Quote:
Originally Posted by PCR  It is much better to play through an over-powered amp into a under-sized speaker than an under-powered amp into an over-sized speaker. |
I'm going to disagree with you here, but for the following specific reasons:
1. A smaller amp into a higher powered speaker is 100% safe provided you have the common sense ability not to overdrive or clip the amp into the speaker. If you are going to clip the amp, you open yourself up to damage to the tweeter and crossover and if the clipping is severe enough, you can exceed the thermal power handling of the LF driver.
2. An "oversized" amp into a smaller speaker is equally as dangerous, in that damage to the speaker occurs as the mechanical limits of the driver are exceeded. This can be either catastrophic damage of cumulative damage to the soft parts (suspension components and even the cone neck of surround junction to the cone border) and the fibers tear microscopicly when the parts are driven beyond their elastic limits. Speakers are especially vulnerable as they are driven hard below the -3dB response knee. But this too can be safe IF you do not drive the speaker hard, nor especially if do you drive it hard below the -3dB response point.
So, IMO some qualifications to your post are important for others who may read this thread in the future.
