In article , Roy
wrote:


No that's nonsense. Most power amps are running at a fraction of their
RMS max (let alone peak max) most of the time. Let me quote you an
example.

I listened to a pair of ATC SCM10s driven by an AVI 250W/ch amp with a
power meter attached. Listenening at realistic (not thunderous) levels
to Sibelius Violin Concerto, the quiet introduction drew barely a watt
per channel with a few moments of maybe 5w. The orchestral tutti (2 very
loud chords) drew an instantaneous 400W per channel.

FWIW my experience is similar. With acoustic/serious music that is well
recorded I'd would have said that peak/mean ratios of 15 - 20 dB is fairly
common.

May be different for heavily compressed/limited 'pop' music, though. But
then in general I don't listen to that.... :-) Ok, Ok, do sometimes. I
admit to listening to 'Sounds of the 60's' on R2. This seems to have a
dynamic range of about 1dB and a peak/mean of about 0dB. ;-

Slainte,

Jim

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