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9.2 Suitable power ranges
Choosing an amplifier at the high end of the following ranges will avoid peak clipping.
See appendix A and the note below.
Recommended range = 100W - 400W into 8Ω, 200W – 800W into 4Ω or 400W – 1600W into 2Ω
Most amplifiers are rated into 8 ohms (1 x F81) and 4 ohms (2 x F81s in parallel)
Amplifiers with a genuine 2 ohm specification can power up to 4 x F81s in parallel – but
remember to use thicker cable when connecting multiple loudspeakers in parallel.
Loudspeaker power ratings and recommended amplifier power
A loudspeaker’s AES (Audio Engineering Society) power rating is the maximum power it can withstand for
prolonged periods of time. This is usually governed by the system’s ability to dissipate heat without
damage.
Many transients, however, don’t last long enough to allow significant heat build-up so most loudspeaker
systems can handle short-term peaks up to 6dB higher than their AES power rating without damage.
You can get the best of both worlds by choosing an amplifier powerful enough to reproduce the short-
term transients and using a Funktion One XO series loudspeaker management system to provide long-
term limiting.
For further information on Funktion One XO series loudspeaker management systems go to
www.funktion-one.com and click through > Products > Electronic Products, then...
> XO2 Audio Management System for a 2 in/ 6 out loudspeaker management system
or...
> XO4 Audio Management System for a 4 in/ 8 out loudspeaker management system
Then click through Downloads > Other and download 4 series manual.pdf.
For limiter recommendations, see section 11.
Using a bigger amplifier to provide full peak power, whilst restricting long-term power with limiters, also
avoids long-term clipping.
Caution
Heavily clipped signals can subject your loudspeakers and cables to double their rated amplifier power.
In extreme cases this could pose a fire hazard.
For more information about clipping, see appendix A.
www.funktion-one.com © Funktion One Research Limited 2011
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