High power amp, does it matter at low volumes?

@OP I'm sorry to say it, but B&W 800 series speakers are probably the worst choice for listening at low levels. They will sound better with a better quality amplifier but I think they will still sound dynamically flat at low levels regardless of what you feed them with.

Hi yoyayaya,  Yes, these speakers definitely have a "wake up" amp level.  Below 21 or 22 on my preamp control, pretty dull. Above that level, like 23, a whole new sound. What you learn as you go.  I am not planning on trading in speakers, but, some day I may go that route.  

 The power amplifier has a specific job to do, as it is an electronic device designed to increase the power of an input signal (source), and in this case, to power speakers. Before getting into the amp/speaker relationship, it has been my experience, that the gain and impedance between the source and the amp, has been critical for the amp to do its job and to sound proper. When selecting speakers, the listener will determine (hopefully) that the speakers cater to his/her wants, needs and desires. Speakers need to "work" in the room, and a happy marriage of speaker/room/acoustic control, should be "set up" to properly showcase the specific attributes of the designer's quest, at the listening seat (for those who have a listening seat), as most here, do. I am stating this because this is why we spend our money. Now, what power/current necessities do these speakers require, and how loud (SPL/Dynamics) are you looking to achieve. The reality is, all amps have a sound (least colored ime, has been the Benchmark AHB2), and of course, in my system. And sensitivity wise, small amps love my Lascalas...they thrive. However, because I listen at realistic levels, my larger amps (1.5 kw transformers and tremendous capacitance), are so much better at giving me what I want, and the speakers, room and yes, my ears/brain, enjoy big power. Did someone here actually recommend a tube amp to power your B&Ws? My experience tells me, your B&Ws should work very well with your L 532. And let's not forget about "Synergy", starting with the speaker/room and continuing up the line, at the beginning. At low volume, the music lacks the excitement I require.  Headphones are great for those times, and I am blessed I share walls, with no one. My best, MrD.

I am so blown away by the thoughtful and intelligent comments.  I just subscribed to Audiogon for the purpose of posting this question, and I am very glad I did.

I still have to download the test tone, per 'retiredaudioguy' and put my VOM as suggested. 

'mrdecibel' hit the nail on the head. I was lucky enough to have a wife who supported my hobby / desire and who was tired of me taking her into stereo shops, that when we walked into a shop with the B&W 802's she said "Buy em".  It was hard to say No.  After 12 -14 years of ownership, I still like them. The L 532H and L326S are a great combination, and do work well. 

I have the opportunity to buy a McIntosh 426, new, dealer authorized store, demo unit, Black Friday sale.  450 wpc.

I am not sure anymore that it will make a big difference?

For about the same money, I can get new Bryston 7b3 mono amps, 600 wpc.  or Bryston 14b3 stereo amp, also 600 wpc. 

Pass Labs, X250.8 is also in my price range, on the high end.. some Class A, 250 wpc. 

I believe 'retiredaudioguy' is likely right, don't spend money on more power, get more quality. 

Christmas is coming, and then next year is coming, and guess what, I am not in a rush. I am likely driving 2 1/2 hours tomorrow to hear the McIntosh 462.  The joys of living away from big cities.  The closest stereo shop is literally 2 1/2 hours away.

@robeffy IME, although McIntosh, as Levinson, has always worked well with B&W, these two brands (power amps in this case), sound nothing alike...Based on the autoformer design used in the output stage of the 462, which is a Mac "thing" with solid state(output transformers dominate in tube amps, with a few exceptions of OTL), they have a sound that many prefer, and many who do not. When listening to the 462, hopefully it will be through a set of B&W models, close to yours. The best thing you can do, is pay to borrow/rent one, for a week, in your system, if you even need that much time with it to decide. It will be yay or nay. That is the way it is, and everyone on this site, knows it. My best, MrD.