---
title: Why You Can't Always Trust Loudspeaker Power Ratings – MISCO Speakers
description: Speaker power ratings aren't as straightforward as they seem. Here's how to tell if you're getting the right speaker for your application.
image: https://blog.miscospeakers.com/hubfs/Black%20and%20white%20photo%20of%20a%20personal%20loudspeaker%20against%20a%20brick%20background%20copy.webp
---

[Skip to main content](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/loudspeaker-power-ratings#main-content)

Menu

[![misco speakers custom audio solutions](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/hubfs/MISCO%2075th%20anniversary%20logo.svg "misco speakers custom audio solutions")](https://www.miscospeakers.com/)

[800-276-9955](tel:+18002769955)

- [Get a Quote](https://info.miscospeakers.com/support/get-quote)
- Case Studies 
    - [Commercial Sound](https://info.miscospeakers.com/sh-acoustics-case-study-0)
    - [Gaming](https://info.miscospeakers.com/yfageo-audio-case-study)
    - [Hi-Fi](https://info.miscospeakers.com/concierge-audio-misco-rms-one-luxury-speaker)
    - [Musical Instruments](https://info.miscospeakers.com/little-walter-amps-tonespeak-speakers-download)
    - [NASA](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/orion-spacecraft-audio-solutions-and-speakers)
    - [Paging](https://info.miscospeakers.com/improve-school-communication-case-study)
- Resources 
    - [Blog](https://blog.miscospeakers.com)
    - [Custom Project Solutions](https://info.miscospeakers.com/how-to-get-great-sound-from-custom-speaker-design)
    - [Customer Support](https://www.miscospeakers.com/support/customer-support)
    - [Loudspeaker Basics](https://www.miscospeakers.com/support/loudspeaker-basics)
    - [Product Archive](https://www.miscospeakers.com/support/oem-products-archive)
    - [Technical Support](https://www.miscospeakers.com/support/technical-support)
    - [Speaker Enclosure Considerations](https://info.miscospeakers.com/speaker-enclosures-considerations)
- [MISCO Japan](https://info.miscospeakers.com/misco-japan)
- [Contact](https://info.miscospeakers.com/contact)

Search

Search

Search

[cart](https://store.miscospeakers.com/checkout/cart/)

