What is the simplest explanation of the difference between RMS and PMPO regarding sound systems?

Question

I need to explain to people who normally have very little educational background. I need to be able to explain in the simplest terms that even a kid can understand without the math involved

Answer 1

I would use the car gasoline mileage analogy ...

PMPO is like what they say the car miles per gallon could be ( the fairy tale number on the sticker )

RMS is what you find the car miles per gallon really is.

Answer 2

PMPO is a quite complicated sales gimmick, the link below should explain it better than I can.

http://cbll.net/articles/pmpo

Answer 3

I agree, PMPO is gibberish. RMS or , more correctly, continuous, power is a way to state the amount of power an amplifier can supply long term and will give you a much clearer idea of the amplifier's ability to provide power in a real life environment.

An interesting point to make is that when you want to increase the volume (sound pressure that is) so a human can hear the difference, requires a doubling of power .

To double the volume requires 10 times the power!!

I digress, sorry!

Good Luck!

Answer 4

I would say that "RMS is what the amp can actual do. Whereas PMPO is a mathematical estimate of what the amp can do for a very short time, less than a second, and is basically a sales gimmick."

Hope this helps

Answer 5

You have to show them a sine-wave where the wave goes up/down/up.

PMPO is the top most measure of power - but it only exists for an instant.

RMS is the power measured about 1/3 down from the peak and represents the AVERAGE power over time.

Answer 6

I think all these answers are very good.

But now, I'll answer the question you asked.

PMPO is like paying the dealer to Ziebart your brand new car.  Absolutely useless.

RMS is real world power.  This number is good instantly, and all day long.