How do I know the true wattage output of my receiver?

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by Bluray_ne1

I did a search of the forums and this thread came as close to trying to answer my question as any. I also read Big Daddy's "A Guide To Amplifiers" sticky for further assistance. Here's my question:

My concern is with possibly choosing an AVR that might be too powerful for my speakers. For example, my Energy surround speakers (RC-R's) are rated on their website as "up to 125 watts RMS" which, if I understand BD's sticky correctly, refers to continuous power. If I want to buy an AVR, say the Pioneer SC-25, which on their website lists the power rating at "140W x 7 (20Hz - 20kHz, .09% THD @ 8 ohms, All Channels Driven)", am I to assume that this device exceeds the recommended maximum sustained wattage for my RC-R's and could possibly damage them? Should I restrict myself to buying an AVR that doesn't exceed my weakest speaker's maximum wattage rating (RMS)?

Don't worry about the wattage ratings of speakers. You can damage your speakers with low wattage receivers or high wattage receivers. If you turn a low wattage receiver all the way up, it will distort and may damage your speakers. If you turn a powerful receiver all the way up to its maximum point, you will blow your ears before you do any damage to your speakers. It is the volume knob that can hurt your speakers and not the maximum power rating of the receiver/amplifier.

Always buy the highest quality and most powerful receiver/amplifier you can afford. Those power ratings are usually maximum ratings and you may never use them. However, it is good to have enough reserve power, if it is needed. Think of a car that is going uphill. You want a car that has a lot of horsepower so that you go up the hill smoothly, but you normally won't use the maximum power of the car to drive on a flat road. In the case of a receiver, just make sure that you always turn the volume to a level that is reasonable so that you do not hurt your hearing or your speakers.

[Bluray_ne1]

Thanks Big Daddy. That helps to put my mind at ease.