Understanding Power Ratings in AV Receivers

[@tedmanasa907]

One of the best Audioholics videos ever: no punches pulled, committed to keeping the industry honest and consumers educated. More like this please!

[@Elricky124]

Ted Manasa sounds very honest and factual.

[@jimturpin]

Totally agree with Ted Manasa above. I've been in telecommunications for years, and now engineer (Cellular biz) test systems that test communications hardware, particularly amplifiers across all radio frequency bands. After all these years I decided to get into home theater and was blown away at just how confusing the audio industry is compared to one that relies on strict FCC defined guidelines and specifications that I come from. Clearly some of this is marketing. Even "horsepower" was a marketing ploy to give farmers an idea how strong a steam engine would be compared to something the farmers understood better such as a horse. But it appears marketing has gotten a little overly creative, I can say the same thing when it comes to figuring horsepower on a lawnmower these days since a number of the manufacturers no longer apply a horsepower rating to their mowers, so I have to resort to watching videos and gather other peoples experiences using a particular mower when the grass is a foot high to determine if it is going to cut my yard. I really like that Audioholics tests these units under load and across a wide band of frequencies, even to mention the extended duty cycles imposed on the power supply by lower frequencies. Perhaps what we really need to see is an all channels loaded and driven, and power measured at each output, to 1% THD in the various modes the amplifier operates. I realize that would entail a lot of testing permutations, which could easily be handled by an ATE (Automated Test Environment) system. But probably a simpler method would be to measure the input power to the amplifier while putting it through its paces from a few to all output channels, and note where the input power seems to start clipping to determine the MCP (Maximum Composite Power) of the amplifier(s) (and the power supply limitations as well), and particularly amplifier efficiency.

[@offtheheezy425]

Hey Gene I studied Electrical Engineering in College I would have loved to have you as a Filters teacher. You're doing wonders to all A/V enthusiast with no obligations to pander. You're the hero we need!

[@KnightSayer]

That was the best 11mins that I have spent in trying to understand what these ratings mean and how to judge the result. I think I actually get it now. Great video, Gene!

[@marcusrodriguez9992]

I know you guys get a lot of well deserved praise and thanks but this video really was eye-opening. I have a four month old Yamaha Adventage A2060 running a Dolby Atmos 5.1.4 system. After watching this video I wondered how it would sound with a external amplification powering my two mains and possibly my center channel. Based on your recommendation from another video I went with a Emotiva A500, 5 channel amp and my jaw literally dropped when I turned it on for the first time. As happy as I was without an external power amp , Im amazed by The difference .Unfortunately many of us are accepting these manufactures power ratings without realizing the demands placed on the power supply when running a large multi channel system. Many thanks to you for this eye-opening video. The Emotiva, A relatively inexpensive upgrade, has brought a whole new dimension to my home theater setup.

[@Audioholics]

Great feeback, you made a great choice. Thanks Marcus.

[@markstone3224]

Excellent video Gene - NAD is a great example, as they rate their AVRs with all channels driven simultaneously, at full bandwidth and a rated distortion. They call this Full Disclosure Power. And since real-world program material requires short bursts of very high power rather than the continuous power normally specified, NAD also includes dynamic power ratings at 8 Ohms, 4 Ohms, and even 2 Ohms! Thanks!!!

[@henrymartin1691]

Loved this! This has been my gripe for a decade or more. I just bought a really inexpensive Yamaha 2 channel stereo receiver for my bedroom that is rated 100 watts rms...now get this....frequency response 40hz to 20khz. I’m figuring it’s more like a 50 wpc amp in the real world. No complaints, it’s a nice little rig for a bedroom. But...no match for my Marantz 2270 that has a real rating of 70 wpc. These kinds of misleading specs really yank my chain. I also have a 1984ish Yamaha A700...now that’s a real 100 wpc integrated amp. It even blew one of my JBLs once. But that’s another story. Ok...full disclosure...I blew the speaker ( I ignored the circuit breakers kicking in at an extreme volume for an extended time...don’t judge...I had one too many drinks). Did you know a JBL LF driver puts out the prettiest blue colored flame? Thanks again for a GREAT video. And tell Mr. Spock I saw him smile.....

[@martynphillips6646]

I have learned more here from Gene in a few minutes than scanning the web for months to check out the BS in ratings, superb video. When you have the facts, the knowledge and the skill to communicate them its great, superb job.

