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Post new topic Power Handling 1 Spkr VS 2 Spkrs?
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Author Topic:  Power Handling 1 Spkr VS 2 Spkrs?
Dennis Detweiler


From:
Solon, Iowa, US
Post  Posted 29 Jul 2022 5:39 am    
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As an example: If an amp puts out 100 watts and each speaker is rated at 50 watts, is the total speaker handling capabilities of two speakers 100 watts? So, if you're pushing the amp at 75 watts will both speakers blow?
_________________
1976 Birdseye U-12 MSA with Telonics 427 pickup, 1975 Birdseye U-12 MSA with Telonics X-12 pickup, Boss 59 Fender pedal for preamp, NDR-5 Atlantic Delay & Reverb, two Quilter 201 amps, 2- 12" Eminence EPS-12C speakers, ShoBud Pedal, 1949 Epiphone D-8. Revelation preamp into a Crown XLS 1002 power amp.
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Fred


From:
Amesbury, MA
Post  Posted 29 Jul 2022 11:49 am    
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The speakers combined power handling would be 100 watts. If they're wired for the correct impedance for the amp, 75 watts shouldn't blow them. 100 watts might, especially if there's distortion. It's good to have the speakers over-rated.
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Donny Hinson

 

From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
Post  Posted 30 Jul 2022 6:49 am    
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Pedal steelers normally use just a fraction of the wattage that their amps are capable of. Even when in a large venue, they're seldom pushing beyond 20%-30% of their equipment's capability. It's just the nature of the beast, and we don't play like most lead or bass players. (Robert Randolph would be the exception.)
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George Biner


From:
Los Angeles, CA
Post  Posted 31 Jul 2022 9:40 am    
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Dissipating 75W into two 50W speakers is fine. The power rating of the speakers just calls out the maximum power they can handle without damage -- it doesn't determine the actual power dissipated. Two 50W speakers are able to absorb 100W total -- but the actual power dissipated in speakers in a pair will depend on their impedance and whether they are wired in series or parallel.

ex: 2 8ohm speakers in parallel makes 4ohms -- amp heavily loaded, makes a lot of power
in series it wold be 16ohms -- amp is more lightly loaded so won't develop as much power

This is a good reason to avoid 4ohm cabinets -- most amps can't drive a 2 ohm load so you can't parallel them.
_________________
Guacamole Mafia - acoustic harmony duo
Electrical engineer / amp tech in West Los Angeles -- I fix Peaveys
"Now there is a snappy sounding instrument. That f****r really sings." - Jerry Garcia
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Dennis Detweiler


From:
Solon, Iowa, US
Post  Posted 31 Jul 2022 8:39 pm    
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Thanks for the input. That's the answers I was looking for.
_________________
1976 Birdseye U-12 MSA with Telonics 427 pickup, 1975 Birdseye U-12 MSA with Telonics X-12 pickup, Boss 59 Fender pedal for preamp, NDR-5 Atlantic Delay & Reverb, two Quilter 201 amps, 2- 12" Eminence EPS-12C speakers, ShoBud Pedal, 1949 Epiphone D-8. Revelation preamp into a Crown XLS 1002 power amp.
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