The PA601cx speakers have a rating of 100W RMS and 150W peak. So that means they can handle bursts of up to 150W in short instances, but generally you shouldn't drive them with anything more than 100W max. So no, you wouldn't lose volume by driving a channel with a 125W amp. It can push that level of power.

What you may lose, however, is quality of the signal. As you increase the output power of an amp, there's often a point at which distortion begins to creep in. I don't know where that is on the Stinger. But if it's below 100W then you will get poor sound (which, I suppose, could be thought of as "losing volume"). If it's above 100W, you might not notice it except in those instances where you get a spurious power jump - and aren't those times in the music when you want it super clear?

Depending on what music you listen to, and who you ask, there are many ideas on how much amp power per channel you need to drive speakers. I've heard that an amp's power should be anywhere from about 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 (or more) times the RMS load of the speakers attached to that channel. You'd never drive the amp at full power, because that would exceed the capability of the speaker. But this would guarantee that the point at which the amp begins distorting is well above the max power of the speaker. You'd adjust the amp output accordingly.

So for these PA601cx's, with an RMS load of 100W, that would imply an amp with the ability to continuously drive 150W (or more) per channel. If you accept my "rule of thumb" of 1.5 times the speaker's power capability then yes, the Stinger (at 4 ohms) could be under powering them. And that all sounds logical, except there are a lot of folks on here running this exact set up and loving it. So maybe it's a really good amp with minimum distortion across it's entire output power range. Or maybe my rule of thumb is garbage (if so, I blame Google). Bottom line, I have no concrete answer for you. But it was fun to think this through, as I'm in the amp market, too.

 

The Mmats are plenty loud on the Stinger. I have an older Stinger that was only rated at 100 watts. Runs those Mmats awesome. The newer Stingers are rated at 125 x 4, but I haven't tested one yet. Makes for a perfect combo. I can make those Mmats dance pretty good with a 100 watts and a Sony HU.

 

So, my older Stinger is rated for 100 watts and factory tested at 105 watts. I was able to get a 100 watts clean power out of it.
As for your theory on 1.5 times the rated wattage of a speaker, not sure how well that will work out. I used to follow the same rule in my car audio years ago, but in the car, you can hear distortion, and should know enough to back things down. The 1.5 rule should give you the head room to ensure you are giving your speakers a clean signal all the way up to their rated wattage.
I know I'll be testing your theory a little on my next amp upgrades to the TX48. It's rated @ 200 x 4, although I have heard they are not capable of producing that much clean power, but it should easily be capable of the watts to push those Mmats to their limit. Should also have enough power to give my DB G2's more than enough power in the lowers to balance out with the Mmats.
Rock on and play it LOUD!
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Ha ha! I'm not claiming credit for that rule. I seriously googled how to size an amp to see what I might learn and I found several articles giving that sort of guidance. They were all just guys' opinions, so take it for what it's worth. But yeah, I'll be curious what you find!

So if the old Stinger works well, why are you moving to the TX48?

 

AMPS DO NOT CAUSE DISTORTION ON THEIR OWN. That's directly related to the incoming signal source, before amplification. Keep reading scooper, you're getting there.

 

FYI, Stinger SPX700X4 on Amazon right now for 177$, just bought one. Now for the speakers, spend my money, MMATS or the Kickers?

 

Condescension may be the norm here, but it’s not necessary. However, if it makes you feel smarter, or witty, have at it. I don’t think I said the amp caused it on its’ own. What I thought I said was that as power output increases there is a point where you hear distortion and how that compares with the speaker’s performance. I suppose I didn’t specifically state that point might differ depending on what you’re listening to. My apologies for the omission.

 

WTH is going on here? I saw it there last night at $299 from one seller. $314 from the others. Now it’s back to $177???? This is really weird! Thanks for the tip!

 

mmats!!!!!!!!!!!!