- [Custom Solutions](https://info.miscospeakers.com/custom-audio-solutions)
- Products 
    - Product Lines 
          - [MISCO OEM](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/misco-oem)
          - [OEM Systems](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/turnkey-systems)
          - [MISCO Amplifiers](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/misco-amplifiers)
          - [Oaktron by MISCO](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/oaktron-by-misco)
          - [Bold North Audio](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/bold-north-audio)
          - [ToneSpeak](https://www.tonespeak.com/?utm_source=misco-website&utm_medium=menu-item&utm_campaign=misco-menu-items&utm_id=f095f06a94364c0db87d56f162cbac9e&utm_content=header-products-pl-ts)
    - Speakers By Type 
          - [Coaxial](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products?speaker_type=102)
          - Enclosed
          - [Exciters, Shakers & Tactile Devices](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/exciters-shakers-tactile-devices)
          - [Full Range / Wide Range](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/full-range)
          - [Guitar](https://www.tonespeak.com/?utm_source=misco-website&utm_medium=menu-item&utm_campaign=misco-menu-items&utm_id=bf5e31857e0b46819394eb7e499dcbf5&utm_content=header-products-type-guitar)
          - [Micro / Mini](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/micro-mini-speakers-drivers)
          - [Mid Range / Mid Bass](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/mid-range-mid-bass)
          - [Outdoor / Waterproof](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/outdoor-waterproof)
    - - [Tweeters](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/tweeter-high-frequency-transducer)
          - [Voice Range](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/voice-range)
          - [Woofers](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/woofer)
          - [Subwoofers](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/subwoofer)
          - Speakers Accessories 
                  - [Grilles](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/grilles)
                  - [Transformers](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/transformers)
                  - [In-Ceiling Speakers & Assemblies](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/in-ceiling-speakers-and-assemblies)
    - Amps and Systems 
          - [Amplifiers](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/class-d-digital-audio-amplifiers)
          - [OEM Systems](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/turnkey-systems)
          - [Powered](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/powered-speakers)
    - - [Extended Products PDF Archive »](https://www.miscospeakers.com/support/oem-products-archive)
          - [Know Your Product Number? »](https://store.miscospeakers.com/search/)
    - [View All Products](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products)
- Product Lines 
    - [Oaktron by MISCO](https://www.miscospeakers.com/product-lines/oaktron-misco)
    - [MISCO OEM](https://www.miscospeakers.com/product-lines/misco-oem)
    - [Bold North Audio](https://www.miscospeakers.com/product-lines/bold-north-audio)
    - [MISCO Amplifiers](https://www.miscospeakers.com/product-lines/misco-amplifiers)
    - [Soundscape](https://info.miscospeakers.com/soundscape)
    - [Red Line](https://www.miscospeakers.com/product-lines/red-line)
    - [ToneSpeak](https://www.tonespeak.com/?utm_source=misco-website&utm_medium=menu-item&utm_campaign=misco-menu-items&utm_id=e33f5a3a1e004c1088874cb6ca46f967&utm_content=pl-ts)
- Industries 
    - [Aerospace & Aviation](https://info.miscospeakers.com/en-us/aerospace-industry-page)
    - [Amusement Parks](https://info.miscospeakers.com/amusement-parks-landscape-loudspeakers)
    - [Casino Gaming](https://info.miscospeakers.com/en-us/casino-industry-page)
    - [Commercial Sound](https://info.miscospeakers.com/commercial-sound-industry-page)
    - [Drive Thru & Kiosk](https://info.miscospeakers.com/en-us/drive-thru-kiosks)
    - [Home Audio & Home Theater](https://info.miscospeakers.com/home-audio-theater)
    - [Medical](https://info.miscospeakers.com/medical-audio-solutions)
    - [Military / Government](https://info.miscospeakers.com/misco-military-audio-solutions-superior-sound-for-mission-success)
    - [Musical Instruments](https://info.miscospeakers.com/musical-instrument-industry-transducers-audio-solutions)
    - [Pro Sound](https://info.miscospeakers.com/pro-sound-industry-solutions)
    - [Signal / Alarm Devices](https://www.miscospeakers.com/industries/signal-alarm-devices)
    - [Transit](https://www.miscospeakers.com/industries/transit)
    - [Voice Communications](https://www.miscospeakers.com/industries/voice-communications)
    - [See More Industries We Serve](https://www.miscospeakers.com/industries/see-all-industries)
- Why Misco 
    - [Unique MISCO Advantages](https://info.miscospeakers.com/premium-audio-solutions-industry-leaders)
    - [Reshoring with MISCO](https://www.miscospeakers.com/why-misco/reshoring-misco)
    - [Engineering](https://www.miscospeakers.com/why-misco/state-of-the-art-audio-engineering)
    - [Manufacturing](https://www.miscospeakers.com/why-misco/manufacturing)
    - [Quality](https://www.miscospeakers.com/why-misco/quality)
    - [Test & Measurement Services](https://www.miscospeakers.com/why-misco/test-measurement-services)
    - [Critical Listening](https://www.miscospeakers.com/why-misco/critical-listening)
    - [Supply Chain Logistics](https://www.miscospeakers.com/why-misco/supply-chain-logistics)
- [Blog](https://blog.miscospeakers.com)
- [About Us](https://info.miscospeakers.com/about-us)

