What is the maximum power a speaker can handle

[amdan]

I have read somewhere that there is no maximum amplifier power for a speaker as long as it is clean power.

I run my 802N with a Bryston 14B ST which delivers 570W. From memory the speaker is rated 50 - 500 W. I have had no problems with this setup. However, I am considering biamping. I have a couple of Bryston monoblocks (120W) which I want to throw into the mix. Will this be a problem?

[Kal Rubinson]

First, your premise is wrong. You can blow up any speaker with enough power. That said, just because your amp is rated at 570W is no reason to assume it is putting out that much power or, if it is, that it is doing so more than instantaneously.

Second, why would you want to bother biamping when the 14B ST has sufficient power for almost any domestic room situation with the 802Ns? The only reason I can think of is megalomania.

Kal

[Aldo]

Why don't you put some TURBOSINA (THE AIRPLANES FUEL) on your Honda Civic, I read somewhere that they can handle any power!!!!
No, just kiding!
Maybe they can handle 1000 watts for about .0000001 seconds, but make it .000002 and they will blow, that for shure!

[ejuanpiman]

If you were to put Airplane Fuel, your engine would not blow up, airplane fuel has higher octane fuel than conventional, wich would act better as in preventing detonation and avoiding knock in the cylinders and the car will not pull timing so you would see the diffrence in performance, what will happen though as in the engine does not make the best out of the fuel, it will start carbonizing valves and what so and creating long term damage.

[Race Car Driver]

Bah, Higher octane is harder to burn, so your hondas vtec would never kick in.

[ejuanpiman]

lol yeap , no ricer here I mean honda.

[amdan]

First, your premise is wrong. You can blow up any speaker with enough power. That said, just because your amp is rated at 570W is no reason to assume it is putting out that much power or, if it is, that it is doing so more than instantaneously.

Second, why would you want to bother biamping when the 14B ST has sufficient power for almost any domestic room situation with the 802Ns? The only reason I can think of is megalomania.

Kal

Are you trying to be insulting Kal? Having a bad day?

[amdan]

I am still looking for an answer to my original question. I would appreciate some helpful feedback.

The discussion re airplane fuel is not helping as I do not have a Honda Civic! :rofl:

[chinets]

Megalomania, Jet fuel ,and the Guy has a Honda !!! :rofl:
Houston we have a problem !!!! :E
Everyone is putting more fuel on the fire!!! :rofl:
Yes, Amdan turn the knob all the way, then see if it blows?? I bet that would be a great experiment for the forum, and everyone on this thread would know if your speakers could handle an amp throwing above the 500W you have just told us about.!! :W
Just kidding, but I guess if you have clean power ,and don't Max the volume, then you should be in the GREEN zone, so I guess you would be OK!!! :T
Cheers!

[Kal Rubinson]

Are you trying to be insulting Kal? Having a bad day?

Nope. I just find such efforts and expenditures wrong-headed. I would sooner spend the money elsewhere since I see no advantage in having such excess power. The system will not play any louder because the speaker, itself, has output and thermal limits.

Kal

[audioqueso]

lol yeap , no ricer here I mean honda.

Race Car Driver DOES drive a SRT4 Neon. Be careful using the R word with him "before I leave tread marks on your face!" (The Fast & The Furious) :B

[chinets]

Recovered!!! :W And Well Put Kal !! :T ;x(

[ejuanpiman]

Thats great if he drives an srt4, I take those things all the time I have a couple of friends who own them, as I am now leaving this car and just purchased something a little more chill.

[Pookie007]

I always thought clean power allowed you to reach the maximum power levels without concern of blowing stuff up. But if you have dirty power, you could blow up prior to reaching the limit.

A few more things to consider is:
B&W has a safety factor in their number.
You probably won't be utilizing all the power you have even though it is available at the amp.

[Race Car Driver]

Just buy the biggest Krells you can find and call it a day *shrug*

[Audiophiliac]

When the physical components of your speakers' drivers and crossovers begin to melt and smoke and smell odd, then you know you have reached their limit. But unless you are seriously trying to recreate Metallica concert level SPLs in your living room, you will unlikely ever reach those limits of your speakers with any amp you currently own or will likely ever own.

[chinets]

OOh!!! to replicate Metallica in your own home :E Interesting !! :W
Ask ALDO !! :rofl: He probably has broken the sound barrier a couple of times with his gear!! :rofl:
Add a couple of Krell 700 W Mono blocks to your system ,and that I believe, will come close enough!! :roll: :W
Cheers!