Cerwin Vega LS-8 on Sony STR-7055 Amp?!?!

[ketamine]

Hey guys, picking up a pair of Cerwin Vega LS-8 I got at a ridiculously good price. I know these are mainly home theatre speakers but I want to use them in my garage with my Sony STR-7055 as bookshelf speakers to rock out while I do work at my workbench. I have heard horror stories of using lower wattage amps with higher wattage speakers and having things go south. Here are the specs for the speakers and also the specs for the amp, at least a summary of both. Maybe someone could give me an idea as to if it is a horrible idea or if it will work fine just don't try to throw a concert with the setup =P.

Product Identifiers
Brand Cerwin Vega
Model LS-8
MPN LS-8

Key Features
Speaker Type Main / Stereo
Construction 2-Way

Technical Details
Peak Power Handling 125 watt
Impedance 8 ohm
Sensitivity 91 dB

Sony STR-7055

PRE/MAIN section
Dynamic power output : 200W (4 Ohm, IHF constant ps method)
136W (8 Ohm, IHF constant ps method)
Continuous power output : 2x 45W (8 Ohm, 1Khz, 0,2% THD)
2x 55W (4 Ohm, 1Khz, 0,2% THD)
2x 35W (8 Ohm, 20Hz...20Khz, 0,2% THD)
2x 45W (8 Ohm, DIN 45500, 0,2% THD)

I understand that the amp is only 45 wpc or 35wpc I am confused on which. I read somewhere that a low THD value is good for running higher wattage speakers on a smaller amp. Any thoughts? What are my limitations, how do I know my limits. I have yet to pop any speakers and would like to continue that.

EDIT: This is from a description on an auction for a set. I am not positive it is accurate but I don't know where else to find info on them.

"Description
Engulf yourself in the world of entertainment with the Cerwin Vega LS-8 speakers. The 150-watts max output power of these Cerwin Vega home theater speakers ensures loud and clear sound. The high-density cabinet construction of these Cerwin Vega speakers reduces distortion with improved tonal accuracy and imaging. Moreover, the balanced dome tweeter of these Cerwin Vega home theater speakers offers an amazingly high sensitivity and protection from thermal overload. Listen to every beat clearly on these Cerwin Vega speakers with 91-dB sensitivity. With 4000Hz of crossover frequency of the Cerwin Vega LS-8, the music surely captures you in an enchanting spell."

 

[budgetaudio6]

ive driven a piar of MX 400s to deafening levels. For a few minutes/ Much longer then is necessary to blow any drivers or amps not capable. They will handle alot, even the woofers. Except when the amp clips for too long...

 

[matt39]

I own the LS-8's which I have kept in reserve as backup speakers. They work fine for music only applications and are not hard to drive. As long as your Sony is in good condition it should have no trouble with the speakers. The LS-8's are decent speakers, neither great nor terrible, and should do pretty well rocking out in the garage. You should be able to play them pretty loud as they are a pretty easy load for an amp. Just be sensible with your volume control and back it off some if you start hearing distortion or clipping. I hope you enjoy your new setup!
Gary

 

[ketamine]

I own the LS-8's which I have kept in reserve as backup speakers. They work fine for music only applications and are not hard to drive. As long as your Sony is in good condition it should have no trouble with the speakers. The LS-8's are decent speakers, neither great nor terrible, and should do pretty well rocking out in the garage. You should be able to play them pretty loud as they are a pretty easy load for an amp. Just be sensible with your volume control and back it off some if you start hearing distortion or clipping. I hope you enjoy your new setup!
Gary

Thank you. The sony seems to look good inside. I just last week adjusted the bias back to factory setting. I have not, and believe cannot, adjust the dc offset but it isn't horribly off. I think it was 20mv last time I checked. I got the amp for free so I can't complain =P. So back off if I hear distortion or clipping. I assume I'll know what clipping sounds like. I read that these speakers have an overload protector inside. Does this mean if they clip they'll pop a fuse and shut off? Not familiar with speakers with this feature.