power amps, speaker ratings, etc.

[shackrock]

so....if I have an amp that is rated at (this is just an example) 1500w rms per channel stereo...and I have 2 speakers that are rated at 1000w rms....and I try to turn my amp up to max...do i blow my speakers? i was always under the impression that the speakers set the limit, not the amp....and that the amp would only provide what the speakers can handle......but i've read otherwise now...and i'm just getting confused...my EE isn't helping me out either. anyway can somebody clarify? ha

[xstatic]

No, you willnot blow the speakers just by turning the amp up. If you do, there was already a problem with the amp. Most pro audio companies power between 2 and 3 times what the speakers are rated for. Blowing speakers happens much quicker when you underpower and as a result of trying to bump up levels in an attempt at more volume, your amplifier clips the signal and passes it on all screwy like (squared even) and the poor speakers just fry. If you happen to be REALLY overpowered though, there is a chance you could blow the speakers with sheer volume, but there will be audible signs of that before the speakers get into any trouble. You should have time to make an adjustment in your mix before that happens unless it happened to be a specific and fast event that takes everything out at once.