Total system power is a term often used in
audio electronics to rate the power of an audio system. Total system power refers to the total
power consumption of the unit, rather than the
power handling of the
speakers or the power output of the
amplifier. This can be viewed as a somewhat deceptive
marketing ploy, as the total power consumption of the unit will of course be greater than any of its other power ratings, except for, perhaps, the
peak power of the amplifier, which is essentially an exaggerated value anyway.
Shelf stereos and
surround sound receivers are often rated using total system power.