Understanding Power Ratings in AV Receivers

Understanding Power Ratings in AV Receivers: In this video Gene explains how power is measured and rated in AV receivers. He discusses how to read the typical power vs distortion curve and how some manufacturers attempt to fudge the ratings through clever interpretation to make their products appear more powerful.

Read our related editorial that dives deeper into this topic:

Be sure to check out our related video here:

The AV Receiver Power Ratings Game

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Want to get the scoop on the latest AV products with hard facts and no fluff? The Audioholics YouTube channel provides detailed video reviews and How-To Set Up Guides of HDTV displays AV receivers, amplifiers, loudspeakers and subwoofers, Blu-ray players, headphones, gadgets and more. We discuss the latest technology breakthroughs in home theater and dispel the myths and snake oils surrounding manufacturer product claims.

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[tedmanasa]

One of the best Audioholics videos ever: no punches pulled, committed to keeping the industry honest and consumers educated. More like this please!

[offtheheezy]

Hey Gene I studied Electrical Engineering in College I would have loved to have you as a Filters teacher. You're doing wonders to all A/V enthusiast with no obligations to pander. You're the hero we need!

[KnightSayer]

That was the best 11mins that I have spent in trying to understand what these ratings mean and how to judge the result. I think I actually get it now. Great video, Gene!

[henrymartin]

Loved this! This has been my gripe for a decade or more. I just bought a really inexpensive Yamaha 2 channel stereo receiver for my bedroom that is rated 100 watts rms...now get this....frequency response 40hz to 20khz. I’m figuring it’s more like a 50 wpc amp in the real world. No complaints, it’s a nice little rig for a bedroom. But...no match for my Marantz 2270 that has a real rating of 70 wpc. These kinds of misleading specs really yank my chain. I also have a 1984ish Yamaha A700...now that’s a real 100 wpc integrated amp. It even blew one of my JBLs once. But that’s another story. Ok...full disclosure...I blew the speaker ( I ignored the circuit breakers kicking in at an extreme volume for an extended time...don’t judge...I had one too many drinks). Did you know a JBL LF driver puts out the prettiest blue colored flame? Thanks again for a GREAT video. And tell Mr. Spock I saw him

[marcusrodriguez]

I know you guys get a lot of well deserved praise and thanks but this video really was eye-opening. I have a four month old Yamaha Adventage A2060 running a Dolby Atmos 5.1.4 system. After watching this video I wondered how it would sound with a external amplification powering my two mains and possibly my center channel. Based on your recommendation from another video I went with a Emotiva A500, 5 channel amp and my jaw literally dropped when I turned it on for the first time. As happy as I was without an external power amp, Im amazed by The difference .Unfortunately many of us are accepting these manufactures power ratings without realizing the demands placed on the power supply when running a large multi channel system. Many thanks to you for this eye-opening video. The Emotiva, A relatively inexpensive upgrade, has brought a whole new dimension to my home theater setup.

[shensy]

This is stuff I had to teach customers like 20 years ago when I was involved with audio. The look on customer's faces when you pulled the veil of marketing BS and explained precisely what was what.... priceless. Guaranteed they returned for advice later down the track.

[markstone]

Excellent video Gene - NAD is a great example, as they rate their AVRs with all channels driven simultaneously, at full bandwidth and a rated distortion. They call this Full Disclosure Power. And since real-world program material requires short bursts of very high power rather than the continuous power normally specified, NAD also includes dynamic power ratings at 8 Ohms, 4 Ohms, and even 2 Ohms!

Thanks!!!

[martynphillips]

I have learned more here from Gene in a few minutes than scanning the web for months to check out the BS in ratings, superb video. When you have the facts, the knowledge and the skill to communicate them its great, superb job.

[sanchezzz]

Love that you are keeping the industry honest! I'm no mathematician so I have kept to NAD, McIntosh etc.

[RBBBBBBBBB]

I bought the Marantz 5010 based on your and Hugo's advise for getting older receivers for better price. Got it for $550. Its scheduled to arrive tomorrow. Cant wait.

[The.Home.Cinema.Engineer]

Gene I really love your videos !
I wish more people especially younger people who are into music and hifi would watch your videos !

Your honest and remain unbiased which is hard for me to do

Your stuff is based on actual facts, science and math
as an Audio engineer graduate I can say to EVERYONE WATCHING he knows his stuff

Side note can we expect a video review of the Anthem mrx 1120- or 720 soon?

[berthacdellasala]

Love your commitment and quality work for all #audiophiles. Very proud of you always.

[chefgreek]

Gene! Finally something I can understand as a "newer techie" newbie. Keep up the great work.

[robwingerter]

What I love is when they take the distorted rating, multiply it by all channels and put that number on the box. Especially in a HT in a box setup with tiny speakers. Oh, where have the old days gone? Thanks Gene!

[ejcheck]

Very nice.
I remember the power rating wars of the 60's-70's,  which gave absurd claims.
They have become more sophisticated since, as you show here.
This review reminds me of the type of work Julian Hirsch used to do.
I don't think I can give a bigger compliment than that.

[Pseudoics]

Thank you for keeping the pressure on these manufacturers and this BS.

Too much of the tech industry as a whole is obsessed with selling you a flashy image and brand, instead of competent products.

[thejizzle]

Great review! This is something i needed explained for a long time. Mini stereo shelf systems used to confuse me with their power ratings, but now I know that the 10% THD on these ratings is why a 50w/channel 0.08% THD amp sounds cleaner and louder than a 400 watt 10% THD mini shelf system. Spread the knowledge guys.

[dlloyd]

LOVED the video! This is the kind of behind the scenes knowledge that I love, and for some reason I cant find elsewhere. Keep up the good work!

[reynaldoschorizo]

Thanks Gene, So much respect for you and Hugo for giving honest and fair reviews and educatimg the consumer like myself that care about specs and dont want to get ripped off. You guys keep the audio industry in check and its necessary. And even though not all manufacturers are being dishonest, it makes it harder for those honest manufaturers to compete against those competitors that inflate their specs. Thanks again, keep cranking out these vids.

[Emperor]

Gene, thank you for the update, my friend is in sales and I disclose a lot of information on him on how to sell receivers and speakers. It's must appreciated, thanks again