My $50 audio setup, what levels are safe to run at?

[50]

Hello,

A friend of mine sold me two of his z-5500 sattelite speakers for $20. They're THX certified and the Z-5500 specs say they're 8 Ohm and rated for 61W RMS. I assume that is not a continuous figure; however, I also purchased http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=310-300&FTR=. That can handle 13W @ 8 Ohm (more specs here http://cgi.ebay.com/Lepai-Class-T-T...322?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43a53714fa). I don't plan on running the amp at 100% volume; but based on that figure what would it be safe to run at for say parties where I would need high volume for extended amounts of time?

 

[calvie]

you only have the 2 satellite speakers? If you dont have a sub, they will sound like crap/tin can. They have no bass whatsoever.

 

[kornphlake]

T amps have a lot of distortion at the rated power, ideally you'll run the amp at no more than 1-2 watts output power. Those little satellites most likely aren't terribly efficient, probably not the best match for a low power T amp.

 

[bobdole369]

And since the crossover is in the sub box/amp, the cheap T-amp will be pushing that distortion - Full Range into the sats, likely only rated to handle 250hz+. You'll make quick work of those satellites.

The "stated" output power of the satellites from the sub box/amp is 62W RMS at a ridiculous 10% THD.

Left/Right: 62 watts RMS x 2 (into 8 ohms, @ 1khz, @ 10% THD)

That amp likely only puts out about 10W RMS of usable power into each satellite. The tripath amp will work, but like I said - pumping full range into a small speaker not only sounds bad, but will probably break it.