So true. The type of amps that give the best sound quality can be very in-efficient, 20 to 30%. If the output efficiency is 75 to 90% there is no way the system is producing the sound clearly, for a power outlet that has 1500W available the best stereos produce only 200 W, per channel because that is all the power that they can convert to sound. So when someone states they have a 2000W stereo they are quoting instantaneous power. The true marker of power is Total Harmonic Distortion at a given power rating, unfortunately there are several different power meaurements, peak, RMS, instantaneous, all which vary based on the limit of THD. Also most power ratings are at 1000Hz so that is much higher than the base frequencies that should be considered. I deal with newer PA power amps and the name brand QSC and Crown amps deliver power and sound quality, but the main thing limiting sound quality for most good equipment, that I see is source quality, MP3 are no comparison to CD and high quality records, which are harder to come by now, so "Get off my Lawn!".
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So true. The type of amps that give the best sound quality can be very in-efficient, 20 to 30%. If the output efficiency is 75 to 90% there is no way the system is producing the sound clearly, for a power outlet that has 1500W available the best stereos produce only 200 W, per channel because that is all the power that they can convert to sound. So when someone states they have a 2000W stereo they are quoting instantaneous power. The true marker of power is Total Harmonic Distortion at a given power rating, unfortunately there are several different power meaurements, peak, RMS, instantaneous, all which vary based on the limit of THD. Also most power ratings are at 1000Hz so that is much higher than the base frequencies that should be considered. I deal with newer PA power amps and the name brand QSC and Crown amps deliver power and sound quality, but the main thing limiting sound quality for most good equipment, that I see is source quality, MP3 are no comparison to CD and high quality records, which are harder to come by now, so "Get off my Lawn!".