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How does a speaker blow out?

I don't understand how a speaker "blows" if the wattage of the amplifier is less than the upper limit of the speaker's limit.  Then again, I guess I don't really understand what "clipping" is.  The amp is 22w, I was listening at a moderately high level, there was a bass heavy section in the music, and then I heard the most painful noise coming from one the of woofers.  Sad.

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pilk
3 posts
 

Once your speaker is repaired you may want to download or purchase a sound level meter. Most music is mixed using 83db (C weighed, slow response)  peaks as a reference. If you are playing louder you may be risking not only your speakers but your hearing as well.

pilk
3 posts
 

*That should  have read (C weighted fast response)

chenaudiolab
8 posts
 

The maximum power a speaker can handle is an indicator of the full sound spectrum. When the sound is concentrated in only a narrow section of the frequency spectrum, a few watts of electrical power can destroy the driver.

mikedc's avatar
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mikedc OP
32 posts
 

@chenaudiolab

Very helpful, thanks.

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cleeds
5,694 posts
 

chenaudiolab

The maximum power a speaker can handle is an indicator of the full sound spectrum. When the sound is concentrated in only a narrow section of the frequency spectrum, a few watts of electrical power can destroy the driver.

No, the sound spectrum has nothing at all to do with it. It's the voice coil and diaphragm that mostly determine power handling capacity.

Consider the woofer, for example. The ones in my system cover just a few octaves octaves - 20 Hz to 80 Hz  yet they can safely handle hundreds of watts.

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