[@shensy842]

This is stuff I had to teach customers like 20 years ago when I was involved with audio. The look on customer's faces when you pulled the veil of marketing BS and explained precisely what was what.... priceless. Guaranteed they returned for advice later down the track.

[@robwingerter6488]

What I love is when they take the distorted rating, multiply it by all channels and put that number on the box. Especially in a HT in a box setup with tiny speakers. Oh, where have the old days gone? Thanks Gene!

[@chefgreek]

Gene! Finally something I can understand as a "newer techie" newbie. Keep up the great work.

[@sanchezzz1]

Love that you are keeping the industry honest! I'm no mathematician so I have kept to NAD, McIntosh etc.

[@berthacdellasala]

Love your commitment and quality work for all #audiophiles. Very proud of you always.

[@The.Home.Cinema.Engineer]

Gene I really love your videos ! I wish more people especially younger people who are into music and hifi would watch your videos ! Your honest and remain unbiased which is hard for me to do Your stuff is based on actual facts, science and math as an Audio engineer graduate I can say to EVERYONE WATCHING he knows his stuff Side note can we expect a video review of the Anthem mrx 1120- or 720 soon?

[@Audioholics]

Very kind. thank you.

[@abbeyking09]

I just purchased a 720 and they make my speaker loud and clean, first I play some songs without running the ARC. An then i run the ARC and o boy you can tell the difference right away, The only bummer is I cant play my old iPod through USB.which is i missed on my Yamaha receiver

[@The.Home.Cinema.Engineer]

Abbey king yea Ive heard great things about There room correction. I really want the 720 !

[@EdwardPCampbell]

My rule of thumb is very simple. Divide the power supply wattage (if stated) to 3/4, (typical conventional iron plate transformer efficiency) as power supplied to the processing and amplification circuitry. Reduce the remainder to 3/4, as typical npn/pnp transistor efficiency. Eg: 800 watt power supply = 600 watts output. 600 watts x 3/4 = 450 watts total. In other words, you get slightly more than half the rated power consumption as final total output. The rest is space heating. Therefore, one would expect 90 watts rms per channel continuous, from a 5.1 receiver with an 800 watt power supply. If the device doesn't state power consumption treat all claims with caution. Toroidal transformers (up to 90% efficiency) and Class D output (typically 85% efficiency) might deliver a further 15-20% maximum output, depending on the quality and efficiency of the switching circuitry. No one listens to single channel output, so its claim should be rejected as pointless window dressing. No one would use a 5.1 receiver as a mono amp. That is a PA or bass reinforcement application only, for which one might buy a 1000-2000 watt mono or bridged stereo amp.

[@thejizzle21]

Great review! This is something i needed explained for a long time. Mini stereo shelf systems used to confuse me with their power ratings, but now I know that the 10% THD on these ratings is why a 50w/channel 0.08% THD amp sounds cleaner and louder than a 400 watt 10% THD mini shelf system. Spread the knowledge guys.

[@RBBBBBBBBB533]

I bought the Marantz 5010 based on your and Hugo's advise for getting older receivers for better price. Got it for $550. Its scheduled to arrive tomorrow. Cant wait.

[@Pseudoics]

Thank you for keeping the pressure on these manufacturers and this BS. Too much of the tech industry as a whole is obsessed with selling you a flashy image and brand, instead of competent products.

[@ede6539]

Have a Pioneer Elite about 5 yrs old great receiver added a Crown Xl duocore 2505 changed everything ! Great video

[@reynaldos1chorizo]

Thanks Gene, So much respect for you and Hugo for giving honest and fair reviews and educatimg the consumer like myself that care about specs and dont want to get ripped off. You guys keep the audio industry in check and its necessary. And even though not all manufacturers are being dishonest, it makes it harder for those honest manufaturers to compete against those competitors that inflate their specs. Thanks again , keep cranking out these vids.

[@ejcheck]

Very nice. I remember the power rating wars of the 60's-70's, which gave absurd claims. They have become more sophisticated since, as you show here. This review reminds me of the type of work Julian Hirsch used to do. I don't think I can give a bigger compliment than that.

[@dvan3630]

great video on these AV receiver

[@donalddeorio2237]

Great video, in the 70s companies were playing all kinds of games with power ratings. That's why I went to separates with a Carver av705x 125 watts channel 20- 20k htz all channels driven. Big difference in sound quality

[@GB-je5tc]

Good for you Gene... Don't be afraid to eep on calling BS. We need informed and enlightened technical folk like yourself to illuminate hypocracy/ dishonesty.

