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Low power amps and speaker damage?

I've always read that low power amps are more likely to damage speakers than high powered ones (provided they're not overdriven).  This normally in threads where a member asks something like:  Will my 200 watt amp damage my speakers rated at 100 watts?

I've driven several 86db, or thereabouts, efficient speakers with just a few watt tubed amps and have never damaged my speakers.

Was I just lucky or is it I didn't push the speakers into loud enough volume for the low watts to damage the drivers?

Thanks, and stay safe.

Mamoru
128x128audiodwebe
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Anyone thinks low power damages speakers try and blow anything with an iPod. Audiophiles. When they aren’t overthinking, they’re over simplifying.
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
A usual rule is 12:00 High

that is an extremely coarse, rough rule of thumb... almost useless, as between 2 components the output capability of one and the input sensitivity of the other, and relative impedance characteristics dictate how far the volume control on the driving unit would be set for proper volume

millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Beyond extremely coarse. There is nothing in all of audio less significant than the number the volume control points at. Anyone thinks it matters please study carefully the following documentary video clip. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xgx4k83zzc
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
The simple truth is if you're not driving the lower powered amp to distortion, you will destroy nothing.
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,152 posts
 
As I understand it tweeter have less power handling capacity than mids or woofers.  If an amplifier clips it can produce a square wave type signal with a large amount of higher harmonic content that would normally never be present in music.  The key factor is whether the amplifier can exceed the tweeter's power handling capabilities.  If you clip a 70 watt amplifier for a significant amount of time it's far more likely to damage a typical tweeter than a 5 watt amplifier.
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