There is only few percent of peak amp's power delivered with music, because average loudness (half) delivers 1/10 of peak power, while music has gaps. It depends on music - heavy orchestral pieces will bring higher average power, while Jazz trio will have almost none. I wouldn't be concerned about these ratings, unless you listen to sinewaves at full power.
As rick_n said "Distortion kills speakers". Flattened squarish sinewaves (overdriven amp) deliver a lot of high frequency energy, that often kills tweeters. It happened to me, trying to play very loud (New Year party) using 50W amp.
Exceding recommended power rating
Hi Folks,
I have a question about power ratings of speakers.
I have purchased a pair off Dynaudio Focus 360's which have a power handling rating of 300 watts at 4ohms.
The amplifier I would like to use with it is a Conrad Johnson Premier 350,which has a out put rating of 350 watts into 8 ohm's,and 600 watts into 4 ohm's.
My question is simple.Is the amplifier going to blow my speakers even if I never play it very loud?
I have seen reviews on here and other places where the reviewer has said they thought these speakers could take even 1200 watts.
This amplifier fits what I'am looking for,I just want to make sure I don't ruin my speakers.
thanks