How much power is to much power?


When is an amp overkill for a speaker? More specifically, I have 91db speakers and I'm considering two SS amps, one 140 watts and the other 200 watts. Are they both too much? Is it too much simply because you're paying for extra power but don't need it, or because it's a detriment to the overall system sound?

Thanks.
jtnicolosi

Showing 3 responses by newbee

FWIW the difference in power, translated into db's from your speakers is about 1 1/2 dbs. hardly audible to many people even when they are listening well within the power range. For example if you clipped at aprox 140 wts you'd be producing peaks of aprox 113db. At 200 wts you'd be producing peaks of about 114db. To get exposed to those kind of peaks you be listening to an average constant SPL in the high 90's. Tell me you NOT doing that!

I'd ignore the difference and get the best sounding one. I sure wouldn't pay a lot of money to get the extra power capability. And, if you need some current to drive a hard load, a high current amps with a rated output of 50wts would still be more than you would probably ever use.

BTW Phaelon is right (except that I have 92db speakers and, unlike him, I'm happy driving my speakers, in my home, with 40wt and I have done well with 86db speakers and 50wts). You do need to take speaker impedence/phase issues into consideration when you are selecting an amp to drive them.

FWIW, if you've got the money, and you are not giving up sound quality, having high power reserves in not a bad thing. But high power high quality amps cost a disproportionate amount of money for the power you get but don't use.
Vett93, You have learned something of great value, I think. Now to have an even more complete understanding of amp/speaker matching, consider that not only do speakers have an irregular impedence so do amplifiers have an output impedence that is irregular. Not so much SS which usually have a very low output impedence and its not a real issue, but tube amps can, and do, have output impedences that are fairly high and can make a substantial difference in what you hear from speakers. It's has been discussed here before so some night when you can't sleep, it will give you something to research. :-)
LOL, Destep. It sure does remain an amusing exchange, especially if you like to see Pit Bulls in the ring. These guys are made for each other, I think. Substance v form! And the winner is? :-)