Answer
The holy name is always fully powerful, whether chanted with beads or without beads.
The question is not Krishna's power, but our capacity to receive and absorb that power.
Beads are a form of spiritual technology developed by the acharyas to help engage the mind and maintain attention. Chanting bead after bead helps prevent distraction and keeps the consciousness connected to the mantra.
Each bead corresponds to one complete maha-mantra, and japa is a form of worship. Therefore, beads should not be underestimated.
For the practice of 16 rounds, chanting on beads is strongly recommended because it supports concentration and allows one to receive the fullest benefit of the process.
