Emotiva XPA3 with Def. Tech. Speakers ??

[HTJ]

Hi all. I'm considering the purchase of a XPA-3 to run my fronts (Def Tech BP7006, 2002 center) and using my Pioneer Elite 23TXH to power the surrounds in my 7.1 setup. The only reason I'd want to take the plunge is if I really noticed a drastic change in sound clarity/punch.

I don't need more volume. My Elite does a fantastic job. What I'd hope the XPA-3 would do is bring more punch to my front speakers in the mid to high range. For example, in Avatar, when the Thenetor(sp?) attacks Jake and they're running through the forest and it's snapping branches, I remember in the theater of being impressed by how those wood snapping sounds popped out....same as the scene where their shooting missiles at Home tree.....

I know my speakers are capable, because if I crank the sound to louder levels than preferred, I get those results. My hope is that by running more power to the fronts with the XPA-3, it would bring those sounds out more at more comfortable levels than my Elite is capable with limited power. I'd appreciate any of your thoughts on this and experiences using separate amps, etc., particularly any of you with similar speakers. Thanks.