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 2 responses by mechans

I have not had any problems exceeding the suggested wattage range. Pushing them hard means playing them loudly with a distorted signal from the power amp or section of an inregrated/receiver. It is the distortion or clipping that blows your speaker. In many cases having an under powered amp is the reason that a speaker blows. The reason for that is that the small output amp strains when trying to get to the desired volume, that straining pushes the amp into clipping and sending a distorted or irregular wave form to the speakers. So the bottom line is not to drive your speakers with distortion, powerful will likely distort at higher volume than a small amp will.
All that said it is of course possible to exceed the speaker's ability to fill the room at the volume you desire. You can blow the drivers simply by sending a more powerful signal than they can deal with. I don't know if your speakers have a very limited maximum output in terms of Db, and thus the stern warning from the manufacturer. A Db meter can be bought at Radio Shack, they are inexpensive. Never the less the most dangerous and most likely problem remains distortion IMO.
I can answer for Rodman, You got the point. Clean undistorted power at moderate levels will be fine.
The only concern is that you may want tp play quite loudly. I don't know your lifestyle, but as Elizabeth said as long as you are fairly sober and aren't a closet headbanger. If you want to blast music for a party or yourself then you might want to buy a spare set of Cerwin Vegas. I am not kidding they aren't crazy expensive and are capable of high SPLs.