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Purpose of power handling in the specs?

So I’ve never quite understood this:  What is the point of manufacturers listing power handling in the specs?

I ask this because I’m now listening to a 89dB efficient speaker, rated to handle between 50-200 watts of power, with a 7 watt 300b integrated.  Logic would tell me that even with the volume maxed out I should get almost no volume from the speakers.

Can someone please enlighten me as to the purpose of the power handling specs?

Thanks.

 

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Showing 3 responses by erik_squires

erik_squires
15,805 posts
 

Important to note that speaker makers are usually a little optimistic with their measurements, but they should be from anechoic (no echo) testing.  In room performance will vary, but the power to volume ratios (dB) will remain constant.  3dB more power = 3dB louder until compression sets in.

erik_squires
15,805 posts
 

 Shocking isnt it. 

 

Yes, it is electricity after all.

erik_squires
15,805 posts
 

Hey,

Your logic isn’t very mathematically based! :)

Let’s start at the beginning. 89 dB means you get 89 dB with just 1 watt 1 meter away. 

At 7 Watts your gain is about 8.4 dB, or about 97 dB at 1 watt 1 meter away. That’s quite noticeable output. :)

You can use this calculator:

 

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