How much power is to much power?


When is an amp overkill for a speaker? More specifically, I have 91db speakers and I'm considering two SS amps, one 140 watts and the other 200 watts. Are they both too much? Is it too much simply because you're paying for extra power but don't need it, or because it's a detriment to the overall system sound?

Thanks.
128x128jtnicolosi
My understanding is Df matters but there is a wide tolerance in values that will work in any particular application.

You have to listen and judge. At least with dynamic drivers, if the bass sounds mushy or soft, a higher damping factor may help but the actual value does not matter that much.
I thought Magfan's test validated my view. LOL

A shorted woofer is like an amp with extra high DF. It does not make sound because there is no force continuously driving it. That is control!

Try to put a 4ohm resistor with high wattage rating in serious with your speaker. The amp still has the same output power. But the bass will be very distorted.

QED! :-)
Yep:Vett93, that was the point.
Now, extend the model to include speaker 'Q'.....
Hello Stevechan:

"DF is simply load impedance divided by source impedance.

Nothing more"

Agree, withjust one very small clarification: this ratio is measured at one given frequency (industry standard). I believe its 1 kHz but I could be mistaken. My point is that if DF = 1,000 at one frequency then it can be 0.001 at another.

Thank you
Rafael
Dave,

It is unwise to postulate. Then again, how else could someone justify their $9,000-1000wattperchannel-superintegratedamplfiier?

Vette93,

The speakers in question were the Totem Acoustic Forest.

I will reiterate: power is overrated and there is more to amplifier design then watts.