6 . 1 . 3 S e l e c t i n g A n A p p r o p r i a t e A m p l i f i e r S i z e
The amplifier for your loudspeaker should be sized according to both the sound levels required and the type of audio signals that will be reproduced. This requires a considered analysis for the particular application. If you are unsure of how to determine these parameters, consult a qualified audio professional or contact EAW's Application Support Group.
For audio signals with low dynamics, such as heavy metal rock or other highly compressed recorded music, an amplifier with a rating at or below the power handling specification might be needed to avoid overstressing the loudspeaker's thermal capabilities. On the other hand, a loudspeaker rated at 500 W continuous (or rms, continuous, etc.), used to reproduce only background music at low levels, may only need a small 25 W amplifier to reach the desired acoustic level. Thus, the power amplifier size actually required for a given application may be considerably more or considerably less than the amplifier wattage specified as the power handling.
6 . 1 . 4 P r e v e n t i n g L o u d s p e a k e r D a m a g e
Preventing damage to or failure of a loudspeaker is not a function of amplifier size nor the loudspeaker's power rating. Preventing damage is a function of operating an audio system so that a loudspeaker is not stressed beyond its limits. If an audio system is operated improperly, damage to or failure of a loudspeaker can occur even with an amplifier sized well below the loudspeaker's power rating. Contrarily, if an audio system is operated properly, damage to or failure of a loudspeaker can be avoided even with an amplifier sized well in excess of the loudspeaker's power rating.
It is the responsibility of the audio system operator to ensure that all equipment in the system is operated within its capabilities. This is the only way to ensure that loudspeakers are not stressed beyond their limits to the point of damage or failure. See Section 10.1.
Section 7 Locating the Loudspeaker
7 . 1 P l a c e m e n t P r e c a u t i o n s f o r P o w e r e d L o u d s p e a k e r s
7 . 1 . 1 A m b i e n t Te m p e r a t u r e s
If the ambient temperature is high, the amplifiers may overheat if running the system at high output levels. In this case, aiming a fan at the heat sink to increase the airflow past it will usually help.
7 . 1 . 2 Te m p e r a t u r e C h a n g e s
If the loudspeaker is exposed to a rapid temperature change of more that 15° F / 8° C, internal condensation may develop. A good example of this is moving the loudspeaker from outside summer conditions to an
7 . 1 . 3 T h e r m a l S w i t c h
To avoid heat damage, amplifiers have a
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