2. amps-preamps
  3. 156331-145131

How important is Amplifier Continuous Power matching with Speakers nowadays?

Hi Guys,

I am looking at upgrading to a high end amplifier to get some better sound quality along with a new DAC etc. I currently own the JBL L830's which have been amazing speakers. I will look at an upgrade there too. However my concern with getting a high end amp, for example if you take the NAD Masters series, M22 or M32 or even the upcoming M33. These all have continuous power ratings of between 150W, 200W and 300W. 

My concern is if I go for a high end amp that is over 150W will this be a bad match up with my current JBL L830's, at least until I upgrade to some new speakers with a higher continuous power rating?

Or would a better approach be to get new speakers first with a higher continuous power rating (assuming I go down the NAD Masters series path for the amplifier in this scenario)

Any feedback appreciated. Many thanks!

Here's the links to the products I'm referring to;

JBL L830
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/407266-REG/JBL_L830_H_L830_3_Way_6_Bookshelf.html/specs

NAD M32
https://nadelectronics.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/NAD_M32_Datasheet-3.pdf

NAD M22
https://nadelectronics.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/NAD_M22v2_DataSheet.pdf

NAD M33
https://nadelectronics.com/nad-masters-m33-bluos-streaming-dac-amplifier-becomes-first-integrated-component-to-feature-purifis-ultra-quiet-amplification-technology/


andyboom
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Power rating on speakers is nothing more than a general guide to how much power the speaker can handle without burning out. It has nothing to do with how good the speaker sounds or even with what amplifiers it can be used with. 

Power rating on amplifiers refers to some very specific measurements in which the amplifier is very thoroughly warmed up and then measured and can put this amount of power out on a steady basis without distortion. It has nothing to do with how good it will sound or what speakers it can be used with.

Using either of these is a good approach if all you care about is being able to blast as loud and as long as possible, and nothing else. Then by all means go for it.

I doubt it, since your first sentence says you are upgrading looking to get better sound quality. But then all the rest has nothing to do with sound quality. So it would help a lot to know your priorities.
hombre
87 posts
 
You don't have to worry that an amp is too powerful for your speakers. That's not a problem. It's a problem if an amp isn't powerful enough for the speakers because then it will clip and that's what destroys speakers. An underpowered amp.
andyboom OP
7 posts
 
Hey yes 100% the question isn't focused so much on the sound quality, that's just the reason I want a new amplifier. I am just worried that if I run an amp with a continuous power of say 200W or 300W into a speaker that has the following power rating if there would be a chance I damage the speakers?

JBL L830 - Power Rating - 75W continuous/300W peak
fundsgon
150 posts
 
My speakers are rated at 300 Watts input, my amps are rated at 600 Watts continuous output and the sound is magnificent. When I have it really loud the amps are putting out maybe 5-6 Watts. As hombre said, not enough power poses a danger to you speakers.
More to discover