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Speaker wattage question

I'm new here, so I hope I'm posting this in the appropriate forum.
I am running KEF LS50's with a Parasound Integrated amp. The amp is rated at 165 WPC @ 8 ohms. The speakers are rated for 25-100 watts (and are possibly lower than 8 ohms according to some sources).
If pushed, do I risk damaging a driver, or will I simply get clipping?
Any help appreciated and please pardon my ignorance on something I'm sure is common knowledge.
chrisg1000

Showing 2 responses by erik_squires

erik_squires
16,591 posts
 
@chrisg1000 The key is to be sensitive to the sound quality.  The speakers will first compress, then distort, when you approach their real limits.

Keep them sounding well and you can attach a 2,000 watt amp with no problem. :)

Best,


Erik
erik_squires
16,591 posts
 
@inna

The SPL at a listening location is a function of the speaker sensitivity, room acoustics and distance from the source.

You could measure the SPL at 2.83 volts (1w/8 ohms) with the mic at the listening location and then do math from there if you really wanted to. :)

Divide your maximum RMS voltage by 2.83 and convert to dB. Add this to the SPL measured at the listening location and voila, you have your maximum SPL.

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