Comparison Denon SC-M41 vs Denon SC-M40

Rated power of one front speaker. See "Total Power Rating" below for details on power rating. Here we note that the higher the power, the louder the system component can sound — of course, with a properly selected amplifier. In addition, this parameter is very important for matching with the amplifier: it is desirable that the output power on the corresponding amplifier channel be less than the power of the speaker. If the incoming signal is more powerful, distortions in the sound and even damage to the speakers are possible, and if it is weaker, then the sound volume will decrease (in other words, it will not be possible to use the full potential of the acoustics), but this moment will be critical only for listening at maximum volume.

The highest power rating of an amplifier that the loudspeakers can handle safely. Too much input power can damage the speakers, so when connecting, make sure that the amplifier's characteristics do not exceed the capabilities of the speakers. It is worth noting that this parameter may be slightly higher than the total nominal power of the acoustics (see below), since in this case we are only talking about the safety of the equipment, and not about the absence of distortion in the sound.

The total rated power of all speaker components, in other words, the sum of the powers of all speakers. As a nominal one, they usually indicate the highest average (rms) power at which acoustics can operate for a long time without overloads and damage. In this case, individual power surges can significantly exceed this value, however, it is the rated power that is the main characteristic of any speaker.

First of all, the sound volume depends on this characteristic: the more powerful the speakers, the louder the sound they can produce if there is a suitable amplifier. In addition, in passive and passive-active models, compatibility with an external amplifier also depends on the power: the output power of the “amplifier” should not exceed the power of the acoustics connected to it, otherwise overloads and even breakdowns are possible.

Detailed recommendations regarding the choice of speakers for power for a particular situation can be found in special sources. However, in general, an indicator of up to 100 W by the standards of modern acoustics is considered quite modest, 100 – 200 W — average, 200 – 300 W — above average, and the most powerful sets give out up to 500 W or even more.

In conclusion, we note two more nuances. Firstly, when comparing different systems according to this ch...aracteristic, one must also take into account the sound format in which they work. In particular, if there is a subwoofer, it can account for a significant part of the total power — up to half or more. As a result, for example, a 2.1 set of 50 W with a 20-watt subwoofer at the main frequencies will not be able to pull out the same volume as a 40-watt 2.0 system: in the first case, each main channel will have only 15 watts, in the second — 20 watts. Secondly, in multichannel systems, the total power can be distributed among the channels in different proportions; so, say, two 5.1 systems with the same total power can differ markedly in front and rear balance at maximum volume.

The material from which the cabinets of the speakers included in the speakers are made. Not only the appearance, but also the sound characteristics depend on this parameter. The most common options are:

— MDF(Medium Density Fiberboard — medium density fibreboard). The most popular material today, found in almost all price categories. At a rather low price, MDF has good acoustic characteristics, almost as good as natural wood.

— Tree. Wood can be classified as a premium material: it looks nicer than MDF, but in terms of acoustic properties it does not have significant advantages, but is noticeably more expensive. Because of this, this material is found mainly among high-end speakers designed for demanding users.

— Plastic. Plastic is low cost and easy to process. Its acoustic properties are worse than those of MDF and, moreover, wood; however, this shortcoming can be easily compensated for. So such cases are very popular nowadays, they are found even in high-end speakers.

— Metal. Most often, metal speaker cabinets are made of aluminium alloys. This provides an elegant appearance, in addition, such cases are very durable, reliable and are not afraid of scratches, dirt and moisture. On the other hand, metal is not cheap, and in some models it gives the sound a specific coloration that may not be to every...one's liking. To eliminate this effect, various design tricks can be applied, which, again, additionally affect the cost.

Note that for systems with a subwoofer (2.1, 5.1, etc., see “Number of channels”), this parameter specifies the material of the main speakers, while the subwoofer is in most cases made of MDF.

The total weight of all components of the speaker system.