Hi.

Im currently looking for a h-fi system that will play both CD's and also that will play and dock my iPod.

Now I have found two that I like but I'm confused about the wattage.

My problem is that the first system claims to have 50 watts output power and sounds good. And is £100

The second system claims to have 5 watts of output power and is £180.

Now the problem is after comparing the two systems the sound of the 5 watt system is far louder, clearer and superior to that of the 50 watt, how can this be possible? Or am I missing something?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Yep, something called SPL (Sound Pressure Level) at 1 watt, but you probably won't find the spec.

Also watch how they rate it. Are you sure it's output power or "power input"?
Does one say Maximum or peak power rather than rms power?

Bet your comparing apples to oranges.

The 5 watt one is "RMS" and the 50 watt is just "output power"

Do the units have separate speakers? Do they list something like "x ohms"?

The 5W rms guys are doing it right. I'd be suspect of the 50 W unit.

Tell you what I'll link you to the products, see what you think of it.

This is the 50 watt unit:
http://www.play.com/Electronics/Electronics/4-/3299883/iSymphony-M2-DVD-Micro-Music-System-With-Universal-Dock-For-iPod/Product.html

And this is the 5 watt RMS unit:
TEAC TDX250I Hi-Fi Micro System at a great price! Home delivery or collect your low-priced TEAC TDX250I Hi-Fi Micro System today! (http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0630669770.119465406 4@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccdiaddmhehifgmcflgceggdhhmdgmk.0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=739214&category_oid=)

Thanks for the replies by the way, nice one.

Well, you loose a few points too. The Boom Box is 25 W x 2

The second might be this

TEAC Consumer Electronics iPod Sound Systems (http://www.teac.com/consumer_electronics/MC-DX32i.html)

Which is 5 W RMS x 2 + 15 W subwoofer

The second is the right way to go. High frequencies don't need to move much air and to give you an idea, I have a 100 W speaker system. The woofers are rated for 100 W and the tweeters are fused at about 35.

The ratio of 5/15 and 100/35 are about the same.

Peak powers are usually about 1.4 * RMS. If this is the case it COULD be esentially the same at 17.5 W RMS.

Bi-Amping (high frequencies to one driver and lows to another with separate amps) is always preferrable.

The second wins hands down. The first may sound distorted and the second much cleaner.

Thanks very much. I reckon I will go for the second one! Much appreciated.