Vote

Assuming you have good speakers of average sensitivity, how much amplifier power is necessary for good imaging and dynamics?

Stereophile Staff  |  Apr 19, 1998

Audio amplifiers are now available in power ratings of as low as a few watts. At the other end of the scale are gigawatt amps of 1000W or more. Most fall somewhere in the middle. How much power does a good system really need?

Assuming you have good speakers of average sensitivity, how much amplifier power is necessary for good imaging and dynamics?
10 watts or less
3% (10 votes)
20-30 watts
2% (7 votes)
30-50 watts
10% (36 votes)
50-100 watts
20% (70 votes)
100-200 watts
36% (124 votes)
200-500 watts
13% (46 votes)
500-1000 watts
2% (8 votes)
Other (explain)
14% (47 votes)
Total votes: 348

X