Does anyone know why some companies list a single number and others list a range?

For example, MB Quart lists there RCE216 speakers this way:

Power range 60-130 rms

while Infinity lists there 605cs like this:

Nominal power handling 90 watt
Peak power rating 270 watt

Now, why the different formats, and how do you make side by side comparisons this way?

Is it safe to say that because the Infinity's nominal falls within the MB Quart's range, that the MB Quart is actually a 'louder' speaker?

Also, if I was going to use a 4 channel amp to power a set of each of these in my doors, what wattage amp would be best?


Thanks for any enlightening you can bestow.

The peak power rating is pure garbage. Pay no attention 'peak' or 'max' power ratings. They mean nothing. Only pay attention to RMS or nominal power.

When its listed like MB Quart has listed their ratings, it simply means that the speakers sound best when you give them power in that range.

Saying that the MB Quarts are louder based on the RMS power rating would not be accurate. It would simply mean that they can handle more power.

270 peak/2 = 135RMS

I would consider this the maximum (read: dynamic) RMS power the speaker should see with program material (ie. music)...

knowing infinity I would probably stay a little closer to 90wrms, though....

As coutler pointed out, powerhandeling isn't everything...