2. amps-preamps
  3. 167112-4741

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
fatdaddy2
368 posts
 
86dB?  That ain't loud!  (Unless it's coming from your iPod!)
crustycoot
604 posts
 
I’ve seen my share of fused voice coils on all manner of drivers, from el cheapo to Wilson Audio, and the culprit is almost always the same...inebriation, ignorance, and raging hormones.  Technically, it’s clipping that does it, as stated very clearly by many above.  But it’s not understanding the consequences of distortion and being dulled to the awareness of it occurring that is the human cause.  Hormones?  That’s when you want your HiFi to perform like a nightclub sound system to impress the dancing crowd.  In the AM...no tweets!
jchiappinelli's avatar
jchiappinelli
116 posts
 
If you’re listening at levels that result in clipping, you should be worried about damaging your ears not your speakers.

J.Chip
ejr1953
902 posts
 
J.Chip: well said!
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,640 posts
 
Solid state amps, if underpowered, will generate large amounts of higher ordered harmonics when overloaded, which the crossover cannot keep out of the tweeter. So the tweeter fails as its only able to handle a few watts.

Tube amps generate less higher ordered harmonic content as they overload, so its much harder for them to damage a tweeter doing this since you get plenty of warning that the amp is being overdriven.
More to discover