If the speakers can handle 250 watts max but the receiver outputs only 120 per speaker, will it sound weak?

Question

This is for a 7.1 home theater. In a nutshell, what ratio is ideal between the power of the receiver and the max speaker power?

Answer 1

The safe match for a speaker system
that can handle 250 watts max would
be an amplifier that puts out about 125
watts per channel RMS (this amplifier
should put out a peak of around 250
watts max). Therefore your system is
properly suited.

TYPICAL SAFE RATIO... 2:1

As an option, you could use an amplifier
that puts out as much as 200 watts per
channel and you would still be fine as
long as you don't push the speakers too
hard (you will know when you are because
the speakers will have substantial distortion
and will sound strained).

You can also upgrade your subwoofer system
by getting a larger one with more power which
would increase the impact and dynamics of
your home theater system.

H a p p y
H o m e
T h e a t e r i n g !

Answer 2

it depends on how sensitive the speakers are. if they are quite sensitive then it would take relatively little energy to move the cones so an amp outputting as little as 50 watts per channel would make these speakers sound quite powerful. but if on the other hand the speakers have a low sensitivity rating then you would need an amp with quite a high output to make these speakers work because more energy is required to move the cones-for a speaker that handles 250 watts max an amp that delivers about 150 watts continuous sounds about right.

Answer 3

It wont sound weak. the speakers just wont be able to work at its max, design load. If you dont listen to loud music then it will be perfect for you. But if you like your music loud, then I suggest you buy a receiver thats rated for 250 watts.

Answer 4

You have mentioned the maximum power rating for your speakers.But you have to consider their minimum rated power handling capacity.
I am sure that the minimum rated capacity will be well within the power output of your receiver.
You should have no problem.
Is the 250 watts max you mentioned in PMPO or RMS?
If it is in PMPO, the speakers should work fine, since PMPO ratings are always misleading compared to RMS rating.

Answer 5

The wattage rating of a loudspeaker has nothing to do with how loud it sounds. It is only to indicate the maximum power the speaker will handle without damage.

Answer 6

both ratings are for peak power, not sustained or continuous power which is alot less. your receiver can probably sustain 60 to 80 watts continuous power. your speakers are rated the same way. usually peak power is double continuous power. driving either to the max power continuously will give very distorted sound and will sooner than later damage the components

Answer 7

That should be fine. The power needed should be about 1/4 to 1/3 max


Ideally it should be as close as possible to the max.

Answer 8

It will NOT sound weak and you dont want an amp with more power than the speakers can handle.

Answer 9

it doesnt really matter because you'll never have it loud enough to use 120 watts per speaker.

Answer 10

no it is better to have speakers capable of more input than you are sending to them. 120 watts should be well more than sufficient.