Which Amp????

[salvasol]

I have a pair of JBL Stadium on my front (http://jbl.com/home/products/product...at=BFS&ser=VEN) ... the specifications said to use a max of 225W ... here is my dilema:

I have a Gemini P-07 amplifier (70 WPC @8 ohms and 90WPC @ 4ohms both channel driven) and last week I saw a used Crown amp(not sure what model) very cheap; salesman said I can get 370W per side @8 ohms ... I have this questions before buying:

1. Which amp is better to use with my speakers??? ... currently I'm using a RXV-2700 140WPC, so if I use the P-07 (70 watts) will I see an improvement on the sound??? ... maybe not the loudness, but What about clarity???

2. If I get and use the Crown (or any other) that has more than 225WPC ... will this damage my speakers???

3. 370WPC is what the amp provides to the speakers ... but, Is this all the time??? or When do I reach this number??? ... at max volume, when the gain on the amp is all the way up, etc. ... I just don't want to destroy my speakers ...

I read a lot of post about using a separate amp to power speakers ... but somethimes is confusing because some said that is okay to use a powerful amp (sometimes double of what the speakers can handle) and won't have any damage; other said that is not worth it if you're using a 140WPC and get a 200WPC ... ... I really need advise before

[drdoan]

A couple of points: In order for an average human to hear a difference in volume, the power must be doubled. Hence, going from 100 to 150 watts won't make much difference. Having more power than the speakers can handle is not a problem unless you tend to keep the volume up. With more power comes more headroom, which means that a spike of loud sounds can get the amp closer to its rated output, and possible damage the speakers. Most movies and music won't reach those levels. The main advantage on more power might be the quality of the sound as opposed to the level of the sound. Crown's are good amps and are capable of producing great sound.
I personally wouldn't be too concerned with using a higher powered amp as long as I don't push it beyond normal listening levels. Most of the sound you hear at pretty loud levels is below 10 watts, with peaks going higher. It also depends on how long to keep the power up. The speaker might be able to handle one or two peaks slightly above its rating, but, the more you exceed to rating, the more likely the speaker is to fail. Hope some of this helps, Dennis