How much power is Needed? Multi Channel vs Pro Amps

[hawkson]

How much power is really needed for 90 db/sensitive speakers in a 5 speaker setup?
How many watts?

[Shatronics]

Well, that depends on many things. How large is your room, how many watts can the speakers handle and how much sound pressure do you want?

[hawkson]

The fronts can handle 250 watts. The rears and center 400 watts. The room is 17x16x8(4.8x5.3x2.5)

Loud for movies...

[ZFRaudio]

what is the RMS rating though?

i hate to be sceptical, but hifi speakers that can handle a true 400w rms are fairly rare

unless you do have a big *** hifi

[Shatronics]

If the setup is 90 dB/1w1m and let's say you are sitting approximate 5 meters away.
I would say that a loud listening level is around 96-97 dB from your position (5 meters away). With 90dB/1w1m that would be around 110-140 watts of true power for your system.
I would personally get 200 Watts because then you will have more free room to adjust the sound pressure and also keep the THD lower.

Regards,

Simon H.A.

[herm]

Hawkson is on multiple threads and multiple forums asking people
to educate him on what is the best sub, home theater, amp, etc..

I don't think he's a newb trying to learn.

[Shatronics]

You should have more power for the subwoofer than the other speakers since the human ear are less sensitive to deep frequency.
I've attached a table that shows the human ears response to different frequencies in the audible range.
As you can see the lower frequencies are not as represent as the other frequencies especially at lower sound pressures. Take this in account when you need to find out how many watts of power you need for your setup.

Regards,

Simon H.A.