Risk using amp Wattage than speaker rating?


I'd like to upgrade the amp for my Vandersteen 3A Sigs, but am a bit confused on whether or not I need to stay within the band of wattage (100 - 200 into 8 ohms) that is *strongly* recommended in the manual. I've read several articles/blogs/forum posts stating that exceeding the recommend power range for a loudspeaker system should be of a little concern, as long as you don't "push them too hard". What exactly does that mean? How much risk of damaging my speakers would there be if I used a 300 W/ch (into 8 ohms) amp with my speakers? I have a fairly large room, if that makes a difference. I appreciate any advice, as you all seem to be very knowledgeable about audio and have a lot of experience. Thanks, Rob
rtrauthwein

Showing 1 response by almarg

I second the previous comments. Probably the most common speaker damage scenario is blown tweeters resulting from the distorted signal that would be produced if an underpowered amp is asked to put out more power than it is capable of.

Based on some rough calculations, your speakers should be able to produce an SPL (sound pressure level) of about 100 to 102 db at a listening distance of 4 meters (about 13 feet), when driven by an amplifier rated at 200 watts into 8 ohms. Most listeners would be unlikely to raise the volume level high enough to send more power than that into the speakers. And even if you did, it would probably just be on occasional brief peaks, which would probably not do any harm as long as the amplifier's maximum power capability is not exceeded.

Regards,
-- Al