More power doesn’t necessarily mean louder. This is the continuous power rating of the speaker.ĭepending on the manufacturer, RMS or AES specifications might be used instead of continuous power ratings. We’re more concerned with how much power a speaker can handle over an extended period of time. Peak power refers to the maximum short term power a speaker can handle without damage. You’ll probably find several power ratings. The power rating of your speaker can also be found in the technical specifications. Power is measured in watts and refers to the rate that energy is transferred. You might find this post I wrote on calculating speaker impedance helpful. If you’re connecting multiple speakers to a single amplifier channel, finding the total impedance can be a bit more complicated. The nominal impedance of most speakers is 4, 8, or 16 ohms. Often, the nominal impedance of a speaker will be written on the label of the speaker itself. You can find the nominal impedance of your speakers in the technical specifications on the manufacturer’s website. The first step is to determine the nominal impedance of your speaker or speakers.

A speaker will “impede” the flow of electricity being created by the amplifier. Impedance is measured in ohms and refers to the opposition a circuit presents to electrical current. As you’ll see, these two factors are closely interrelated. There are two basic factors to keep in mind when choosing an amp that is compatible with your speakers: Impedance and Power. I’ll help you find the important specifications for your speakers and your amplifier to ensure they are a good fit for each other. For one, this will ensure the best sound quality possible, but it will also help protect your equipment.Ĭhoosing the wrong amplifier can put you at greater risk of causing damage to your speakers or the amplifier itself.

It’s important to choose an amplifier that’s well suited to power your speakers.

What to Consider When Choosing an Amplifier to Power Your Speakers

Power amplifier for speakers