How Many Watts Out Of My Audio System?

How many watts is my PA system?

• I bought used a sound system from a friend and I'm confused about how many watts it is. It's called a fender pro stage 100 with the Xpander speaker. They are active speakers with bi-amps. So, I assumed that it was 100 watts a speaker bit it is MUCH MUCH MUCH louder than the 190 watt system I have now. Also there is another place on the speakers that just says 360w. One on each speaker. Another thing, each spear (the speaker itself under the wire mesh) is about 12" in diameter, much bigger than any 200w system I've seen. It really seems a lot louder than the 190watt system I've been using but I'm not sure. So, do I have a 200w system Or a 720w system?

• Answer:

  Caleb - People worry too much about watts. The bottom line is that if the system works for your needs, then you are good to go. If it does not, you need a more powerful system. The only way to calculate the "true" watts af any amp or amplified speaker, is to look on the back where the power cord goes in. That specification is the true power consumption (watts) of the system. The output power (watts) of the amp will be less than that because the amp is not 100% efficient.