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Amplifier power versus maximum speaker input power

What are the ramifications of using an amplifier that exceeds the maximum input power handling rating of a speaker? I am thinking of getting a pair of Reference 3A Dulcets -- rated at a max of 100Watts RMS into 6ohms -- yet our Threshold S/500 II puts out 250Watts at 8ohms. I normally do not listen at more than 90db. Thank you for your input.
somut
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Somut,
Given your stated listening levels,unless your room is huge and you sit far from the speakers, most times your amp is only putting out a 'few' watts of power.
dancer
56 posts
 
The more power you can give to a speaker the better they will sound. As long as It's clean power with out clipping the amp. Clipping a amp will blow up any speaker no matter how good it is.
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
Markpao,

Your problem with the amount of travel on your volume control is related to the gain of your amp, not its power.

The importance of accounting for the amount of gain in systems is sadly often overlooked (damping factor is another aspect of amp-speaker matching that I wish I'd known about earlier on).
gshepardbuster's avatar
gshepardbuster
620 posts
 
IME as is limited to SS amps only, the best sound available is achieved with high/clean power. The control and ease of transients provided with big clean power at all SPLs can make a mediocre speaker a superstar if used within the limitations of said speaker.
markpao
525 posts
 
Roscoeiii,

Thank you for clearing that up. This was an issue I had a while back and not so now as I use a 6 wpc SET and I am able to use most of the volume control (especially with the phono section). I now know the importance of amp/ pre amp matching.
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