What is the deal with watts???

[telemaco5]

I want to know if the power/amplitude/loudedness of a 200 watts keyboard amp is the same as one of a 200 watts PA powered speaker. I prefer not the "it depends" answer. I've seen in the stores that to get a 200 watts amp you need to spend at least about $550, but to get a PA powered speaker of the same watts you can spend about $350.
Is the power comming out of the box the same?? I've heard/read that the quality of sound of the PA speakers is a bit better, but are they as loud as an amp??
Please understand that I don't have a local Musiciansfriend or Samash where I can try all the products.
Thanks

[Luca_Capozzi]

output power are measured in RMS Watts. Btw, some vendors labels their products with PMPO Watts that are maximum peak power. If both PA and Key amp watts are in RMS they've same output power. PA sounds better because they're expressely projected for open spaces so, bass relfection, speaker selection, and so on are selected differently. Also look at Ohm impedance of speakers. Usually a value of 16 Ohms are a good choice.

see ya