How to Choose Amplifier for Speakers - Explained (2024)

The perfect match-matching of speakers and amplifiers means you get to experience a rich, nuanced, and superior sonic experience, that will justify everything you have spent on your set-up.

But amplifier wattage and speaker impedance matching can be a complex technical process even for the most devoted music enthusiasts. If you have queries about the crucial process of matching speakers and amplifiers and the importance of this synergy, look no further.

In this blog, we guide you on how to select an amp or receiver to match the impedance and power needs of your speakers by simplifying complex technical information. Hopefully, this guide will help you put the two together and not throw in the towel.

To decide on whether a set of speakers and a receiver (or an amplifier) will work well together, it is first important to consider the two most important parameters: the power handling (which is measured in Watts) and power output (which is measured in Ohms). Now let’s discuss the speaker and amplifier matching terminology further.

Impedance

For a great sound and powerful synergy, one of the key speaker and amp specifications is, impedance. For the uninitiated, it is a measure of the electrical resistance of your components which is measured in ohms and is represented by this Greek Omega-like symbol (Ω).

Impedance ratings for speakers and receivers are usually in an incremental order of two, four, six, and eight ohms. Two ohms denotes the least impedance, while eight is for most impedance.

Usually, the lower the number of ohms, the harder the receiver will have to work to power or drive the speakers. That’s why you need to take into account the number of ohms, and match that between your speaker and receiver. Most of the time, the receiver specifications include this information. Some manufacturers also provide good recommendations to go by.

It works similar to roadways, where more cars can move through a highway with more lanes. If impedance levels don't match, it can result in permanent damage to either your speakers or the receiver. Speakers come with different impedance ratings, and it would be a good idea to dig in and gain insights into this guide on choosing the right impedance.

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Power Handling

Power handling is one of the key specifications of a speaker or a receiver that is the amount of power needed from the receiver/amplifier to drive the speakers and reproduce sound while reducing audio distortion. It is measured in Watts and denoted with W. Other common terms for it include RMS, Peak, Program, and Continuous.

As a common practice, most manufacturers mention the wattage and impedance. Nevertheless, it is wise to double-check if a manufacturer lists the peak power or RMS - average power output. It is also important to note that some home theatre manufacturers mention a recommended power amplification with reference to the speaker’s key specifications.

E.g. if you have a 6Ω speaker with a power handling range between 100 to 150 Watts, you will need a receiver or amplifier with a rated power of at least a 100W (RMS) going up to 150 Watts. It is worth mentioning that you may experience perceptible distortion and damage to the speakers if your amplifier is anything less than 100 watts.

Ideally, an amplifier should provide 10% more power than the speakers are rated for. It well compensates for the power spikes that occur in fluctuating dynamic ranges For e.g. in a movie with action scenes with abrupt loud noises like a blast or in music parts with orchestras or drums etc. Be cautious of overpowering, as that can blow up the tweeters.

We recommend connecting speakers with a higher impedance to an amplifier that can operate with a lower impedance. However, it is not advisable to connect speakers with a lower impedance (say, 4 ohms) to an amplifier with a higher minimum impedance (say 8 ohms, for example).

One quick tip: We recommend that while you pair speakers and amplifiers give yourself plenty of headroom.

Also Read: Understanding the difference between AV Receivers and Amplifiers

Wrapping it up

Simply put, it’s worth every buck, to invest in a good pair of speakers and amplifier, while carefully matching their wattage and impedance. A good place to start would be to buy the amplifier and speakers from the same company, so you don’t have to take any additional effort to ensure that they work together nicely.

But sometimes, choosing the right match gets confusing even with this knowledge, and may not be as simple to achieve. In that case you may want to consider a Home-Theatre-in-A-Box solution, and avoid the trying process of choosing yourself.

You can also get help in your scouting from our experts! Get in touch with our experienced, knowledgeable, and helpful Team Ooberpad.

We'll answer all your queries, share expert insights, and provide you all the assistance required to an impressive home theatre that caters to all your needs.