My vintage JBLs are rated at 75W continuous power (8ohms) and 150W max. Would an amp rated at 140wpc (8ohms) be overkill for these speakers?
No, because, as mentioned many times it depends on:
- your distance
- speaker sensitivity
- SPL you need from you listening position
Facts:
1) Speakers that have sensitivity 90 dB/2.83V/m will need only half the amp output of those that have sensitivity 87 dB/2.83V/m, on all else equal bais.
2) Sitting 4 m vs 2m will need double the amp output.
3) If you regularly listen to 81 dB average 100 dB peak, you will need 4 times the amp output of those who listen to 75 dB average 95 dB peak.
Again, that's all based on all else being equal, obviously.
So, even if your amp is rated 500 WPC, it won't be overkill for your speakers if you only need say, 50 WPC based on the above listed facts. Edit: reason - because your amp, no matter how powerful will not be outputting more than 50 WPC anyway. If you actually listen to ref level, that is 85 dB average 105 dB peak, then the 500 WPC amp, over kill or not,
may actually kill your speakers but then in that case, even an 100 WPC amp might also kill your speakers.
Why not just use an online calculator, or do your own math if you know how, to figure your amp output need, then you don't have ask such questions on forums that may or may not get you the right answers?
Here's link to one that often get posted on this forum:
Peak SPL Calculator
If you have questions on this or other online calculators just post your questions and I am sure people will be happy to help.