[@dlloyd6300]

LOVED the video! This is the kind of behind the scenes knowledge that I love, and for some reason I cant find elsewhere. Keep up the good work!

[@jamistevens9049]

Videos like this really open my eyes thank you

[@sklodowska226]

top notch info!

[@ryanfuller5]

Utterly fantastic video. I love the class and professionalism this site brings. The information is honest and accurate. I eagerly await a Pioneer D3 review... as I have been enjoying the Elite D3 line for years (SC-35, SC-75, and SC-87)... they were all pre-Onkyo. I've been a bit skeptical since and dabbled with a mid-range Denon. The SC-87 holds up well with the B&W 600 series 5.2 I am running. Looking forward to it!

[@dathansmart858]

Really educational and I loved the use facts and sound logic to cut through the marketing tactics. Showing the numbers on why your making specific call-outs really strengthens your point. Hard to argue against logic. Thanks Again!!

[@marcdostie8409]

This is useful to a lot of consumers that just read the front of a box and say "Wow, 1000 watts!" and manufacturers just get into a pissing match over how much bigger their number is. It will continue to get worse as the number of channels increases and chassis size remains the same.

[@Emperor36]

Gene, thank you for the update, my friend is in sales and I disclose a lot of information on him on how to sell receivers and speakers. It's must appreciated, thanks again

[@brentfaas1398]

Thanks Gene. That was great information. I enjoy your channel so much. Keep up the good work.

[@manalishi8341]

Thanks Gene, much appreciated! That was a very important piece of information, and I hope that many consumers will pay attention! I am in business with hi-fi, and we constantly explain to consumers that they should at least compare the power rating of Receiver (maybe 11 x 200 Watt) with power consumption of the device with is usually below 2000 Watts in such case, and search for some magic. What is disappointing, is that today's dealers need such "education" as well.

[@JoeBob79569]

Wow. I just bought an old Onkyo on eBay there today, and was wondering what "that" line on the spec sheet was all about. Really great explanation.. thanks!

[@peterwilliamson2965]

Thanks, Gene! Your video is still educational and relevant.

[@alanwilliams4835]

I just love that straight to the point , at last thanks for exposing the 1K nonsense for manufacturers testing into 6 ohms . We are in the pro audio field supply large format systems to festivals the golden rule we use is if a power amp can’t drive into a 2 ohm load from 20 hz to 20 k then don’t buy it . If a av amp can drive a 4 ohm load a least your half way there .

[@seiferflo24]

Thanks Gene, I could have listened to you for an hour easily. All your feedback is always crystal clear even for a newbie. Coming back to the subject, if all manufacturers could provide a standard graph like you did, sweep freq, specs written for 2ch driven, 4 & 8Ohms, with low THD it would be so much easier to compare each amplifiers.

[@Audioholics]

Most manufacturers prefer to show their products in the best possible light either by massaging the specs or not showing the conditions in which the specs were taken (most usual).

[@abbeyking09]

I was looking for a new receiver between Yamaha Rx A1060 and Marantz SR5011. I can't decide which on to get, so i bought an ANTHEM MRX 720. on the AUDIOHOLICS review when you guys first impression "Gotta have it " am like sold, this is the one now my Paradigm Mini Monitor v7, Monitor center 3 V7, and cinema 100 for surround and back surround, they sound so big even though they are small speakers. I never enjoy a two channel until now. thanks boys you guys are honest on how you guys make a review on the product.

[@JetSnake128]

Great vid Gene, as always I feel you're giving great honest advice, I learn a lot watching your vids!

[@TomGrooms2802]

Gene, I agree wholeheartedly with everything you said. However I feel we need to explain that the difference between a 100 watt per channel AVR and a 120 or 140 watt per channel AVR is basically moot (if not inaudible). Thanks for putting in the time and effort to help educate the masses.

[@ach442403]

Keep up the good work...its about time someone calls out the manufacture's and keep em honest...if they want loyal customers they have to provide real world spec's...love the videos have learned alot by watching them...i would request videos of receivers and amps show bench tests of what they do power wise and dynamics, then a overall review....also maybe some of the"best bang for the buck" in differnt price ranges...i think it would better help people get a better understanding of what they are spending hard earned dollars on....keep listening!!!

[@marinoint]

Thank you for this important info! Really appreciate it!

