Receiver Watt vs Speaker Watt Ratings - do I dare? (1 Viewer)

[Bryan G]

Sorry if I missed this in the introductory material. What kind of trouble would I be asking for if I hooked up speakers with a rating of

Impedance: 8 ohm nominal

Recommended Amp Power: 15 - 100 watts (RMS/CHNL)

to a receiver with a rating of

110 watts x 6 into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.05% THD

Is this recommended or should I not even look at receivers that exceed the speaker recommended range? I am trying to be cautious in my selection. Last thing I want to do is purchase things that don't work together. I have the speakers picked out, but have not purchased. (Energy Take 5.2) Then I was looking to purchase a receiver. Some I am considering have the 110 watts rating at 8 ohms. Should I take them off my list?

Bryan

 

[Jack Briggs]

You'll do okay. It's actually more dangerous to run an underpowered amp to speakers of medium to low efficiency. As long as you operate the system with reason, everything should be fine.

 

[John Garcia]

A speaker wattage rating is the maximum CONTINUOUS rating it can handle, and is almost meaningless, IMO.

Since you will not be likely to run your system at full volume for extended periods, it is unlikely your speakers will see the full rated power of the amp, except during peak occurences.

Even at calibrated ref level, you will not be pushing the full power rating continously. As Jack said, too little power is more of a concern with good speakers.