How much power do you need to push a particular speaker? There is no definitive answer to this question. In fact, XDEC gives three different factors to consider when selecting amplifier power for a speaker.
1. Know the speaker power
For example, the power value on the parameter table indicates that the speaker has passed the XDEC standard power test. In this test, the speaker was "operated" to damage or malfunction. The power rating obtained from the test will be used as a point of comparison with the power rating of other speakers. This value does not necessarily correspond to the best power rating of the amplifier, nor does it measure the "safe" power of the amplifier that should be used under real operating conditions. The main purpose of power testing is to understand the limits of speaker thermal power handling. The critical point at which permanent damage or failure of the speaker due to heat is the thermal power handling limit of the speaker in the case of continuous signal input (as measured by RMS voltage). In this test, the speaker is also input to a peak signal level which is 6 dB higher than the RMS level of the input signal. To some extent, these peak levels are a test of the peak power processing capability of the speaker.
2. Select an amplifier with appropriate power rating
An amplifier with the appropriate power rating should be selected for the speaker, depending on the required sound level and type of audio signal. Do not confuse the indicated power rating with the maximum sound level that can be achieved. Maximum output is a function of amplifier power and speaker sensitivity. Thus, a 97dB sensitive speaker using a 100-watt amplifier (1W@1M) has the same maximum output as a 94dB sensitive speaker using a 200-watt amplifier. In order to maximize the performance of the speaker and achieve the appropriate sound output level, it is recommended to use an amplifier rated at twice the power of the speaker. This allows the amplifier to reproduce a peak signal 6dB higher than the power indicated.
3. Prevent damage to the loudspeaker
Protection from speaker damage or failure is not a function of amplifier power and speaker power rating. To prevent damage to the speakers, the sound system must be properly operated to prevent the load of the speakers from exceeding the limit. If the sound system is not properly operated, even if the power rating of the power amplifier is much lower than the speaker power, it is possible to cause damage or failure of the speaker. On the contrary, if the sound system is properly operated, even if the power rating exceeds the continuous power of the loudspeaker (or RMS power, average power, etc.), it can also avoid damage or failure of the loudspeaker.