Understanding Speaker Power Rating Specifications (In Steps)
Buying a new speaker can be a process with many specifications and considerations in play. Here at Speaker Champion, our goal is to educate and help our fellow audiophiles get the absolute best sound from their system. Today’s topic? Speaker power ratings.
Speaker power rating is referred to as the continuous or nominal power a speaker can handle before getting destroyed. In addition, it can also be considered as a short-time topmost input power a speaker can handle.
Table of Contents
Speaker Lowest Power Ratings
We start with the lower end of the spectrum: what does a speaker’s lowest power rating mean?
Basically, it refers to the lowest power a speaker can hold before being distorted. This power valuation plays an important function in ensuring you maintain the right level of power.
Furthermore, it helps prevent extra repair maintenance costs which might occur if you blow out your speaker.
Maximum Speaker Power Rating
Moving to the other end of the spectrum is the maximum speaker power rating. It is the maximum power a speaker can bear before getting distorted.
Distortion of the speaker means the speaker will start producing weird sounds. Trust us, if you have speaker distortion, you’ll know it!
The maximum input power is normally set at higher levels. However, ensure the input power does not occur regularly. Otherwise, you could blow your speaker. Just ensure the speaker power is maintained at a significantly reasonable level. At that level, you can still enjoy your music without damaging your system.
As long as you are quick on the volume control, you can pair any speaker using any amplifier despite the power rating. Just be on alert if pushing it because you want to be careful not to damage your speaker.
Peak or RMS Values
Your speaker power rating has a number of elements. The first is RMS, which is your speaker’s average power.
Knowing the RMS plays an important role in choosing the right amplifier for your speakers. It ensures both the speaker and amplifier work hand in hand to give you a robust sound.
Another element is your speaker’s peak value. Peak value can also be referred to as the maximum power value a speaker can hold.
Knowing your speaker’s peak and RMS values will help you pair your speakers with the right amplifier.
Recommended Amplifier Power Range
This is a place where a lot of people struggle. Who among us hasn’t bought an amp without fully considering the speaker’s power rating?
If you purchase the “wrong” amp for your speaker, the amp ends up distorting the speaker once the two are put together.
There is a suggested amplifier power range, and speaker manufacturers have done a fairly good job of providing the appropriate range that can be used with speakers.
The amplifier range is typically between 50-200 watts for every channel.
Read Also: How to Adjust Frequencies on a Stereo Audio Equalizer (EQ)
Conclusion
As a music enthusiast, choosing a speaker is important. Speaker power rating is a very important feature that you need to be aware of. Ensure you are well-versed with the specifications of your speaker power rating before purchasing for the best sound!
