My reciever has a 30w power output: Is this realistic?

Question

I have a harmon/kardon AVR-146. Here is what the manual reads:

Continuous Average Power (FTC) ...

30 Watts per channel
@<0.07% THD, 20Hz - 20kHz into 8 ohms

Also, the reciever takes 235W through a 120V / 60Hz power supply. Is this an indicator of anything?

I know that most companies are dishonest about their reciever's power output. I just want to know if 30W is a realistic power output for a 5.1 channel reciever.

Thanks in advance!

I'm currently using a set of Klipsch Quintet III speakers and a 10" Yamaha subwoofer.

I have a 12 x 14 ft. room. My setup should be plenty for my room or a college dorm, right?

Answer 1

This amp is made primarily for movies recorded in sourround.
In true decode mode when you play the radio or cd only the front 2 channels will play. you will need to put it in simulated surround to make the rear speakers turn on and mirror the front channels.
30w per channel is decent for a 10x12 room .
with two speakers the sound energy is coming at you from two places. (it takes more power to get full sound throughout the room) in a 5.1 system the sound energy is coming from all sides. (it takes less sound energy per speaker to "fill" the room.)
if you get a decent set of matched front speakers you'd be good to go.
the front and center speakers are the most important to match. (for looks and good sound) the rear speakers are not as important to match, but hold off on buying them if you dont have the cash to get decent ones. If the room is bigger you might want to look at a bi amp front system.

Answer 2

Hi. The power supply is one of the key factors in determining the current delivery capability of the Amplifier.If the power supply runs out of steam,the Amplifier can produce no more power,limiting the ability of the unit to deal with musical peaks and/or low impedance loads.The result at high volume levels could damage both Amplifier and Speakers.This could happen if the Amplifier power rating is less than the Speakers input rating. Therefore it is always advisable to have an Amplifier rating 50 % or higher than the speakers maximum imput.Speakers are rarely damaged by a higher powered Amplifier,as long as you don't turn the volume really high.