- [Custom Solutions](https://info.miscospeakers.com/custom-audio-solutions)
- Products 
    - Speakers by Type 
          - [Coaxial](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products?speaker_type=102)
          - [Enclosed](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/enclosed-speakers)
          - [Exciters, Shakers & Tactile Devices](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/exciters-shakers-tactile-devices)
          - [Full Range / Wide Range](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/full-range)
          - [Guitar](https://www.tonespeak.com/?utm_source=misco-website&utm_medium=menu-item&utm_campaign=misco-menu-items&utm_id=bf5e31857e0b46819394eb7e499dcbf5&utm_content=header-products-type-guitar)
          - [Micro / Mini](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/micro-mini-speakers-drivers)
          - [Mid Range / Mid Bass](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/mid-range-mid-bass)
          - [Outdoor / Waterproof](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/outdoor-waterproof)
          - [Subwoofers](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/subwoofer)
          - [Tweeters](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/tweeter-high-frequency-transducer)
          - [Voice Range](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/voice-range)
          - [Woofers](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/woofer)
    - Speaker Accessories 
          - [Grilles](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/grilles)
          - [Transformers](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/transformers)
          - [In-Ceiling Speakers & Assemblies](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/in-ceiling-speakers-and-assemblies)
    - Amps and Systems 
          - [Amplifiers](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/class-d-digital-audio-amplifiers)
          - [Turnkey Systems](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/turnkey-systems)
          - [Powered Speakers](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/powered-speakers)
    - [Product Archive](https://www.miscospeakers.com/support/oem-products-archive)
    - [View all Products](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products)
    - [Know Your Product Number?](https://store.miscospeakers.com/search/)
- Product Lines 
    - [Oaktron by MISCO](https://www.miscospeakers.com/product-lines/oaktron-misco)
    - [MISCO OEM](https://www.miscospeakers.com/product-lines/misco-oem)
    - [Bold North Audio](https://www.miscospeakers.com/product-lines/bold-north-audio)
    - [MISCO Amplifiers](https://www.miscospeakers.com/product-lines/misco-amplifiers)
    - [Soundscape](https://info.miscospeakers.com/soundscape)
    - [Red Line](https://www.miscospeakers.com/product-lines/red-line)
    - [ToneSpeak](https://www.tonespeak.com/?utm_source=misco-website&utm_medium=menu-item&utm_campaign=misco-menu-items&utm_id=e33f5a3a1e004c1088874cb6ca46f967&utm_content=pl-ts)
- Industries 
    - [Aerospace & Aviation](https://www.miscospeakers.com/industries/aerospace-aviation)
    - [Amusement Parks](https://info.miscospeakers.com/amusement-parks-landscape-loudspeakers)
    - [Casino Gaming](https://www.miscospeakers.com/industries/casino-gaming)
    - [Commercial Sound](https://www.miscospeakers.com/industries/commercial-sound)
    - [Drive Thru & Kiosk](https://www.miscospeakers.com/industries/drive-thru-kiosk)
    - [Home Audio & Home Theater](https://www.miscospeakers.com/industries/home-audio-home-theater)
    - [Medical](https://info.miscospeakers.com/medical-audio-solutions)
    - [Military / Government](https://info.miscospeakers.com/misco-military-audio-solutions-superior-sound-for-mission-success)
    - [Musical Instruments](https://info.miscospeakers.com/musical-instrument-industry-transducers-audio-solutions)
    - [Pro Sound](https://info.miscospeakers.com/pro-sound-industry-solutions)
    - [Signal / Alarm Devices](https://www.miscospeakers.com/industries/signal-alarm-devices)
    - [Transit](https://www.miscospeakers.com/industries/transit)
    - [Voice Communications](https://www.miscospeakers.com/industries/voice-communications)
    - [See More Industries We Serve](https://www.miscospeakers.com/industries/see-all-industries)
- Why Misco 
    - [Unique MISCO Advantages](https://www.miscospeakers.com/why-misco/misco-saves-you-time-and-money)
    - [Reshoring with MISCO](https://www.miscospeakers.com/why-misco/reshoring-misco)
    - [Engineering](https://www.miscospeakers.com/why-misco/state-of-the-art-audio-engineering)
    - [Prototyping](https://www.miscospeakers.com/why-misco/secure-prototyping)
    - [Test & Measurement Services](https://www.miscospeakers.com/why-misco/test-measurement-services)
    - [Critical Listening](https://www.miscospeakers.com/why-misco/critical-listening)
    - [Manufacturing](https://www.miscospeakers.com/why-misco/manufacturing)
    - [Quality](https://www.miscospeakers.com/why-misco/quality)
    - [Supply Chain Logistics](https://www.miscospeakers.com/why-misco/supply-chain-logistics)
- [Blog](https://blog.miscospeakers.com)
- [About Us](https://info.miscospeakers.com/about-us)
- Support 
    - [Customer Support](https://www.miscospeakers.com/support/customer-support)
    - [Loudspeaker Basics](https://www.miscospeakers.com/support/loudspeaker-basics)
    - [Technical Support](https://www.miscospeakers.com/support/technical-support)
    - [Contact](https://info.miscospeakers.com/contact)
    - [Events](https://www.miscospeakers.com/events)
    - [WARKWYN](https://www.miscospeakers.com/warkwyn)
    - [Sign In](https://store.miscospeakers.com/customer/account/login/)
    - [Create an Account](https://store.miscospeakers.com/customer/account/create/)
    - [800-276-9955](https://www.miscospeakers.com/tel:+1-800-276-9955)
- [Contact](https://info.miscospeakers.com/contact)
- [WARKWYN](https://www.miscospeakers.com/warkwyn)

