Need help with speaker power spec (newbie question)

[thatguy]

Hi Everyone, could anyone tell me how to read the power specification for speakers.

E.g for Wharfedale 10.2, there is just one line for power:

Suitable Amplifier Power : 20 - 100 w

For Monitor Audio Bronze BR2, there are two lines

Power Handling (RMS): 100 W
Recommended Amplifier Requirements (RMS): 30 - 100 W


What does Wharfedale's spec mean. I used to believe both 20 and 100 were RMS, but someone told me that the lower number is RMS and the higher one is dynamic.

For MA BR2, does it mean that I need an AMP which is rated for at lest 30 watt RMS at 6 ohms?

Google dug up a lot of verbiage, but I couldn't make much sense from it. I would appreciate any help.

 

[abhi]

yes you understood it correct, it means that you need an amplifier with atleast 30W to make the speaker sing properly. 100 W would be the max power the speaker can handle on a continuous basis.

 

[CANDUU]

+1 to above........
can u give us more info on the amp ur having.....
30w is the minimum rms required to drive the driver and 100w is the peak wattage should be given to drive the driver.......
if the amp is 175w/channel given to a 100w speaker then it will be over load, may end in burying ur speakers or heating the amp........

 

[moktan]

isn't it the other way..low powered amps driving higher wattage speakers to the maximum cause more speaker distress
of course most listen to music at low to moderate volumes in average sized indian homes..so power shouldn't be an issue if your are satisfied with the sound..

 

[thatguy]

Thanks Guys.

Here is my dilemma. I have two amps. One is a NAD 310 (20W/C) and the other a Beomaster 4000 (60W/C). I am planning to pick up a Norge Ref 2000 next.

I am now in the market for speakers. The NAD poses a problem of its low wattage. I would hate it if a bad pairing causes permanent damage to the equipment. As Moktan says, even I have read about speakers getting damaged because the amp couldnt supply enough current.

My intention is not to build one great system but experiment and learn about sound reproduction. I will buy my dream system after I gain some more experience.

The question on my mind is: Will the Wharfdale 10.2 (or MA BR2) work with the NAD? 20W is the lowest recommended power for the 10.2 and it is 20 for the MA BR2.

 

[thatguy]

Sorry, forgot to mention that I have auditioned the WD 10.2 (paired with Norge 2000) and loved the sound. I am very keen on buying it. I will be auditioning MA BR2 and PSB image B6 next.

 

[venkatcr]

ThatGuy, a simple search would have given you very detailed explanations of speaker specifications and their meaning. Take a look at the following threads:

http://www.hifivision.com/speakers/3642-does-power-watts-affect-listening.html#post35780

http://www.hifivision.com/surround-...-denon-1610-vs-denon-1910-a-2.html#post127730

http://www.hifivision.com/speakers/9878-how-far-can-i-go-2.html#post135799

http://www.hifivision.com/amplifier...vr-vs-2-chn-amp-cdp-vd-dvdp-2.html#post158714

http://www.hifivision.com/what-shou...ired-receivers-speakers-setup.html#post182510

Cheers