Audio Systems: What spec amp do i need, ohm impedance, amplifier system

Question
Hi. I have a set of audioline tower speakers for my home audio setup i use for music & movies. I purchased these as my father has had the same speakers for 15 years and produced a big powerfull sound from an old pie/pye? amplifier before it died. I am running a sony 5.1 amp but it doesnt power the speakers properly and the bass is non existant. when turned up the amp cuts out (runs my other main speakers no problems). The speakers are audioline AL-1200. Each speaker contains 2x12 inch woofers, 1 x 6.5 mid and 1 tweeter. its a set so 2 speakers. the specs on the speaker cases reads. 8 0hm, 200w max, 95db, 26 - 20 khz. im on a tight budget at the moment so i am after an idea of whet spec amp is needed to run them properly. i spend equall time with movies or music so i would like to continue using my surround setup either with my current amp for effects or a new amp to do it all IF possible. I have been told i need an amp around 800w, 8 ohm but the problem will be the demanding woofers will put allot of strain of the amp. Any help would be greatly appreciated and solve allot of headaches.
Cheers, craig

Answer
There is no reason why the Sony surround amplifier system will not power the speakers and give adequate performance within the power range they are capable of producing. I suspect you do not have them wired correctly.  If the speaker systems are truly 8 ohm impedance and they are 95db sensitive that is good and they should drive very nicely at even a good 20w amplifier. Of course, you would want more power if you intend to drive them at higher output levels.  But, what I want to convey to you is that a good quality amplifier of low power output will drive them full range up to the power output of the amp.

An amp with 800 watt output is a little overkill don't you think?  It is alright to have high power, but if you were to crank up an 800w amp to full output you would soon damage the speakers permanently!

It seems to me a good quality home high fidelity amplifier with output power of 200w to 300w at 8 ohms would do just fine.

Happy listening.

C