![Loudspeakers being prepared for shipping](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Black%20and%20white%20photo%20of%20a%20personal%20loudspeaker%20against%20a%20brick%20background%20copy.webp?width=1280&height=720&name=Black%20and%20white%20photo%20of%20a%20personal%20loudspeaker%20against%20a%20brick%20background%20copy.webp)

 Updated on  Oct 25, 2024

[mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20blog%20post%20from%20MISCO&body=I%20thought%20you%20might%20find%20this%20interesting:%0A%0A%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fblog.miscospeakers.com%2Floudspeaker-power-ratings](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20blog%20post%20from%20MISCO&body=I%20thought%20you%20might%20find%20this%20interesting:%0A%0A%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fblog.miscospeakers.com%2Floudspeaker-power-ratings) <https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.miscospeakers.com/loudspeaker-power-ratings> <https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://blog.miscospeakers.com/loudspeaker-power-ratings> <https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https://blog.miscospeakers.com/loudspeaker-power-ratings>

# The Simple Reason Why You Can't Always Trust Loudspeaker Power Ratings

 Published on  Jul 22, 2021

 by [MISCO Speakers](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/author/misco-speakers)

Have you ever blown a loudspeaker? If so, you've learned about loudspeaker power ratings the hard way. Many people believe a loudspeaker's power rating is mainly used to find out how far they can turn it up before they burn it out, which is one way to use it – but a power rating has many more uses than to test a safe volume limit.

From ultrasound devices in a hospital to a professional sound system in a concert hall, power ratings are crucial for creating a reliable, high-quality sound system for any application, regardless of the required sound level. A lack of agreed-upon industry standards can make it difficult to trust what's on the product label. However, with some knowledge and the proper manufacturer, you can be confident that the power rating on your product specifications is reliable.

## What Does a Loudspeaker Power Rating Mean?

A loudspeaker's power rating is found in its specification sheet. Depending on the manufacturer and intended use, it's also sometimes called *power handling*, *rated power*, or *continuous power*.

By one definition, loudspeaker power ratings refer to how much power a loudspeaker is designed to safely receive from an amplifier. Power ratings are measured in watts, from 0.1W for small loudspeakers (think microwave beeping and children's toys) to 1000W for large loudspeakers (like PA loudspeakers), and generally scale with loudspeaker size and voice coil size. When used this way, a power rating can tell you about a loudspeaker's durability and reliability.

However, a power rating can also be defined as the point at which the loudspeaker begins to exhibit undesirable characteristics. This meaning is concerned with spurious noises, distortion, and power compression. Sometimes, overloading a loudspeaker's power rating can happen suddenly – it gets too hot too quickly, and much like how a fuse breaks or circuit breaker opens, the loudspeaker stops working. But you'll usually hear the effects of an inadequate power rating:

- Excessive distortion or noises
- Bottoming out (soft parts hitting hard parts)
- Power compression (putting in more electrical energy, but the loudspeaker doesn't get louder)
- Blown loudspeakers (voice-coil wire breakage)

**Watts** = Volts × Amps = Volts2⁄Ohms

**Watts Peak** = Voltsmax × Ampsmax = (Voltsmax)2⁄2 × Ohms

Equations for Calculating Power in Watts and Watts Peak.

