Im looking to upgrade my 6-speaker setup with a JL component setup and I have my eyes on a Kenwood KAC-X541 which says this for power output (everything listed as RMS):

4ohm @ 14.4V: 60watts x 4 (0.05% THD)

2ohm @ 14.4V: 120watts x 4 (0.5% THD)

but then under the spec list, it says 'Power Output: CEA-2006 Standard' and has:

88w (1.0% THD+N) (4ohm/4ch)
124W (1.0% THD+N) (2ohm/4ch)

I'm abit confused on the watts listed and THD. If I were to connect a 4ohm speaker to this amp, would it output 60 watts or 88 watts? Would the audio get slightly distorted at a lower impedance? I already have a Kenwood amp pushing my 12" sub so I want to get another Kenwood amp to match my setup.

To see the spec list, go here: http://www.kenwoodusa.com/PDF/Car_Excelon_2005.pdf
It's a PDF so you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader

 

The Variation of Ohms is depended on the speakers you use. Speakers have different Ohms. Some of the best speakers are 2 Ohms. Which is usually the maximum performance output.

 

I wouldn't worry too much about it. The difference in sound
between 60watts and 88watts is something you couldn't
hear the difference of.

The noise difference between 4Ohm (0.05% THD) and
2Ohm (0.5% THD) in a moving vehicle is also going to be
impossible to hear.

I've worked in recording studios and home theater setups
for years, even hand made some speakers before. I can
hardly hear the difference between impedance (Ohms) in
a recording studio, so it's near impossible to hear in a car,
especially a moving one! LOL

Most specs on car stereo gear is so full of shyte. Like an amp
that claims 1000watts on the box, but when you read the
info inside it sayd 100watts x4 at 4Ohms which is FAR from
their 1000 watt rating. Sure, you bridge everything at 1Ohm
you might get $850 watts at some ungodly distortion, but
most of the specs are BS.

Sticking with quality, name brand equipment, making sure
all the systems work well together, and a quality install will
give you far better product then all the BS specs in the world.

Sorry to sound so negitive, I've been doing this for about 15
years now and I realize that for people with questions, all the
specs they throw at you only give you more questions then
answers.

I hope this helps out some. Basically just don't worry about
it, just make sure the amp matches the speakers and it's
a quality install...you are already looking at quality equipment!