What is the best amplifier for my speakers? How much power do I need?
For optimum speaker performance, the general rule is to match the RMS power output of the amplifier to the continuous power handling of the speakers. When using multiple speakers on a single channel, the combined power handling and final impedance of the speakers should be determined when evaluating an amplifier’s output power. Depending on your system output requirements, less amplification may be adequate, however, the power will not be sufficient to drive the speakers up to their full power handling potential. Inadequate power may also result in distortion and speaker damage if gain levels are high enough to overdrive the amplifier. If additional headroom is desired to provide reserve power for enhanced clarity and undistorted reproduction of program “peaks,” use an amplifier with output that is 50% – 100% above the continuous power handling of the speakers. In this case, the user must exercise care with system gain to control the amount of amplifier power that is applied to the spe
