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Low power amps and speaker damage?

I've always read that low power amps are more likely to damage speakers than high powered ones (provided they're not overdriven).  This normally in threads where a member asks something like:  Will my 200 watt amp damage my speakers rated at 100 watts?

I've driven several 86db, or thereabouts, efficient speakers with just a few watt tubed amps and have never damaged my speakers.

Was I just lucky or is it I didn't push the speakers into loud enough volume for the low watts to damage the drivers?

Thanks, and stay safe.

Mamoru
audiodwebe

Showing 2 responses by mapman

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,842 posts
 
I learned the hard way  early on frying several Heil AMT tweets with a 40 watt integrated amp many years ago.   Never again.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,842 posts
 
Historically its common for low power amps to damage speakers particularly tweeters when they hard clip and distort.

Tube amps typically soft clip and are less likely to cause damage when clipping to speakers because they distort differently. Read up on clipping and differences between hard and soft clipping for more.

My personal experience is that advances in amp and speaker design over the years makes this less of an issue than in the past, but still something to be aware of and avoid. Clipping is public enemy #1 to good sound....it is distortion and can easily occur anytime to the detriment of sound quality even if no physical damage done. So always better safe than sorry when it comes to having sufficient power to drive speakers to desired levels with minimal distortion. 


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