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Correct speakers to match amplifier?

K

Kenton Aubry

New Member
Hi. This is probably a very basic question for most of you. I am putting together a system. I have a Onkyo P-303 preamp, and a B&K 200.2 S2 power amp. It says 220 wpc at 8ohms. What wattage of 8 ohm speakers will be the best fit? Thank you very much.
 
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Welcome to AudioKarma.

That amp should basically work with any speakers made in the last 50 years.

As long as the suggested minimum power of the speakers isn't 300 or 400 watts, you should be good to go.

I'd probably stay away from speakers rated for 25 or 50 watts max.

Basically any speakers, just watch your volume control with speakers rated for less than 100 watts.

Nice gear, by the way. What speakers are you considering? That's definitely a pre and power combo that will work with some really nice speakers.
 
You already have decent equipment that can handle
Most any speakers .
The speakers are the most important components
Some rare mostly high end electro static
Speakers that can be somewhat hard to drive dipping down to 3 ohms you might avoid .
Go to hear as many speakers as you can .
I would try and find speakers that are at least 90
Db efficient and if you plan on running
2 pair of speakers, then yes stay with 8 ohm or
even 16
Ohm speakers
 
Nyjblbob said:
Go to hear as many speakers as you can
Click to expand...
I agree with this. There are significant differences in the sound of speakers. Maybe tell us more about your listening tastes for some recommendations and a location so folks so inclined to search CL FB and OU can point out some for you.
Don't forget a budget cause I'd recommend a nice new speaker in the 5-figure range.

Depending on how loud you want to listen the 90dB sensitivity isn't necessary. I have similar power and use 85-88dB speakers and they play plenty loud. Of course, YMMV.
 
Welcome to AK.

Completely agree with @cratz2, and would add this: figure out the speaker sensitivity ratings that best suit your listening style.

First, figure out about your normal listening habits. How loud do you like the music when it’s cranking? How loud do you like it for normal listening? You can get a sound level app for your phone and take readings over a week or so. Also note how far you are from your speakers.

Then, you can calculate the power needed to drive the speaker to those levels. For example, if you listen at 2 meters, and like to listen at 80 dB, you will need 1watt with speakers of 86 dB sensitivity to reach that level. If you listen at 4 meters away, 1 watt will get you 80 dB with speaker with 92dB sensitivity. Of course, amps need much more power that 1 watt to handle transients across the whole audio spectrum, but understanding the relationship between power, sensitivity, and preferred listening level is essential in selecting a speaker

Here is a link to a quick explanation with a simple calculator. https://geoffthegreygeek.com/understanding-speaker-sensitivity/
 
And you can't even rely on spl calculators*, so don't worry about it, you have more than enough watts.
Ignore speaker wattage ratings, they are completely useless.


*the one I like to use (seems accurate IME) shows 1/4 watt with 86dB speakers at 2 meters for 80dBs (1w = 86).
 
Last edited:
cratz2 said:
Welcome to AudioKarma.

That amp should basically work with any speakers made in the last 50 years.

As long as the suggested minimum power of the speakers isn't 300 or 400 watts, you should be good to go.<<snip>>
Click to expand...

This is the best answer IMO.

Amplifiers’ ratings are the maximums, the volume/gain control determines how much power is available to the speakers. Driving into distortion can/will damage speakers even if the power output is less than the maximum rating on the speaker.

There is a lot written about system synergy; how well the speakers and electronics play together. However, your room’s acoustics, the type of music you listen to, and your taste will be at least as important to your satisfaction with the music, it is best to find speakers that you like to hear.
 
opnly bafld said:
And you can't even rely on spl calculators*, so don't worry about it, you have more than enough watts.
Ignore speaker wattage ratings, they are completely useless.

*the one I like to use (seems accurate IME) shows 1/4 watt with 86dB speakers at 2 meters for 80dBs (1w = 86).
Click to expand...

Listen to this guy. You will have to look hard for speakers this amp can't drive. I'll even forgive him the SPL calculation. Numbers and end use meaning have a very loose relationship in audio.
 
SaturationPt said:
This is the best answer IMO.

Amplifiers’ ratings are the maximums, the volume/gain control determines how much power is available to the speakers. Driving into distortion can/will damage speakers even if the power output is less than the maximum rating on the speaker.

There is a lot written about system synergy; how well the speakers and electronics play together. However, your room’s acoustics, the type of music you listen to, and your taste will be at least as important to your satisfaction with the music, it is best to find speakers that you like to hear.
Click to expand...

Speaker power ratings are complete garbage with any competently designed speakers not being driven by an idiot. If it sounds bad, turn it down. Even amplifier power ratings are largely garbage, especially at the receiver level. Once you hook up a pair of speakers, nothing is guaranteed.
One's best course is to invest in good speakers and amplification. You can't cut here. This is where you build from.

The rest, your part, is correct. Don't feed the numbers geeks.
 
Speaker power handling specs don't mean much unless you know exactly how the rating was decided on and how it was attained.

Power handling specs are largely marketing and everyone rates differently so it's not possible to know what the rating actually means. This is not a new phenomenon either. Look back at the 100watt HPM100 and the 200watt HPM100. Big difference between the two right? Ha! They wanted to sell more so they raised the advertised power handling spec. They did raise the xover point of the mid.....to a point where it sounds worse!

In other words, don't pay attention to power handling specs. Get something well made that sounds good and learn how to control the volume properly.
 
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