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Purpose of power handling in the specs?

So I’ve never quite understood this:  What is the point of manufacturers listing power handling in the specs?

I ask this because I’m now listening to a 89dB efficient speaker, rated to handle between 50-200 watts of power, with a 7 watt 300b integrated.  Logic would tell me that even with the volume maxed out I should get almost no volume from the speakers.

Can someone please enlighten me as to the purpose of the power handling specs?

Thanks.

 

128x128audiodwebe
erik_squires
16,383 posts
 

 Shocking isnt it. 

 

Yes, it is electricity after all.

carlsbad's avatar
carlsbad
1,551 posts
 

@erik_squires   cool calculator thanks.  So my 96dB speakers that claim they can handle 600 watts input (I'm driving with less than a watt) will generate 124dB at one meter....

Indeed shocking.

 

erik_squires
16,383 posts
 

Important to note that speaker makers are usually a little optimistic with their measurements, but they should be from anechoic (no echo) testing.  In room performance will vary, but the power to volume ratios (dB) will remain constant.  3dB more power = 3dB louder until compression sets in.

sounds_real_audio
1,019 posts
 

There was a quote, I think by Art Dudley, " Why do you want 200 more watts if the. first 5 sound like crap"   or close to that. 

arcticdeth's avatar
arcticdeth
1,572 posts
 

Be careful, tweeters and midranges get burnt out quick from under powering.

 

   Watch the vol knob, and listen for breakup in the highs and minds. 
 

Don’t take much to fry a tweeter or mid coil  

 

 

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