2. tech-talk
  3. 1060049307

Should I be concerned about overpowering my spkrs

I have a Krell 300i with 150 watts per side. I keep looking to buy a pair of the many detailed sounding mini's (B&W 805, Proac, Monitor Audio, Totem, Spendor). Many of the small speakers are rated to only take a 80W to 120W power amplifier. I don't really understand what will happen if I use the Krell with 150 watts. Will i damage the speakers?. Can I use this set-up as long as i don't push the volume too high?
Looking for some guidance?.......thanks
pekaloo
glen's avatar
glen
714 posts
 
Just don't crank it up all the way and you'll be fine.
drrdiamond
671 posts
 
If you did "crank it up all the way", as Jtinn said, you would be more likely to hurt your speakers with a smaller amp. You can never have too much power!

Richard
s7horton
1,065 posts
 
Especially with the N805's in your list. They will like the power, I wouldn't be afraid one bit to throw the krell at them. Have you thought of adding the revel m20's to your list of speakers? Those, too, love the power.
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
In my HT I've been using little NHT SuperOnes and SuperZeros powered by a brutish ATI 1505 150x5 for five years with no problems at all.

I'm currently running a BAT VK200 into my ProAc Response 1SCs in my 2 channel system with good results.

An amp with plenty of power is less likely to go into clipping, so you'll be feeding your speakers cleaner, less distorted power. As the previous posters said, as long as you don't crank it too much you'll be fine.
slappy
903 posts
 
Also consider, is 150 what that amp can run continuous or is it peak? is 120 the peak power for the speaker?

If Mr. Krell peaks at about 230W, and Mr. B&W only accepts 120 peak, then toss in a good dynamic song and..

Pop goes the speaker.

hehehe

tell ya what, an easy solution is to mail the Krell to me, and go get a lower power amp!!!!!
More to discover