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According to the standard, amplifiers and loudspeakers are specified differently:
With amplifiers, the output power is specified on the basis of an undistorted continuous sine signal; with loudspeakers, the (long-term) power handling is specified on the basis of a noise signal shaped in accordance with the standard frequency distribution of a music signal. The respective peak values are twice as high with sine signals, but at least four times as high with noise signals. Over a short period of time ELAC loudspeakers can handle levels distinctly above the norm power specification. Amplifiers, however, can supply only little more than the nominal power even over a fairly short period of time, after which clipping will set in. Amplifier power and loudspeaker power handling thus cannot be related exactly.
To define a reasonable combination, all ELAC loudspeakers are specified with a “recommended amplifier power”. The lower value marks the minimum power for slightly more than moderate volume under typical listening conditions, for which only little power is needed. The upper value guarantees that even at the highest level that is suitable for the loudspeaker the amplifier signal will be clipped only rarely. However, due to the varying nature of audio signals, these hints can be taken only as a general outline.
