Usually, people make such a decision based on simplistic and sometimes meaningless speaker andamplifier output specifications.
Many tend to follow misconceptions about how amps and speakers work.
These tips demystify both and help you determine how many watts you need for your speakers.
kzenon / Getty Images
And the best part is that you might do this in your head.
But it’ll get you close enough.
If it’s listed as an in-room or half-space spec, use that number.
How loud is that?
Ever been in a really loud movie theater?
A properly calibrated theater running at reference level will give you about 105 dB per channel.
That’sveryloudlouder than most people want to listen towhich is why theaters rarely play movies at volumes that high.
So 102 dB makes for a good target.
Determine Sufficient Wattage
So what you’ll need is an amplifier capable of delivering 32 watts.
Speaker Power Handling Specs
Speaker power handling specifications are usually meaningless.
Is it the maximum continuous level?
And for how long does it sustain, and with what jot down of material?
These are also important questions.
It’s no wonder that the average person often ends up confused!
Often, this decision is based on the power handling of the subwoofer.
Sometimes a speaker power handling spec is based on marketing.
So it’s really the volume setting that matters, not the amplifier power.
Thus, you might safely connect a 1,000-watt amplifier into a little two-inch speaker.
Just don’t turn the volume up beyond what the speaker can handle.
