My speakers are 4ohm 90db sensitivity but with a 50w amp, I can't really turn up the volume very loud in a small room sitting a few feet away. It doesn't distort but it just sounds restrained dynamically and does not swing.
How much do I need? Theoretically 50 watts is plenty but in practice it is not. Why not?
How much do I need? Theoretically 50 watts is plenty but in practice it is not. Why not?
Good afternoon professor Andrew, why are logarithmic scales used in audio electronics a lot? I have read that the response we have is logarithmic to applied signals, but that is dubious because its subjective. Is it just to punish us? If it was linear, we could do basic arithmetic and not have to think as much.
Many factors could be responsible for that result, including the room and PS of the amp.
On the contrary, I use 5W Class A amp, with 89dB PMC EB1i speakers, the room is 6x5,5x3m. Sitting at 4m from the speakers, at 1W RMS, I feel essential vibrations of the armchair, and loudness is not needed higher.
On the contrary, I use 5W Class A amp, with 89dB PMC EB1i speakers, the room is 6x5,5x3m. Sitting at 4m from the speakers, at 1W RMS, I feel essential vibrations of the armchair, and loudness is not needed higher.
Vlamdimir, have you measured how loud you can get using an spl metre? Loudness is subjective and can vary from person to person.
What is the amp and What are the speakers ?
Audiophiles go a long way to get each right.
Pit a 50W cheap amp against FE a Pass amp and you will hear remarkable differences.
Pit cheap 100W speakers against decent speakers, and with a good amp, you will also hear remarkable differences.
I don't want to criticise your speakers, yet, because we have no idea what they are.
Also consider the speaker cables - just try 1.5mm T&E from B&Q you will be amazed how much better things can sound with very little outlay.
Audiophiles go a long way to get each right.
Pit a 50W cheap amp against FE a Pass amp and you will hear remarkable differences.
Pit cheap 100W speakers against decent speakers, and with a good amp, you will also hear remarkable differences.
I don't want to criticise your speakers, yet, because we have no idea what they are.
Also consider the speaker cables - just try 1.5mm T&E from B&Q you will be amazed how much better things can sound with very little outlay.
Quite surprising.
I use a 2x16W RMS amp with 90dB or so speakers and it s quite loud
well before full power.
I use a 2x16W RMS amp with 90dB or so speakers and it s quite loud
well before full power.
I don't think it's necessary to disclose such private information in order to have a discussion about this topic. I gave you the relevant information about sensitivity, amp rating, room size etc
It's been said before - "The BEST amplifier that I ever heard was only 3.5W RMS per channel. It did cost over £3500 though."
But 3.5 watts isnt enough to go loud with average speakers? I used to have a 15 watt amp and it was easy to get it to distort quickly.
Then please see rule number two here: http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/site-announcements/167561-diyaudio-rules.html
If your 50W amp cannot provide the volume that you require then something is WRONG.
Either the amp is rubbish or the speakers are rubbish.
In a normal listening room 50W is MORE than adequate.
Please refer to ANDREWT post #2
500W will give you double the volume and 5000W double the volume again. This is the nature of human hearing - the logarithmic scale.
Either the amp is rubbish or the speakers are rubbish.
In a normal listening room 50W is MORE than adequate.
Please refer to ANDREWT post #2
500W will give you double the volume and 5000W double the volume again. This is the nature of human hearing - the logarithmic scale.
Last edited:
At 50W we are talking about the average GOOD home Hi-Fi at FULL-TILT.
The Arcams and the Pass fraternity at maximum power.
The Arcams and the Pass fraternity at maximum power.
I was talking about a World Class Class A Amp.
Please check the spec on the 15W amp, it was probably 15W PMPO which will be well below 15W RMS.
I run my Pass Aleph 4 at High Volume and the TRUE RMS figure is about 6W at GOOD volume. What it does have is ENORMOUS (100W) headroom.
Last edited:
Actually, we CAN do basic arithmetic with dB. 10dB + 20dB = 30dB. Seems simple enough to me 🙂
jan
Measure the voltage at your speaker terminals. With my 90db speakers, I only use about 2 watts when playing at a very loud volume. I doubt that 50 watts is too little for you. 🙂
- Status
- Not open for further replies.