^^ What are your music sources? Are they analog or digital connections? Seems it must be low if you are running in single digits. I'm usually at -20 to -30 for normal. Perhaps you just like it loud!

Re: power amps, usually the reason for buying a power amp with twice the wattage is not the extra 3 dB in peak loudness, but in the quality of the sound at all levels. The improved sense of authority and control, or refinement it imparts.