Question about amp watts?

Question

hey im looking at an amp on ebay, it says:

500 Watts x 2 into 8 Ohms (2 x 175 Watts RMS)

does that mean if i plug in two speakers (600 watt each)

can they pump out 500 watts from both,

or will it only pump out 250 from each side?

Answer 1

In general when it says "500 watts x 2" it means with 2 speakers attached.

But that "2 x 175 watts RMS" tells me the 500 watt number is "Peak", and not the average power.  

To compare to an amp from Yamaha, Dennon, Onkyo , etc, power must be measured:

- All channels driven

- Into 8 ohm resistive load

- RMS power is measured (not peak)

- Total Harmonic Distortion around 0.07%

- Frequencies from 20 - 20,000 hz

Cheap amp companies change these settings to inflate the power numbers.  I suspect the amp on eBay is a poor quality.

Example: A very good amp produces 400 watts per channel and costs about $4,449 (Sunfire Theater Grand TGA-7400).

And some flagship receivers in the $3,000 range pump out 120 watts - using the more honest measurments.

Answer 2

"he who" is right on the money

But don't but Sunfire.

Bob Carver doesn't make those components anymore.

He sold out

Good luck.

More questions? Just e-mail me. I have owned a home theater business