Earwax
Active Member
For 8-ohm speakers with a 140-watt continuous power rating, Do l need an amplifier that can deliver at least 140 watts, but ideally 280 watts (1.5-2 times the speaker rating) to handle power spikes and ensure a healthy margin ?
On The Bench :
- Matching Impedance:
Is it crucial the amplifier's output impedance match the speaker's impedance (8 ohms in this case) ?
- Power Rating:
Does the amplifier's power rating need to at least be equal to, but ideally greater than, the speaker's continuous power rating ?
- Power Spikes:
Speakers can experience sudden power spikes during music playback, so is it's a good idea to choose an amplifier with a bit of headroom ?
- Rule of Thumb:
Is it a common rule of thumb to choose an amplifier that can deliver 1.5 to 2 times the speaker's continuous power rating ?
- Example:
Is it any detailed improvement if your speakers have a 140-watt continuous power rating to have an amplifier rated for 280 watts (2 x 140) instead of 50 watts per channel for medium volume level ?
I`m aware that higher current adds more precise control so question is at what current rating ( Watts divided by Volts = Amps ) is the optimum for a medium volume level ?
My Harman Kardon AVR 140 is only putting out 50 watts per channel in stereo mode, probably good I`ve always lived in Apt or suites and have never turned them up to their full potential ? AVR 140 is also Rated 25 amps if that matters...
- Speaker Spec`s here :
On The Bench :
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