Originally Posted by Z1Performance

You really cannot compare the rms outputs amp to amp. It's like comparing one dyno to another

100 watts RMS on a McIntosh amp, and 100 watts RMS on a potentially lesser brand can be vastly different things

how the speakers are crossed over (active/passive, as well as the points), among many other things, have everything to do with overall headroom

overall though, it's like anything else..the speaker needs to be teamed to the right amp to get the most out of it