Matching components to Speakers??


Hello,
Can anybody enlighten me as to how you go about matching your amps to speakers. I am putting together a home theater and am considering a 200 Watt 7 channel Amplifier. I am wondering when purchasing speakers how do you determine the power handeling capabilities. Front and centers seem to make sense and have the power ratings but if you pack 200 watts into a surround speaker that has a rating of 100-150Watts, as in many of the surround speakers I've seen, do you have problems??? Thanks for any input.
jonnymo1
Choose your speakers and other components by listening, not by specifications! You are far more likely to blow a speaker with an underpowered amp that breaks up at at high volume than with a more powerful amp. Unless you expect to drive the amp at maximum levels through all the channels simultaneously (not likely to happen with any music or soundtrack, not to mention that the amp probably won't drive all the channels at 200 Watts simulataneously), there shouldn't be a problem using a 100-150 Watt rated speaker with a 200 Watt amp. Under any circumstance, surround tracks are not usually recorded at a particularly high level. Also realize that even when playing fairly loud, the amp is probably putting out only a few watts. Just pick out what sounds the best with you equipment.
With all due respect to Thsalmon, specs can narrow down your choices and save you from damaging your equipment. Ideally all your channels would be as identical as possible. Besides power, consider the impedance load the speakers will present to the amplifier. Other considerations include power outlets, placement, heat dissipation, compatability with preceding components (sound, ground, sensitivity, impedance, inputs and outputs), desired volume, and cables. Caveat, I'm not a big proponent of surround sound.
I agree, you can use the specs to narrow the choices. Five (or more) identical speakers would be the ideal for surround, but is isn't usually a practical solution. Two speakers is enough for me too!.
I too can't imagine that you'll ever send 200 watts to a surround!
But more to the point, start by getting the sensitivity ratings of the speakers you're auditioning. If they're near the norm of 88dB/w, and not too low an impedence, than they'll require far less power than some small 84dB/w monitors, for example. If you very efficient (90+ dB/w) peakers your power needs would be correspondingly less.
Factor in liveliness of room acoustics and listening levels, and you should be able to make intelligent choices.
I find that 60w/ch x5 with my NAD T751 into 88dB/w Spendors and Boston surrounds is much more than I need, if a good sub is used, for example. And do remember that it's the first few watts that matter the most, and that most of the power is required for low frequencies, so using a good sub will definitely reduce your requirement for hefty amps.
Good luck.
Make sure you get really good center speaker,it is the most important piece in your HT system.Mike
With all due respect to Mikedimitrov, many feel the most important thing about the center channel, is remembering to shut it off.