I like old threads that won't die, because the information retains relevancy. Too many people gripe at exhumed threads, apparently even forum admins elsewhere. But if a poster has something to contribute, why not? Keep in mind a Google search led be to this thread, and is interesting to read.
I found another
link containing good information on clipping, but nowhere can I find information related to under-driving powerful speakers that rely on air cooling for the voice coil to survive high power input for extended periods, and likewise, a high powered speaker being under-driven with a powerful amplifier running frequencies too high for the driver's air cooling design, that is dependant upon lower frequencies moving the voice coil in and out can cause localized voice coil heat buildup! Smell that?
If you go to
18 Sound website, and look at the extended bass speakers, they have a 1400w program, and 2400w program respectively. The later employs more technical air cooling, though they both operate on the same 'air pump,' and/or passive heat dissapation into the basket principal.
I have seen high powered speakers burn the lower part of the voice coil as a direct result of over-under powering, ie: To much power in higher frequencies, that does not have the speaker operate within it's optimal cooling range, where the speaker does not 'pump' enough air to cool. In one instance, the part of the voice coil closest to the spider is severely burnt, whilst the rest of the coil is darkened, but will survive. As such, the cooling ports of this other one particular speaker may also not be directed downward toward that burnt area enough by design, somewhat regardless of it's 'accidental' operation at that time, or improper use of it's working range.
So in the case of the two 18 Sound speakers I mentioned, buying the one that is twice the program (recommended measured amplifier pink noise output) will definately suffer by design from being under-driven by an amplifier capable of half that power. Speaker suspension may be more rigid, and not facilitate low power voice coil movement to get the air moving sufficiently, thus heat can build in the voice coil, and surrounding chassis metal mass.
The bottom line here is, speakers are designed to operate in recommeded tolerances, and people should be mindful of this, and not use 15" mid-range speakers as high frequency drivers without putting some lower frequencies in the cross-over settings to get that air moving, and move the voice coils past the side cooling vents, as well as dispelling heat from the assembly.
Some things to be mindful of not discussed much elsewhere. Not all speakers are like this in the low powered realm, it almost always applies to high powered speakers though. A different twist on under-powering speakers aside from clipping.
i think what is being missed here is a speaker's sensitivity
I thought that about Donald Trump regarding Mexicans. (I'm Aussie.)