Audio Systems: receivers and speakers, amplifier power, efficency

Question
QUESTION: Hello Robert,

although I am a great music lover, collecting multiple genres from the 40's on to the present day, I have little knowledge about the technical site of things.
So here's my question. What would happen if I connect speakers from 20W to a receiver from 100W?

ANSWER: It depends on the efficency of your speakers and the actual rating of the amplifier. You can't always trust manufacturer specifications for consumer equipment. You must carefully compare the ratings. As far as the music your listening to, music of the 40's was ten years before the major improvements recording techniques using quality magnetic tape. That means that the frequency response of 40's music is inferior to most recording done in the 50's. The requirement as far as amplifier power would be less not more. If you are computer savy there are remastering programs that would allow you to improve the sound of those recording.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Robert,

thanks for your answer. Still one thing keeps me worried. Can anything go really wrong when connecting a strong amplifier and not so strong speakers?

Answer
The question is relative. Any amplifier rated at a much higher wattage than a speaker can damage a speaker if it is played too loud for too long. Conversely an amplifier whose power is insufficient to drive a speaker at a high level (thus producing distortion) can also damage a speaker. The ability to hear when something does not sound right it the key to protecting a speaker.
Know what the limitations are and try not to go beyond them unless you can afford both an amplifier and speaker that can easily satisfy your expectations for sound level and quality.