How to match the power of the amplifier and the speaker

How to match the power of the amplifier and the speaker

1. First of all, we should pay attention to the power matching problem. In theory, the rated power of the speaker should be equal to the rated output power of the amplifier, so that the equipment can work normally. Here we suggest that it is better to use a big horse to pull a small cart than to let the small horse fail to pull the cart. If conditions permit, choose a high-power amplifier and never choose a low-power one.

Normally, the rated output power of the amplifier should be at least twice that of the speaker. Although a big horse pulling a small cart will cause unnecessary waste of power, a small horse pulling a big cart will not provide the speaker with enough driving power, and the entire sound system will not be able to achieve the best sound effect.

2. If the speaker impedance meets the matching requirements and the power it bears is smaller than the power of the amplifier, the driving power is sufficient and it sounds very comfortable. This is what is often said that the power reserve of the amplifier must be large to fully express the full connotation of the music, especially the low-frequency part of the music, which is more vivid and powerful. This is a better match.

3. If the rated impedance of the speaker is greater than the rated power of the amplifier, although both can work safely, the power amplifier will not be able to push enough power, and the loudness will be insufficient. Often, it will be saturated, the distortion will increase, and it will still feel inadequate. This is a poor match.

Three forms of power matching between amplifier and speaker

The power matching between amplifier and speaker is generally divided into three forms: the power of the amplifier is greater than the power of the speaker; the power of the amplifier is basically equal to the power of the speaker; the power of the amplifier is less than the power of the speaker.

The first form is more common. Because the power amplifier is large, the low frequency will feel strong and powerful when listening to music, and at the same time they can correctly handle the power amplifier volume to avoid burning out the speakers.

The second method should be the ideal matching method for ordinary users. Since the power of the amplifier is basically the same as that of the speaker, the timbre of each frequency band of the speaker will be accurately reflected when listening to music. Under normal use (high and low frequency enhancement is not too much, and there is no feedback noise when singing karaoke), it is generally not easy to damage the speaker.

The third method can sometimes be used. For example, if the speaker is 100W×8Ω, the amplifier can use 70W×2/8Ω. The advantage of this configuration is that for people who have just started to use audio equipment, the equipment will not be damaged due to occasional operating errors. Of course, this configuration will make the low frequency feel a little soft for audiophiles.