How important is Amplifier Continuous Power matching with Speakers nowadays?


Hi Guys,

I am looking at upgrading to a high end amplifier to get some better sound quality along with a new DAC etc. I currently own the JBL L830's which have been amazing speakers. I will look at an upgrade there too. However my concern with getting a high end amp, for example if you take the NAD Masters series, M22 or M32 or even the upcoming M33. These all have continuous power ratings of between 150W, 200W and 300W. 

My concern is if I go for a high end amp that is over 150W will this be a bad match up with my current JBL L830's, at least until I upgrade to some new speakers with a higher continuous power rating?

Or would a better approach be to get new speakers first with a higher continuous power rating (assuming I go down the NAD Masters series path for the amplifier in this scenario)

Any feedback appreciated. Many thanks!

Here's the links to the products I'm referring to;

JBL L830
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/407266-REG/JBL_L830_H_L830_3_Way_6_Bookshelf.html/specs

NAD M32
https://nadelectronics.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/NAD_M32_Datasheet-3.pdf

NAD M22
https://nadelectronics.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/NAD_M22v2_DataSheet.pdf

NAD M33
https://nadelectronics.com/nad-masters-m33-bluos-streaming-dac-amplifier-becomes-first-integrated-component-to-feature-purifis-ultra-quiet-amplification-technology/


andyboom

Showing 2 responses by andyboom

Hey yes 100% the question isn't focused so much on the sound quality, that's just the reason I want a new amplifier. I am just worried that if I run an amp with a continuous power of say 200W or 300W into a speaker that has the following power rating if there would be a chance I damage the speakers?

JBL L830 - Power Rating - 75W continuous/300W peak
Thanks guys, makes me wonder what the point in max continuos power ratings on speakers are for then?