All the numbers are meaningless. True RMS is more representative than PMPO when it comes to amplification. A loudspeaker's power handling is also hard to quantify. It's far far more subjective. Most loudspeakers peak handling is basked upon the ability to not catch fire or at least overheat and thus render the voice coils open circuit.
It's also possible to find 70 watt-per-channel RMS amps that go far far louder and sweeter than other amps rated at 200 RMS WPC. There are reasons for this, it's down to circuit design, rail voltage, power supply design and a million other factors.
Your ears are the key to this - decide what pleases you and take your time. After all, it's about music, not numbers.
In general the low end stuff is demanding on output power. So you're looking for a clean frequency response over the whole power bandwidth. Unless, of course, you like the bang thud experience of a bass unit hitting the excursion limits of a poorly made and supplied power amplifier.
I quite like to hear the start and end of EVERY note, whether it's Robert Schumann, JS Bach; Eminem; Scissor Sisters; Billy Joel or Ella Fitzgerald.
I have a Clarion head in the car with 2 Harman-Kardon power amps and twelve HK speakers. Passive crossovers work fine with decent cabling. And, it's lovely. Muscular like a Shermann tank when required, refined like a silk doll. Even offers both qualities simultaneously. Cost - factory fit Peugeot option!!! |