[@Totalpckge]

Best video EVER! Big up yourself Audioholics!!!

[@SSJBen]

These are all very important points. But I'd like to add something. There can be situations where a decent receiver can actually be enough for one and extra external amplification isn't actually necessary. Example: 1) The listener has a small room, where the distance between the front speakers and the MLP is less than 6ft. Unless the speakers are very inefficient (like down in the 80db), oodles of power isn't actually needed to get the speakers at reference volume. 2) Gene has discussed this before, but adding a sub and bass managing takes off a huge load of power off the receiver. 3) Usage of highly efficient speakers. The higher the sensitivity (and I'm talking actual measured ones), the less power is needed to reach reference volume. 4) Many don't like to admit this but, just how often can you or will you even be able to listen at reference volume?

[@milonandez8706]

Yet another really good informative video Gene! But, I don't care what anyone else here says, where's Hugo? That's my guy, so hopefully we'll see him back in future videos. Thanks again!

[@dylanmcgaw5492]

love these guys, no nonsense regardless of your price range

[@willbrink]

Useful, concise, and easy to follow info for those looking to make educated choices.

[@JohnnieJQman]

Excellent video. A great explanation that has equipped me, and I'm sure all of the viewers, with a clear perspective of how to make a wise decision when buying new amplification, especially in the AV receiver range. Thank you!

[@davidkornegay1813]

I always love your insight on power ratings

[@X2FileWrightonite]

Didn't realize that Onkyo bought Pioneer. THX 4 that update.

[@ArthaxtaDaVince777]

Both are shit

[@paramjotsingh26]

@@ArthaxtaDaVince777 Yup. Avoid both hehe.

[@KymaSynthesis]

This was a really great video. Very informative.

[@richardszyniszewski2791]

THANK YOU; you are doing great job👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Thank you for finding your channel ❤️

[@arthurschadeberg8913]

Gene Awesome lectures when you are alone. You have my attention now. Cheers

[@Audioholics]

THX, hope it isn't too dry though.

[@bill32889]

XPA gen 3 review please. I'm interested in how the switch mode power supply holds up vs a toroidal.

[@Vylkeer]

Robert Ontiveros Emotiva Amps seem to be the real deal. Their ratings and specs are incredible! They're able to provide real power always all-channels driven and RMS into 8 ohms. While many other AVR manufacturers are just using marketing gimmicks.

[@bill32889]

yeah emotiva has had a good reputation but this is a new design and they have been out for a while without a single review so I would like to know if there is a downside to the switch mode power supply vs a big heavy toroidal. I need an amp with lots of dynamics and control to make my apogee duetta signatures sing.

[@Audioholics]

Not sure since we haven't reviewed it but their old stuff with linear supplies is pretty solid. I use XPR-1's and love them.

[@bill32889]

would be cool if you guys could do a review on them. I'm going to CES this year so will stop by their room, but I would like to see a review of how they measure. Its interesting they have been out for awhile but not a single review has been posted.

[@bill32889]

Yeah but this is new for emotiva. It would be like if a car maker were to just suddenly change to all electric cars from gas. Both can be used to make great cars but you would want some reviews or a test drive before just jumping in right? FYI I just bought one because its been a while and only one review is out. Im going to test drive it.

[@ttshushkevichius]

I was surprised when tested my Marantz SR4600 (80W/ch) and compared to my stereo amp PM7001 (70W/ch). The PM amp drives same speakers more efficiently and needs less volume knob travel to achieve similar sound level. Even using the pre-amp out on the PM amp it drives my active studio monitors much more better. So I thought the receiver is malfunctioning or something so I brought it for a maintenance and the guy said don't worry this is only manufacturer's power rating games. And then I came here to this great explanation video. Thanks! And I really feel cheated by manufacturer which I like most...

[@rammstein265]

Great explanation and insightful

[@SaZooCaballero]

This was SUPER helpful. Thx a bunch!

[@lionpaw4068]

Hey my bro. you're a man with a sharp mind you teaches wisdom when it comes to power and I love listening to you coz you know your stuff you're always putting us on the right road I have an Onkyo RZ- 820 an old boy he's powerful but just as you said with 6 and 4 ohms this shouldn't be but I'm not putting full power out. very nice receiver, thanks again for all the information it keeps me alert. stay safe and be strong.. until Lionpaw

[@kevincaines6922]

Finally, thank god I absolutely love this guy Honesty is always best and like he says is you don't educate yourself you will get taken to the cleaners. By the manufacturer in that they can play the wording mumbo jumbo game and a lot of them "do" What I love so much about Audioholics is "NO B.S" Straight forward to the point you will get what you pay for, wait let me rephrase that. You will at least get what you pay for and usually a lot more.

