The answer is always "It Depends".
Decibel is indeed a logarithmic scale, you can read more about it on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decibel
The minimal amount of output watts to be able to hear music at a reasonable listening level depends on the efficiency and sensitivity of your speakers.
The amount of output watts that your power amplifier will output at any given input voltage depends on its gain.
The input voltage to the amp depends on your source and the gain of your preamp.
If you are exposed to levels of >85 decibels for an extended period of time, you are at risk of permanent hearing loss.
Practically, most speakers will produce 85db with only a few watts...
My previous system had Zu Druids which have 101db sensitivity, and I drove them with 1.5 watt SET tube amp and I rarely needed to turn the dial to full volume, that also depends on the source gain.
The benefits many people attribute to having over-powered, hundreds of watts is headroom and dynamic range. That means a powerful amplifier can play a larger range of volumes, and won’t struggle with a loud kick-drum or organ note, as it is far from its limit. Of course, you have to take into account that the input voltage needs not clip as well for that to happen.
Bottom line - follow your speaker manufacturer recommendation, and as a rule of thumb, you will be better off with more power than with less, as clipping of amplifiers, especially solid state is very annoying to the ear and can damage the speakers.
HTH
PS: watch this video by Paul McGowen - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSac09svJuc
Decibel is indeed a logarithmic scale, you can read more about it on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decibel
The minimal amount of output watts to be able to hear music at a reasonable listening level depends on the efficiency and sensitivity of your speakers.
The amount of output watts that your power amplifier will output at any given input voltage depends on its gain.
The input voltage to the amp depends on your source and the gain of your preamp.
If you are exposed to levels of >85 decibels for an extended period of time, you are at risk of permanent hearing loss.
Practically, most speakers will produce 85db with only a few watts...
My previous system had Zu Druids which have 101db sensitivity, and I drove them with 1.5 watt SET tube amp and I rarely needed to turn the dial to full volume, that also depends on the source gain.
The benefits many people attribute to having over-powered, hundreds of watts is headroom and dynamic range. That means a powerful amplifier can play a larger range of volumes, and won’t struggle with a loud kick-drum or organ note, as it is far from its limit. Of course, you have to take into account that the input voltage needs not clip as well for that to happen.
Bottom line - follow your speaker manufacturer recommendation, and as a rule of thumb, you will be better off with more power than with less, as clipping of amplifiers, especially solid state is very annoying to the ear and can damage the speakers.
HTH
PS: watch this video by Paul McGowen - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSac09svJuc