Matching amp with speakers

[chris ma]

What are the proper ways/criteria to match speakers with amprefiers?

For a given amprefier, how do one take the appropriate measurements for its output characteristics, and use these parameters to go speakers hunting.
With the set of parameters from the amp, what parameters of the speakers should match?

Any links suggestion for me to read about the subject?

Thanks in advance
Chris

 

[RobPhill33]

The most important spec to consider when matching your loudspeakers is the sensitivity rating. The higher the sensitivity rating, the louder SPL (pressure level) for a giving amount oof power. The ratings will commonly range from 80db/w/m to 96db/w/m. So if you don't have a powerful amp then a high sensitivity is probably best, you get the picture.
Now, if you are reffering to matching the amps output impedence to the speakers load then I strongly suggest you read
http://sound.westhost.com/impedanc.htm
Check the power rating of your amplifier, if it has trouble delivering current into a 4ohm load then perhaps look for an 8 or even 16ohm speaker. Remember the impedence of a real speaker varies with frequency, you might even want to look at the f vs. Z graph for a given speaker.