Speaker wattage vs. receiver wattage

R

russia22

Audiophyte
Excuse the newbie question but could use some help. Am getting a second receiver and outspeakers for a new deck build. Looking at various Outdoor speakers, notably Klipsch, which have wattage ratings of 60-85 depending on the line. If I choose the HS-1 speakers, which are 60 watt continuous (240 peak), and if I have an amp that is more than that per channel (Denon, Onkyo or Pioneer), do I need to worry about blowing out the speakers? I am not planning on blaring the music. Thanks.
 
W

WildAboutSound

Enthusiast
no, if anything they will sound better with more power, thats what i learned back in my car audio days, im sure its the same for home audio as well


like you said, you're not going to crank it up blazing loud, so you'll be fine
 
J

Joe Schmoe

Audioholic Ninja
The biggest risk of damaging speakers is from a receiver with too little power. In this case, it can start to clip when turned up. Also, amps generally sound best when operated well below their maximum output.
 
jonnythan

jonnythan

Audioholic Ninja
The higher the rating on the amp, the better.

See, if you try to turn the volume on an *underpowered* amp really high, it will clip and the forces will blow your speaker.

If you turn the volume on an *overpowerd* amp really high, it probably won't deliver enough power to actually blow the speaker, and there won't be any clipping to deal with.

You're better off with an overpowered amp.
 
jcPanny

jcPanny

Audioholic Ninja
Outdoor speakers

Russia,
Make sure you buy speakers designed for use outdoors that are weather proof resistant or weather resistant. Klipsch makes some speakers designed for these applications, but I think the HSU horn speakers are intended as an indoor bookshelf speakers.
 
jonnythan

jonnythan

Audioholic Ninja
jcPanny said:
Russia,
Make sure you buy speakers designed for use outdoors that are weather proof resistant or weather resistant. Klipsch makes some speakers designed for these applications, but I think the HSU horn speakers are intended as an indoor bookshelf speakers.
The HS-1 he mentioned is an "indoor/outdoor" speaker.
 
newsletter

  • RBHsound.com
  • BlueJeansCable.com
  • SVS Sound Subwoofers
  • Experience the Martin Logan Montis
Top