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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

twangy57

Showing 7 responses by twangy57

twangy57 OP
221 posts
 

ditusa's avatar

ditusa

1,976 posts

 

@twangy57: See here. smiley

My question is simple.Is the amplifier going to blow my speakers even if I never play it very loud?

No!

Mike

 

That's what I thought as I have read quite a few people who own these say they routinely put 600 watts through them.

Thanks

twangy57 OP
221 posts
 

I thank you all for responding.

It is reassuring to know,now I can relax and get to the fun.

twangy57 OP
221 posts
 
ghdprentice

7,665 posts

 

"I have powered my system with amps in great excess for decades. You do not want to try an exceed 120db ear splitting loudness... but more power nearly always sound better "

 

Yes,that’s what I being told.I have seen that in other posts,how when someone replaced their amp with one with more power,suddenly everything was better.I just wanted to make sure before I committed to it.

Thanks

twangy57 OP
221 posts
 
fatdaddy2

435 posts

 

+1 to what Eric says; you’re likely using between 1-10 watts for listening 99% of the time.
ibmjunkman’s avatar
ibmjunkman

254 posts

 

Just don’t turn it up to 11.

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Thanks,I don't drink anymore and that is when I used to get carried away with the volume.

Just need to put a note next to the volume.Do Not Operate While Impaired!

 

twangy57 OP
221 posts
 

Yes,that’s what I being told.I have seen that in other posts,how when someone replaced their amp with one with more power,suddenly everything was better.I just wanted to make sure before I committed to it.

Having a big amp its sorta like having a V12 engine, loads of power but you're never going to be able to use it all.

A big amp gives presence, the ability to handle everything that's thrown at it, including micro details.

CJ are very well respected.
moonwatcher

498 posts

 

No. Unless you accidentally crank it waaay up. Having more power in reserve is actually better than making an amp strain to deliver power to a speaker, esp3ecially if the speakers are hard to drive or have a very low sensitivity or need more current to come alive.  Sit back and enjoy. Just don’t go crazy with the volume.  You’ll likely start hearing some strain and compression from the speakers (and your ears) before you "blow" them. 

 

Sounds good.I heard a tube CJ years ago with some Thiel speakers and I never forgot how good it sounded.

I hope the one I'am getting sound's that good.

 
twangy57 OP
221 posts
 

knownothing

1,673 posts

 

I have ruined some tweeters before by over powering some bookshelf speakers and trying to use them outdoors as a PA system for a rugby party.  Don’t try that.

kn

I will heed that advice.

I guess I better not crank my bootleg copy of the Austrian Tongue Choir.

twangy57 OP
221 posts
 
ghdprentice

7,671 posts

 

The more watts you have... holding all other things the same... the better the first watt (or ten) will sound, especially with solid state. For me,  loudness has nothing to do with why I have purchased high output amp... it is about the solidity and power when playing at normal volumes 60 - 80 db... not playing loud. I believe that with solid state amps, small transients can temporarily drain instantaneous power available. So, the more headroom the better they sound. 

 

+1 Conrad Johnson

 

That makes sense to me.

I know I hate driving a under powered car,and hearing it struggle just to pull away from every light.

Thanks

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