Can you ever have too powerful amp for speakers?

Diminishing returns perhaps in terms of value for some (that never stopped a true audiophile with deep pockets before however), but recent more cost effective Class D amps which are also highly efficient and deliver top notch sound kind of changes the parameters here as well.

Feil has a good point!

"Some of the big monsters are not light on there feet. They only do big well."

I know of one discerning person who is using a 500w/ch Class D icepower amp with 109 db efficient horn speakers. Overkill perhaps but that person has reported top notch results and a hesitancy to change.

Blindjim,

Good stuff.

I'd add that in addition to sensitivity, speaker design and directionality can matter. More directional speakers will produce higher SPLs at the sweet spot than less directional or omni design speakers. The reason should be apparent, its like the pressure generated by a garden hose nozzle delivering a focused stream of water versus one that is set to more of a spray pattern.

With omni speakers, there is more leeway to up the volume further without being blasted out of the room, all other factors aside. I percieve higher listening levels to be less fatiguing on my omnis as well in comparison to my more directional monitor speakers. With omnis, lots of power can really be put to good use with less danger of damaging your ears as well IMHO.