EAW Loudspeaker's Amplifier Power Requirements, 6 . 1 S e l e c t i n g a n A m p l i f i e r

Section 6 Amplifier Power Requirements

This section does not apply to powered loudspeakers.

6 . 1 S e l e c t i n g a n A m p l i f i e r

As is true of all professional loudspeaker systems, the performance of the loudspeaker depends on an amplifier delivering an adequate supply of clean power. Determining the appropriate power amplifier wattage for a given loudspeaker and application is a subject of some debate within the audio industry. As such, there is no single answer to the question of what amplifier power you should use for a particular loudspeaker. The "Rule- of-Thumb" is an all-purpose metric commonly used for selecting amplifier power. A more exacting approach involves three separate and distinct issues: power ratings, appropriate amplifier size, and preventing loudspeaker damage. These are discussed within this section.

6 . 1 . 1 R u l e - O f - T h u m b F o r S e l e c t i n g A n A m p l i f i e r

If the loudspeakers are used for professional application with competent operators, a rule of thumb can be applied. Where the full output capabilities of the loudspeakers may be needed to achieve appropriate acoustic output levels, EAW recommends amplifiers with ratings up to 1.4 times the voltage, which equals twice the wattage, listed in the loudspeaker specifications. This provides a peak voltage capability of 6 dB above the specified rms voltage limit. This assumes the audio signals will have a peak to average ratio in excess of 6 dB, which is usually, but not always, true. Under this condition, the thermal limits are unlikely to be exceeded. While this rule of thumb is consistent with the EAW's testing parameters, it does NOT guarantee trouble-free operation. See Section 6.1.4

In some cases, the amplifier power determined by the Rule-of-Thumb may not be available in acceptable products. In this event, select an amplifier within approximately +/-25% (+/- 1 dB) of the desired power. In some cases, particularly subwoofers or multiple LF subsystems powered off one amplifier channel or an amplifier in bridged mode, the desired power will exceed that available in acceptable products. In this event, select the largest amplifier possible.

WARNING: The power amplifier sizes recommended by the above rule of thumb are capable of continuous output levels that can cause damage to or failure of the drivers. Exercise caution in operation to avoid exceeding the specified, maximum rms voltage limits. This is especially true when reproducing recorded music. Many recordings have very low peak to average ratios such that much higher continuous levels are possible before amplifier clipping.

6 . 1 . 2 P o w e r R a t i n g s

The voltage and/or power listed in EAW's specifications mean that the loudspeaker has passed EAW's standard power-handling test. In this test, the loudspeaker is "exercised" to a point of damage or failure. The voltage and/or power ratings resulting from this test are intended to be used as a point of comparison with the ratings of other loudspeakers. This rating does not necessarily correspond to the best amplifier size to use nor is it a measure of the "safe" amplifier size to use depending on the actual operating conditions.

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