[@michaelkaiser5994]

Hi Raffie. Thx for your input. Do you dislike Emotiva for it's sound quality, build or price? Gene has praised them in the past.

[@timdiebert7128]

Wow what a great & informative video!! Thank you for clarifying power ratings & making it understandable from a layman standpoint. I understand all the jargon & things but you helped make things VERY clear. Well done Gene! Thx

[@judmcc]

Very informative. I seem to remember in the 1970s they were understating the watts to show very low distortions such as 0.001%.

[@adinahirschmann3112]

THANK YOU for your honest, thorough and informational video. It was a good review of what I learned in my college physics class. BTW, nobody listens to just one channel in a home theater setup. BTW, the range of human hearing is 20 to 20, 000 Hertz.

[@T0mmyGun654]

Good job on the video and article. Very useful at dispelling power rating myths.

[@alfredoosoriomangones3565]

I´m looking for a new AV Receiver and I was trying to choose it for power output so your video gave light about real variables to choose my new receriver, the searching continues..my budget US$500.

[@sals26]

Great video as usual Gene, I remember your earlier one on power ratings and meant to make this post back then. As a very old school audiophile I remember seeing this kind of thing go around before. In the 60-70s some amp- receiver builders started using things like peak, instantaneous power figures to quote ratings, any kind of hokey thing they could think of to inflate the numbers. It took a intervention by the FTC to bring any honesty or integrity to the process. I think once again the FTC should step in and put their foot down on a advertised power and bring some sanity back.

[@NorthonTorga]

Thanks for sharing this video, this helps a lot to avoid the marketing bs companies tries to push onto us.

[@maxwellugochukwu6965]

You are right, I had a pioneer sc87 and I had the amp died on me twice but due to am on a budget so I bought a Marantz sr7013 with an Emotiva A3 amp to push my front and center to minimize the power been used by the Marantz. My Marantz gets really hot that I had to buy a cooling fan for it

[@davidnguyen5028]

Good work Gene.

[@damirdamir313]

I'm asking for help! I have exactly that AV Denon 5200w that you showed in the video and I am not happy with the sound in stereo mode. I would like the sound to be more present and defined in a quieter way of listening. The speakers I use are B&W 685 s2, 100w at 8 ohms, 87db sensitivity. What should I do: if I need to change the speakers, which ones do you recommend or get an external amplifier and which ones do you recommend? Thank you!!!

[@workaholic7600]

Thank you! Found your channel by chance, Love your videos I cant stop watching them!

[@kevinpeters6672]

Hello Gene, Hugo and all your staff: I'm of course a music lover (mostly smooth jazz and modern rockin orchestra such as Yanni and other forms of music depending on the mood !) Believe when I say that I've been a subscriber to your sight a long time. I don't usually converse on your sight unless I'm in need for professional insight. What I do enjoy immensely is reading and watching your unbiased facts on Audio equipment. I enjoy your you tube episodes and your guys jocular banter and think it's funny as hell when you read some of the feed back cry babies that take things so bloody personal. I own a modest set up and upgrade when possible. "Sorry about babbling" Just wanted to thank you guys for having a straight up honest business to give people like me educated advise so I can produce better quality sound and how to go about doing it. "THANKS AGAIN" KEVIN !

[@michaelwillacy3846]

Can't wait for the pioneer specs, check out the vsx-lx 503, happy new year to audio holics crew, big up from Jamaica.

[@joevaz1220]

Please explain the complete jargon of connectivity of AVR preamp out to External power amp and if preamp out of extra front or rear surround channels can be used as stereo channels through a external amp

[@brianx4264]

thanks! very informative. What. Amp do you recommend to pair b&w. 804d or 805d? Integrated or separated. I kind of like Rotel.

[@fwabble]

Amazing video, thanks Gene

[@serg472]

Please, please continue with this solo format. It's always interesting listening to you and you alone, Hugo never contributes anything to the conversation, just sits there making awkward useless remarks I couldn't stand it.

