Speaker sensitivity, impedance, and calculating amp power


This is an elementary question, but I'm not quite understanding how to match amp power to speakers. When I searched around on this forum, I found many discussions which went deep into the weeds. I am hoping for a way of calculating the level of amplifier power I need for speakers with different sensitivities and impedances.

If you have the patience, here's the basic question. So, I've learned that one must consider a number of factors to calculate the amount of amplifier power to drive the speaker:

Sensitivity of the loudspeaker
Loss of db at the listening position
SPL desired at listening position
Amount of headroom desired

Most discussion of the demands a speaker will make on an amp focus on the speaker sensitivity. But the speakers I'm considering vary also in their impedance. How would I use both of those factors to estimate necessary amplifier power to drive them with a comfortable amount of headroom?


128x128hilde45

Showing 1 response by douglas_schroeder

There are two kinds of audiophiles when it comes to amps and this subject; the good enough type, and the overkill type. The good enough type look at the rating and usually stay within that range, i.e. 50-100wpc as good enough. The overkill type, such as myself will use amps that are seemingly far more powerful than necessary.

I have seen no preference emerge as to any given simple formula that will assure satisfaction. I disagree that you must stay with very efficient speakers; the sonic characteristics vary so widely in terms of frequency extension, tonality, etc. That simple formulas are not helpful either in regard to speakers or amps.

Actual comparisons reveal one’s priorities quickly. :)