Is there a such too much power for speakers?


How do I know the amp I’m looking to buy is beautifully enough power for my speakers?
what will happen when the power amp is (way) over or too much power for the speakers?
My Local dealer quoted, “there aren’t limits on power amp, (but my budget that is). The more, the better, they added”
Their suggested highest amplifications are in $75k range (my speakers are in $20k range)
Please help.
128x128nasaman

Showing 2 responses by larryi

Most of the amps I really like are low in power.  This is the case with both solid state and tube gear.  I particularly like low-powered tube amps.  Of course, the speakers to match with such amps must be high in efficiency and must present a reasonably easy.  I also find that some high powered amps sound a bit lifeless if they are idling along at low output so it might be better to not go with really high powered amps if they are to be coupled to higher efficiency speakers/

There is also the possibility of high powered amps damaging a speaker because of a loud pop or other transient noise or someone accidentally cranking the volume. Speakers that are higher in efficiency tend to be capable of taking only modest levels of power before being damaged.
I am more familiar with the Stradivari.  I have helped with the setup of three systems using that speaker.  The Elipsa looks like a slightly smaller version of the Stradivari.  The Stradivari did not require high power to sound good.  I don't expect that the Elipsa needs really high power to sound good and it probably cannot absorb as much power and deliver quite the same volume level as the Stradivari.  I have not heard many speakers that really "need" more than 100 watts, and I doubt that the Elipsa would be one of those kinds of speakers.

There are tradeoffs involved in any choice of amplifier.  The higher the output, the more output devices run in parallel are needed and the sound does suffer in some ways from this design choice.  I find this particularly the case with tube amps; and with a lot of manufacturer's lines, I prefer their lower power and cheaper amps when the speakers are appropriately efficient.  

I am not saying that a high-powered tube amp is not appropriate; it is just that you should not automatically rule out amps that are in the power range of your current amps under the impression that it is more power that is needed for improved sound.  While you expressed a preference for tube amps, if you do find that more power is what is needed, you should consider solid state amps.  Some solid state amps are quite decent where a bit more power is the requirement (e.g., look at Ayre amps).