[@rennelenriquez3618]

This video is very helpful and informative. Keep it up Gene! 👍🏻

[@mount999]

Watched many reviews of your channel. good work guys keep it up. Immensely helped me. Thanks

[@seanmcd72]

Great video. Should be required viewing for anyone wanting quality receiver.

[@53patsfan]

I remember others who used to manipulate by saying 40hz-20khz too. Can I ask 1 question? I always know the Receivers play games going way back to the 2 channel days. I always used separates and still do. BUT now I just use 200 wpc monoblocks for the fronts because they are full range, and the receivers internal for the center surrounds. I already suspect this has to help take the load off the internal powersupply and amps. I just want to know if I am correct? THANKS

[@Alextall1]

Great feedback and comments. I actually purchased the Pioneer ELITE sc-99 purely for the "software" and the HDMI functions. The amplification is all being done by 2 brystons feeding all 11 speakers in the home theatre cause there is no way that Pioneer would have been able to keep up with the Bowers 803's and 804's, but I agree these companies aren't being very forthcoming and it's too bad because the features they have on these units are pretty good. They should maybe come out with a PRE series and let us decide how to amplify.

[@souloftheage]

How did you hook up the reciever to the amps to vet them to run. Some people have said to use a small dj's mixing board.

[@Alextall1]

michael allen the pioneer has a full set of preouts that you can run (rca) cables to your Amp. That's what I did, and the nice thing is that the Pioneer has a feature that will allow you to disable the actual amplification running from the unit to the back of speaker connectors so you don't have to be running them uselessly😊 and the calibration does take into account the fact that your using the preouts to the Amp. Hope that answers your question

[@souloftheage]

SWEEEET!!

[@brentg231]

Great analysis! This was very informative and helpful.

[@shazmagic6268]

Thank you Gene for breaking down in understandable terms power ratings and how some companies are playing the numbers game. I should of given more credence to NAD as I always thought they were underpowered now I know why. I was wondering If speaker manufactures play the same numbers game? Also If a receivers true power is 70watts at 7 channels driven what would be a good speaker match 150w RMS speakers? 250w speakers RMS? How do you determine what speakers to use?

[@vernlindenmayer]

Very informative, thank you. My question is about adding external amps. How cognizant do I have to be about the amperage pulled from a single fuse on my fusebox? Right now all of my home entertainment equipment uses the same outlet. The lesser pulling equipment is on a surge protector connected to one outlet and the sub is connected to the another outlet but they are both using the same fuse in the fuse box. Would I need to upgrade that fuse to run multiple amps for multiple channels? If not then how should my power hook ups look? Should I skip surge protectors for the external amps or have an individual one for each amp? If an individual for each amp and I don't have enough power receptacles (outlets) for each amp/surge protector then what are my options.

[@robflynn7905]

Happy with my NAD 150 true watts per channel. Awesome vid guys

[@vincej9275]

Hi, pleas advise me on the best external amplifier to buy. I have good speakers which boost a max. 400 Watts. JBL ES 90 BK and using a Denon AVR -S500BT Receiver. I didn't have lots of money but need a class AB amplifier to use pre-out. Please advise someone below $300. I feel like I am not getting the most out of my JBL speakers since the Denon doesn't come even half way the power the speakers need. Your help will be appreciated.

[@michellehaley166]

hi great video on these av receivers i have the elac b6 speakers and i wiil be getting the f6 and the c5 later which 6 ohms receiver should i get for my speakers

[@kdas4085]

What a crisp review..loved it

[@tross2420]

very very informative. Thank you so much!

[@johnbarnesjr2741]

Hello thanks for your video I decided to get separates (Outlaw model 5000 and model 975 to drive my Bose speakers. Thanks again

[@stephentavoulare6017]

Wonderful. Can you tell us a quality receiver to have in our home theatre, that pulls all the bells and whisles, tv, klpish speakers ref premiere, dvd, tape deck, blu ray,, etc?

[@todddembsky8321]

Thank you Gene -- great video. I have always run straight Class A or Class AB -- how can a Class D amp be pushing 2 ch 100watts/ch 8 ohm with a 46 volt power supply. I struggle when I pick up my class D and it weighs 4 pounds, while my Yamaha B-6 rated at 200 watts into 8 ohms give me a real workout. Thanks !!!

