I also wondered what would one need with 200watts/channel while watching movies. I agree the surrounds never need that kind of power (I actually use a 120w/channel for my rear surrounds). But I also enjoy using the 5/7 channel mode for music over some of the DSP modes. Occasionally the bypass is preferable but more often than I use the 5/7 channel mode. My room is fairly large. But I really like the 7500 for music, not that I play it really loud. My perception is that is just sounds fuller and detailed. Since getting the 7500 I no longer wonder. Just my two bits.