Power handling

In audio electronics, there are ways to rate the power handling of components. These ratings are often unaccurate or accurate to a very small degree as there are very limited instances in which the ratings would be accurate. This article focuses on power handling concerning audio electronics.

Root Mean Square

Root mean square (RMS) is the most accurate power handling rating. It refers to the amount of sustained power the component can handle. Thus, it is quite accurate but can still be an exaggeration, or even an understatement as frequency and harmonic distortion need to be taken into account. for example, a subwoofer rated at 100 watts may be able to handle 100 watts of power at 80 Hertz, but at 25 Hertz it would not be able to handle nearly as much power as it would physically lack the cone excursion necessary to respond to such a low frequency at such high power.

Peak Power

Main article: Peak power

Peak power refers to the maximum amount of power an electronic component can possibly handle for an instant without burning. Also, when operating at or anywhere near its peak power, the level of harmonic distortion is unacceptably high. For instance, an amplifier (especially a surround sound receiver), may be rated at 1,000 watts peak power, but the harmonic distortion level will be at 10 percent. The peak power is often 3 or 4 times greater than the RMS rating. Peak power is also referred to as max power or PMPO (Peak Music Power Output).