previous owner was using a Denon with only 60 WPC and the speakers sounded good when he demo'ed them. He threw in two Mg 1220 PP twelve - inch poly woofers because he said the paper woofers in the Tangents distorted at lower volume. Seems dumb for me to buy Quality Klipsch speakers then install other woofers. Then I've read going too low watts can harm the speakers / tweeters? I want great sound at moderate volume. I will either use one of the receivers listed above or pick up an inexpensive ($100 or less) receiver of higher wattage if that's what I need. Some of you may be rolling on the floor laughing, but I intend to stay cheap on a retired guy's budget. What do you recommend to power these Tangent 400s? How many Watts PC RMS and any years or brands preferred? for awesome sound at moderate volume? So that's my epic saga. Please advise.