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 1 response by paraneer

Speaker wattage ratings are generally meaningless.  The two key specs are impedance and sensitivity when matching an amp to a pair of speakers. 

As others have pointed out, you have a quality amp with more than enough power to drive your KEF's without fear of ever clipping.  The sheer volume level alone would cause you to back off on the knob long before you ever start to approach clipping with your Parasound. 

Low powered amps driving difficult loads destroy speakers by clipping.  Not high powered amps like yours.  Don't worry about it and enjoy your system.  I bet it sounds great!