The power ratings on many loudspeaker sellers' spec sheets are created by marketing departments rather than engineers, which leads them to be inaccurate or misleading. This phenomenon has given misleading power ratings a particular reputation among industry professionals, some of whom refer to them as *marketing watts*!

To make things a little more confusing, power rating standards for loudspeakers can vary widely because different industry organizations set them independently. For example, you may see three different styles of power ratings on three different loudspeakers, each equally valid but set by different industry groups like these:

- [AES2-1984](https://diy-audio.narod.ru/litr/AES2-1984-r2003.pdf) (the Audio Engineering Society)
- [EIA-426-B](https://aes2.org/publications/elibrary-page/?id=9876) (the Electronic Industries Alliance)
- [IEC 60027](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEC_60027) (the International Electrotechnical Commission)

The loudspeaker manufacturer usually decides which power rating standard to use on their product. MISCO uses EIA-426-B, one of the most widely used power rating standards in the industry.

These organizations develop loudspeaker power rating standards using different test conditions, signal types, and levels. Unfortunately, this lack of a single standard makes it challenging for engineers to compare ratings set by different standards systems. Furthermore, most manufacturers use terms like *maximum*, *peak*, *average*, or *program power handling* without a clear reference point. If these terms aren't tied to published technical standards, they're open to interpretation – which can be even more confusing.

## What a Power Rating Can't Tell You

Most significantly, loudspeaker ratings don't take the user's specific needs into account. What application the loudspeakers will be used, how they'll be enclosed, and even what input signal will be used can make a massive difference in understanding which power rating you need based on your product or application.

For instance, a [military alarm loudspeaker](https://info.miscospeakers.com/misco-military-audio-solutions-superior-sound-for-mission-success) may need to operate at a single frequency (like a sine or square wave) at very high power for an extended period in a challenging outdoor setting. Its power-handling requirements will differ from those of a full-range loudspeaker in a [home hi-fi system](https://info.miscospeakers.com/home-audio-theater) that produces a wide range of frequencies (e.g., music or speech) at moderate listening levels in a controlled indoor environment. In this case, a higher power rating wouldn't necessarily improve the loudspeaker's function or efficiency.

To visualize the difference, look at this example of different signal types. Note the difference between their peak power requirement and root mean square (RMS), which measures the mean voltage to produce the sound.

![Screen Shot 2021-10-28 at 10.00.01 PM](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screen%20Shot%202021-10-28%20at%2010.00.01%20PM.png?width=527&height=236&name=Screen%20Shot%202021-10-28%20at%2010.00.01%20PM.png)

Example of different audio signals peak and [RMS](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/loudspeaker-power-ratings#rms) signal level.

In this chart, the power required to produce sound in the music track peaks for a short time and isn't sustained at that level for long. If you were to give a loudspeaker a power rating based on that peak, you'd be artificially inflating the power rating, and you'd need a lot of power to use the loudspeaker.

On the other hand, the audio in the sine wave more regularly reaches its peak, meaning a higher power rating would be required to support that consistent mean.

## How to Make Sure You Get the Right Loudspeaker Power Rating for Your Application

Determining the right power rating for a loudspeaker is less about how much power it needs to produce sound and more about what power rating is appropriate for the ways it'll be used. Think of it like this: If Marty McFly from Back to the Future had understood power ratings a bit better, he wouldn't have exploded the [enormous loudspeaker](https://www.tonespeak.com/products/tonespeak-bass-guitar-speakers) in Doc's workshop with his amp setting.

The frustrating truth is that the loudspeaker industry is on different pages about power ratings. That's because it's diverse and serves many markets, each with its own applications and needs, making it difficult to rely on power ratings for loudspeakers made specifically for other industries.

Power ratings should be considered reference points rather than fixed limits. To ensure you're choosing the right application, discuss what you need with your loudspeaker manufacturer. Show them your desired performance specifications and tell them about your application and priorities.

