Rated Power into 8 Ohms
Rated Power into 8 Ohms states an amplifier’s electrical output in watts (W) into a specified 8-ohm test load.
A stereo rating of 2 × 80 W means 80 W per channel, not 160 W from either channel. The load is a measurement condition: a speaker labelled 8 ohms does not stay at exactly that impedance across all frequencies.
Rated Power into 8 Ohms — Power Amp
Compare ratings with the same number of channels driven (operating together), frequency range and distortion limit. A 1 kHz test covers one frequency; 20 Hz–20 kHz covers a range. THD means total harmonic distortion. Allowing more distortion can produce a higher power figure.
Continuous power describes sustained output under the stated test conditions; burst power covers brief peaks. If duration is unspecified, check the maker’s documentation rather than assume continuous output. Other loads and bridged operation (combining channels) need separate ratings. More watts alone do not establish better sound.
Sources
- AHB2 output-power specifications — Benchmark Media Systems
- R-N600A specifications: rated and dynamic power — Yamaha
- Measuring power amplifiers with reactive loads — Audio Precision
- Power measurements: continuous signals and bursts — Audio Precision