Amplifiers are probably the most under specified product in a signal chain.
An amplifier is the engine of your sound system, incorrect selection of an amplifier can critically affect your system performance and, in some cases, in a damaging and expensive way. Under powering your speakers will have a damaging long term effect, usually resulting in speaker failure.
Selection of the correct amplifier requires a simple mathematical calculation that will tell you just how much power your speakers need to attain optimum performance.
Amplifier power should be between 1.5 and 2.5 times the rated long term power handling of your selected speaker. In smaller applications 1.5 times is more than adequate in larger high SPL systems 2 to 2.5 times the long term power handling is a necessity.
Example:
Selected Speaker
12” 2-way rated at 250w Long Term with an 8 Ohm Impedance
Calculation
250w x 1.5 = 375 watts @ 8 Ohms is the minimum per channel power requirement.
For more than 50 years, Crown has been inventing and building amplifiers which have established a worldwide reputation for there distinctive blend of audible excellence, innovation and reliability. Throughout the growth of mainstream music (early Rock n' Roll to modern Electronic music) Crown amplifiers have always powered the premier studios, stages and stadiums of the world.
Last Updated
February 2008