Discuss the input signal, loudspeaker enclosure, duty cycle, and whether their power rating is related to durability and reliability, distortion and power compression, or both. Are you willing to sacrifice some audio output in favor of long-term reliability? Or could the loudspeaker size change to ensure audio output and power handling can be met?

An open discussion based on how you'll use the loudspeaker will ensure you get a solution you can count on, made with your application in mind, rather than a less-than-reliable, one-size-fits-all product built to an unspecified standard.

## Ready to Find the Right Loudspeaker for Your Needs?

At MISCO, we understand that power ratings can be confusing and selecting the right loudspeaker requires more than just a spec sheet. Whether you're looking for a solution in [professional audio](https://www.miscospeakers.com/product-lines/bold-north-audio), [aerospace](https://info.miscospeakers.com/en-us/aerospace-industry-page), or [specialized applications](https://info.miscospeakers.com/en-us/custom-products-services), our team of engineers is here to help. We take the time to understand your unique requirements and offer tailored solutions to meet your exact specifications.

If you’re ready to learn more or have any questions about our products, contact us today. Let’s work together to build the perfect audio solution for your project. [Visit this page to contact us](https://info.miscospeakers.com/contact).

We look forward to helping you achieve exceptional sound performance!

[![loudspeakers-101-MOCKUP900](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/14566965/interactive-181881334045.png)](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLK89Rn4HJK7w7Sx1lWq1e6329FmqLQXnH1ryiJLbV50eOMaaOUnvkov4vH5ZDN57J0ewLVVHfb%2FvYnkxMu080%2FroHt27rzou97%2BvScGEbxGo1sWHy3aCOBWEjoKFEhhbfyrI2upXxpWO8K7kTCbFlKQ1dT%2F3rvtP718SncwFXg40MTL%2Frv%2BRargx97uXYYKTNjaVIRrkKMnzhazKcxxC%2BYPJD%2F7nhBRB8IVC2j86v36&webInteractiveContentId=181881334045&portalId=14566965)

Tags: [Loudspeaker Manufacturing](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/tag/loudspeaker-manufacturing), [Loudspeaker Design](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/tag/loudspeaker-design)

[Back to Blog](https://blog.miscospeakers.com)

## Related Articles

[![The Role of Speaker Baskets in Loudspeaker Design](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SpeakerBaskets.png?quality=80&width=640&height=360&name=SpeakerBaskets.png)](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/speaker-basket-materials)

### [The Role of Speaker Baskets in Loudspeaker Design](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/speaker-basket-materials)

 Loudspeaker performance is the result of precise engineering, where every component plays a role in...

[Explore More on speaker baskets](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/speaker-basket-materials)

[![Understanding Sensitivity, Wattage, and Distance for in Loudspeakers](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_6748-Edit.webp?quality=80&width=640&height=360&name=IMG_6748-Edit.webp)](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/how-speaker-wattage-distance-sensitivity-impact-loudness)

### [Understanding Sensitivity, Wattage, and Distance for in Loudspeakers](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/how-speaker-wattage-distance-sensitivity-impact-loudness)

 Designing an audio system requires more than choosing premium components—it demands a solid grasp...

[Explore More on Speaker Sensitivity](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/how-speaker-wattage-distance-sensitivity-impact-loudness)

[![Guide to Woofer Speaker Design](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/woofer%20speaker%20guide_illustration%20of%20speaker%20breaking%20through%20wall.jpg?quality=80&width=640&height=360&name=woofer%20speaker%20guide_illustration%20of%20speaker%20breaking%20through%20wall.jpg)](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/guide-to-woofer-speaker-design)

### [Guide to Woofer Speaker Design](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/guide-to-woofer-speaker-design)

 When it comes to sound, a good woofer can give you the feels. Woofers produce the full bass tones...

