I'm looking at a pair of (component) speakers that are rated at 100 W RMS. I am also looking at an amp that is rated at 150 W RMS. I guess my question is will the amp "blow" (or otherwise harm) the speakers? Is it unwise to run an amp that exceeds the RMS power handling rating of the speakers. If it is safe then what's the margin that is safe? I know you can't run a 50w speaker off of a 1000w amp. I assume it is not a good idea but I have heard people say contrary so I would really appreciate it of someone could clarify this for me. Thanks

 

Typically you want to match the RMS values as a rule of thumb; this rule can be bent though and that amp can run those speakers as long as you are conserative in setting the gains, and feed the amp/speakers a clean signal.

 

You will be able to tell if the speakers are being over-powered right away because they will be "clipping". Most speakers will tell you what they can handle peak power and content power handling. You can always turn the power **** down on the amp if need be. But remember that most speakers blow because of distortion from the headunit, then distortion from the amps and/or eq. If the head unit isnt distorting, then normally the speakers wont blow unless they are constantly clipping. No clipping, no distortion, no blowing speakers. PEACE! K.I.R