Matching Amplifier Wattage to Your Speakers
How to calculate the appropriate wattage for a Line Volt amplifier to match the Line Volt speakers you are using.
We're sure you've often heard this question: how much output power does a Line Volt amplifier need to properly match the Line Volt speakers we're using? To solve this problem, today we bring you a way to calculate the appropriate amplifier wattage for Line Volt speakers.
For example, if we want to use four 6-watt Line Volt speakers, the Line Volt amplifier wattage is calculated as follows:
Formula: Line Volt amplifier output power (watts) =
Maximum output of the Line Volt speaker (watts) x total number of speakers used. Line Volt amplifier output power (watts) = 6 x 4 = 24 (watts). Therefore, we must choose a Line Volt amplifier whose output power is not less than the total wattage of all the speakers we calculated. We do not recommend choosing an amplifier with output power lower than the total speaker wattage, because it will overload the amplifier and can cause damage.
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate the wattage for a Line Volt amplifier?
Use the formula: Line Volt amplifier output power (watts) = maximum output of the Line Volt speaker (watts) × the total number of speakers used.
Can you give a worked example?
If you want to use four 6-watt Line Volt speakers, the calculation is 6 × 4 = 24 watts. You must therefore choose a Line Volt amplifier whose output power is not less than that total.
Can you use an amplifier rated below the total speaker wattage?
It is not recommended, because it will overload the amplifier and can cause damage.