[@squidcaps4308]

Apples and oranges, weight has nothing to do with power supply output, it just happens to be one clue in traditional transformers. I agree with Gene, Class-D needs to be put to same tests and benchmarks. And even thou, i have no facts, i think class-D is the type where power rating must not be at any point exaggerated.. So reversal works as a safeguard, take 20% of from class-D and you are might fine to put it up against any other type. For 200W AB should be equivalent to ~240W D-class. These are amplifiers we are talking about, nominally driven there should be no audible differences and so far in 25 years, some of it spent as engineer, i agree 100%. And weight is very poor indicator even on amps with traditional transformers as there are a lot of other factors in play (and since i stopped touring right about when d-class proliferated, i'm extremely jealous to techies of today, what used to be 160kg is now 40kg.. It actually saves on fuel already.. But that is a place, pro audio, where things can't enter distortion or ears go pop, smoke is released and insurance called.. They have to be dependable and performing just like the old ones. And they do, i was highly sceptical too and joked that these China plastics just can't work but hell.. i have been proven so wrong (we got a private demo from JBL/Harman and could get to quite in detail with them right at the time they produced first lineups based on new tech and yeah.. there is nothing wrong with that approach anymore, if it's done properly..) I would still avoid the cheap stuff and get oversized but that is minor convenience; we have to plan for 50% reserves at minimum anyway, extending that to 60% is nothing ("real" wattage hits 50W; amp should be at least 100W, for d-class that would mean 120W.. whoopdidoo :) .. and that last para is opinions, not facts, based on some feedback from the field. What is indicative that no one is complaining and if something is fragile, the word gets around REALLY fast in the pro circuit as that shit costs easily thousands when things break at the wrong time, careers are ruined, companies bankrupted if new investments do not work like expected...

[@todddembsky8321]

SquidCaps Thank you, so for critical listening in a properly set up acoustical environment, in an A/B test if both amplifiers were set to 50 watts / 8ohms even a good listener (not great listener as I am over 50) would be hard pressed to tell the different in amplifier output and distortion (assuming that each amp is conservatively a 100+ watt amp.)

[@squidcaps4308]

Todd Dembsky Not just hardpressed, it is impossible to hear two nominally driven amps from each other (expecting we are both talking about linear. low distortion and low noise, at least adequate devices,

[@squidcaps4308]

This is good challenge that has not been successfully completed in 25 years, one amp against another.. there are no takers as amp designers know they will fail: www.tom-morrow-land.com/tests/ampchall/index.htm

[@todddembsky8321]

SquidCaps Great article. In my set-up I would cross over at about 150hz to active subs. So I would only drive 150 - 20,000. I am going to have to give a good Class D a test. My Class A's eat power like it is candy. Also would open up my ability to build active speakers. As I build all my speakers, I get the fun/frustration of picking cabinet design, driver components, and crossover design and components. Also gives me the ability to bi and tri-amp my speakers if needed. Thanks a lot -- great advice and loads of help. I appreciate it.

[@sukhvindertoor5558]

Excellent video!

[@TheKnightOperator]

Love what you're saying, couldn't agree more, keep doing what you're doing my friend.

[@jordanniagara3131]

This guy knows his stuff!

[@DainBramageded]

Thank-you Gene for an informative video and your willingness to call out manufacturers. Because you take the heat from the manufacturers you do this hobby a great service. I doubt the over-rating thing comes as a surprise to most of those watching this, but I think how far over does. I wasn’t thinking it was anywhere near that bad. An eye opener to be sure. In the video you displayed the test result from a power amplifier and how that manufacturer actually under-rated the output. In general, are power amplifier manufacturers more honest than receiver manufacturers?

[@praljak1]

Thanks Gene. Just a quick question.....I just purchased a Rotel RMB1095 Mk2 for my home theatre. I plan on using the pre outs on my Yamaha RX-A3030. Is there much to be gained by using a dedicated processor such as the Anthem AVM60? Would I notice much of a difference ib sound quality?

[@1JUSTGOTLUCKY1]

Excellent video!! A lot of great information on interpreting specs. Thank you!!

[@Vylkeer]

What do you guys think of Emotiva Amps? Their ratings and specs are astounding!

[@Audioholics]

We've reviewed most of their older amps and found them to be quite good for the money as you can read on the Audioholics editorial site. We haven't tested Gen3 yet so can't comment on those at this time.

[@Vylkeer]

Audioholics Well then I'll wait until you'll do a review for Gen3 as well! Thanks for replying :)

[@inuyasha561]

Love this, this was awesome. thank you

[@MrDavydavid]

great video thank you very much