We all know, generally speaking, that separates will produce a better soundstage, and overall sound, than integrated amps and both are better than receivers.
But my first thoughs of the difference, in db output, between a high current 85w amp(receiver) and a high current 100w amp would be about the same, as far as where the volume controls were set playing the same source, thru the same speakers in the same room.
I couldn't have been more wrong. Using a Denon 85w receiver, most lps were played with the volume at -10 ~ -7db, with half speed master recordings at -3 ~ 0db.
With the Citation 11 pre-amp/Citation 19 100w power amp I'm only around -18 ~ -12db, and that is peak, for the same half speed masters. Those numbers are according to the LED db meters. And that is producing around 85db at the seated position 9 ft away. Talk about having plenty of headroom to spare! And ya, the soundstage and overall sound is much improved.