Speaker/Receiver Wattage Question

[azereus]

Hi all,

I'm still on my quest of setting up a decent (yet affordable) surround package for use with my PS3.

I've settled on the Sony STRDG720 for the receiver. I know it's not the best, but the price is right and it looks like it will do everything i need.

Now on to speakers......sigh.

I'm very confused about the wattage rating of the receiver and what that means regarding what kind of speakers i need.

The receiver lists the following specs:

7.1 Channel 735 Watt amplifier (105W / channel)

So does that mean the speakers need to be able to handle at least this wattage? If they're rated lower, is it likely that i'll blow the speakers?

As an example, one of the options i was looking into was the Qunitet III. The specs for those speakers list the following:

Satellite: 50 watts (200 watts peak)
Center: 75 watts (300 watts peak)

That's where I really got lost. Why do they list 50W but then 200W peak? What does that mean?

In my little example, are these 2 pieces even compatible?

Thanks for any and all help.....this noob appreciates it!

[MacDaddyOJack]

That means that the speaker can handle 50 watts continuously without cooking the voice coil. The peak means that it can take a 200 watt peak signal (explosions etc.) without blowing. The wattage listed for a reciever is generally its RMS or continous power output. I would not pair 50 watt satellite speakers with a 105 watt reciever.

[Beta Man]

couple things.... AVR's specs in regards to power output (wattage) are usually very misleading.

As far as can you connect the satellites to that AVR...... Absolutely.... should you..... "No" but not for fear of damaging the speakers... the speakers will be fine as long as you don't turn it up too loud..... the reason you shouldn't connect them, is b/c you should return the AVR because you bought more of an AVR than you probably need for the speakers.... your budget is basically flip-flopped.....

Wattage is very misleading like I said....

My AVR Puts out 110 Watts per channel "continuous" per the manufacturer (Marantz)

My Front Speakers have a power handling, per the manufacturer (B&W) of 50W – 200W

They love power, but connecting them to a 300 watt tube amp for instance, wouldn't damage them, I'd just have to keep the level lower.... may damage the tube amp though



You'll be fine, don't let the ratings fool you.

[azereus]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I was also looking at the Polk Audio RM6750 package and this appears to be more to my liking.

Anyone have any experience with this setup?

Thanks again.

[dukenukem]

I have the polk audio rm6750 speaker set and they are pretty good,you shoul;d do fine with them.