One thing that Doug forgot to mention:

When comparing specs on amps and speakers, make sure you look at "RMS" wattage ratings, not "peak" wattage ratings. Most manufacturers state the peak power in a huge typeface on the front of the box, and the RMS rating in super-tiny print on the back of the box.

The peak power rating is completely meaningless. To paraphrase Mark Twain, there are three kinds of lies: Lies, damn lies, and peak power ratings. The only number you should go by is the RMS number.

That's one reason I like the Crutchfield catalog, they only list the RMS numbers. I especially love to see photos of amplifiers with a huge "300" in LED lights on top of the amp, and Crutchfield's listed specs say 100 watts.

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Tony Fabris