determining power handling of a speaker

[GeniX]

Given the power ratings of the driver(s), how does one determine the power handling of the speaker?

To me common sense tells it should be the lowest of any component. Thus a 30watt tweeter with 50watt woofer yields a speaker that should be rated at 30watt?

Right? or Wrong! (if wrong, please explain why)

[mgoedeke]

If you were to feed your speaker sine waves then that would be the case. Fortunately we don't listen to frequency generators and music has a whole spectrum of frequencies. Follow this link for a better explanation than I could ever hope to give: http://sound.westhost.com/tweeters.htm#pwr-dist

[Circlotron]

Maybe measure the temperature rise of the voice coil by it's change in resistance compared to room temperature?

GP.

[planet10]

Originally posted by mgoedeke
If you were to feed your speaker sine waves then that would be the case. Fortunately we don't listen to frequency generators and music has a whole spectrum of frequencies.

For just this reason, power handling is one of the least important specifications that a speaker has. What is important is that your amp does not go into steady clipping when you are driving your speaker (ie an amp that is too big is less likely to blow your speakers than one that is too small).

There is the issue of whether your speakers play loud enuff for your application, and i assume that this limit is respected when you play your hifi.

dave