[Explore More on Loudspeaker Design](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/guide-to-woofer-speaker-design)

![MISCO](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Miscospeakers_May2021/images/footer-logo.png?width=104&name=footer-logo.png "MISCO")

[800-276-9955](tel:+1-800-276-9955)[sales@miscospeakers.com](mailto:sales@miscospeakers.com)

[1771 Energy Park Drive Suite #400 St. Paul, MN 55108](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=1771+Energy+Park+Drive,+Suite+%23400,+St.+Paul,+MN+55108)

- <https://www.facebook.com/pages/Misco-Minneapolis-Speaker-Company/677243722366950>
- <https://www.linkedin.com/company/misco-minneapolis-speaker-company>
- <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqloV7rKuzeNnyvnhcEDdTQ/featured>

![ISO Certified](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Miscospeakers_May2021/images/iso-certified-logo.png?width=54&name=iso-certified-logo.png "ISO Certified")

![RoHS Compliant](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Miscospeakers_May2021/images/rohs-logo.png?width=53&name=rohs-logo.png "RoHS Compliant")

- - [OUR PROCESS](https://www.miscospeakers.com/style-guide/our-process-1)
    - [Get a Quote](https://info.miscospeakers.com/support/get-quote)
    - [Products](https://www.miscospeakers.com/products)
    - [Oaktron](https://www.miscospeakers.com/product-lines/oaktron-misco)
    - [Bold North Audio](https://www.miscospeakers.com/product-lines/bold-north-audio)
    - [MISCO OEM](https://www.miscospeakers.com/product-lines/misco-oem)
    - [MISCO Amplifiers](https://www.miscospeakers.com/product-lines/misco-amplifiers)
    - [Soundscape](https://www.miscospeakers.com/product-lines/soundscape)
    - [ToneSpeak](https://www.tonespeak.com/?utm_source=misco-website&utm_medium=menu-item&utm_campaign=misco-menu-items&utm_id=c0a17afbe3044609b0ed146c04099579&utm_content=footer-ts)
    - [Quality](https://www.miscospeakers.com/why-misco/quality)
    - [Engineering](https://www.miscospeakers.com/why-misco/state-of-the-art-audio-engineering)
    - [Manufacturing](https://www.miscospeakers.com/why-misco/manufacturing)
- - [our team](https://www.miscospeakers.com/about-us/our-team)
    - [history](https://www.miscospeakers.com/about-us/history-misco)
    - [mission](https://www.miscospeakers.com/about-us/mission)
    - [careers](https://www.miscospeakers.com/about-us/careers)
    - [legal documents](https://www.miscospeakers.com/legal-documents)
    - [contact](https://info.miscospeakers.com/contact)
    - [customer support](https://www.miscospeakers.com/support/customer-support)
    - [technical support](https://www.miscospeakers.com/support/technical-support)
    - [warkwyn](https://www.miscospeakers.com/warkwyn)
    - [warkwyn japan](https://jp.warkwyn.com/)

Get the latest insights, tips, and advice from MISCO's blog to help tackle your audio challenges.

[Sign Up](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/)

© MISCO/Minneapolis Speaker Company Inc., All Rights Reserved. MISCO, Bold North Audio, Redline, Warkwyn and Oaktron are registered trademarks of MISCO/Minneapolis Speaker Company Inc.

- [Sitemap](https://www.miscospeakers.com/sitemap)
- [Terms of Use](https://www.miscospeakers.com/terms-use)
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.miscospeakers.com/privacy-policy)
- [Accessibility Policy](https://www.miscospeakers.com/accessibility-policy)
- [California Proposition 65 Compliance](https://www.miscospeakers.com/california-proposition-65-compliance)
- [Site Credits](https://www.windmillstrategy.com/)

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "MISCO Speakers",
    "url" : "https://blog.miscospeakers.com/author/misco-speakers"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2024-10-25T13:30:32.589Z",
  "datePublished" : "2021-07-22T14:30:00.000Z",
  "headline" : "Why You Can't Always Trust Loudspeaker Power Ratings – MISCO Speakers",
  "image" : [ "https://blog.miscospeakers.com/hubfs/Black%20and%20white%20photo%20of%20a%20personal%20loudspeaker%20against%20a%20brick%20background%20copy.webp" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blog.miscospeakers.com/loudspeaker-power-ratings",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://blog.miscospeakers.com/hubfs/MISCO%2075th%20anniversary%20logo.svg"
    },
    "name" : "MISCO Speakers"
  }
}
```