I'm currently using a TA2024 to power a couple of Infinity 612m speakers. The power source is a 12v 9ah SLA battery. The speakers are enclosed in PVC pipe and are not currently ported.
The volume level is almost where I want it, but could use a slight boost. I'm certainly not an expert when it comes to amplifiers/speakers, so I thought I'd ask you guys what the best way to eek out a bit more volume would be.
I have a TPA3123 as well, which I tried using instead of the TA2024, but it didn't seem to improve the volume at all.
I think if I doubled up the battery and ran two in series for 24v it would be a pretty big boost, but this is a bicycle stereo project so weight is a concern.
I'm definitely not opposed to considering a different amp or different speakers, so any advice would be appreciated.
The volume level is almost where I want it, but could use a slight boost. I'm certainly not an expert when it comes to amplifiers/speakers, so I thought I'd ask you guys what the best way to eek out a bit more volume would be.
I have a TPA3123 as well, which I tried using instead of the TA2024, but it didn't seem to improve the volume at all.
I think if I doubled up the battery and ran two in series for 24v it would be a pretty big boost, but this is a bicycle stereo project so weight is a concern.
I'm definitely not opposed to considering a different amp or different speakers, so any advice would be appreciated.
As all other car audio speakers, yours aren't suited for mobile stereo use as sensitivity is far too low.
Infinity's own specification says:
So that 89dB/w/m (2.83V into 4 ohm is 2 watts) but car audio speaker are always specified at peak sensitivity, so average real life could easily be 2 dB lower.
You need speakers that have higher sensitivity and being able to handle the intended use. Pro drivers are basically the only ones that do that but unfortunately there isn't much choice in smaller pro drivers.
Infinity's own specification says:
So that 89dB/w/m (2.83V into 4 ohm is 2 watts) but car audio speaker are always specified at peak sensitivity, so average real life could easily be 2 dB lower.
You need speakers that have higher sensitivity and being able to handle the intended use. Pro drivers are basically the only ones that do that but unfortunately there isn't much choice in smaller pro drivers.
So, based on some reading, my understanding is that a 3 dB increase in sensitivity amounts to about double the volume, so I want to look for speakers in the 94-95 dB sensitivity range?
Actually it's +6dB for double SPL but the reasoning is still the same. You current speakers are roughly 88dB/w/m, so you need to look for speaker with at least 3dB higher sensitivity, if possible even more, and preferably still 4 ohms but that's difficult to find for a reasonable amount of money, and for the intended use, in small speaker sizes as pro driver under 10" are generally midrange drivers, although exceptions do exist.
Actually, no, 6dB won't double the apparent sound level, the human ear works logarithmically, so to double perceived sound level requires about 10 times the power or 10 dB.
Mike
Mike
Who wrote anything about the apparent sound level? It's not even relevant really.
The apparent sound level comes into play when we increase volume to the point where we percieve the sound as twice as loud but there are many other factors that come into play in apparent sound level. This isn't the case here. We're talking sensitivity, and actual SPL.
Who wrote anything about the apparent sound level? You did, "Actually it's +6dB for double SPL" in response to "So, based on some reading, my understanding is that a 3 dB increase in sensitivity amounts to about double the volume". And it's a 3dB increase that doubles the power, 6dB quadruples it.
Mike
Mike
OK Saturnus, I will elaborate further, I didn't do a very good job of it the first go 'round. The OP's original question was whether it was correct that a "3 dB increase in sensitivity amounts to about double the VOLUME". Framed in that context, your reply stating that it took "+6dB for double SPL" missed the mark, the OP asked about doubling the Volume level, not SPL. Also, am I not correct in stating that it is a 3dB that doubles power and therefore SPL?
Mike
Mike
3dB means double the electrical, not acoustic power. How it is perceived depends on the frequency, but usually a 6dB increase (ie 4 times the power) is perceived to be double the loudness. There's a debate on this, some say 6, some say 10, again, it depends on the frequency. A 6dB increase in the midrange is more easily perceived than a 6dB increase in the bass.
One more question, should I be porting my speaker box? The speakers are back to back and fully enclosed. Here's a pic:
No.
A doubling of sound intensity is +3dB, a measurable effect
A doubling of sound power is +6dB, measurable effect
A doubling of volume is +10dB, a psychoacoustic effect that comes into play when you start at one sound pressure level and then turn up the volume until it's perceived as twice as loud. It will vary from person to person, vary with frequency range and the overall starting sound pressure level if it's really +10dB, it has nothing to do with sensitivity though.
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This is the first time I've heard of it. I've always known that doubling watts increase the spl by 3db. Look forward to more answers by various users 😉
Btw, in winamp (I use a pc for listening to music), halving or doubling it's volume, brings a 6db change. Though mind you, I dunno how much power difference is brought by halving or doubling winamp volume.
To add my subjective opinion, 6db can be perceived as doubling the volume, though I know that 10db are considered to be doubling of perceived spl.
I agree with Bone, You need more input signal. I recently got one of these sure 2024 amps there is a noticable difference when using a headphone amp as a pre amp. Not only is it louder, but I think it sounds better as well. Here's what I would try:
1. Build yourself a nifty C-Moy headphone amp. That's what I used, and it's a fun build. It can also serve double duty, a pre amp for your bike, and a headphone amp for when you don't want to listen to your neighbors yelling lol.
How to Build the CMoy Pocket Amplifier
2. Go with lighter and more powerful lipo batteries. Like the ones they use in rc vehicles. This is not a real cost effective option as they can get pricy almost $200 and then you need a charger.
Check out www.towerhobbies.com two 11.1v 800mah lipos and a charger can be had for under $100. Unless your riding across the country I think 800mah will give you plenty of runtime.
1. Build yourself a nifty C-Moy headphone amp. That's what I used, and it's a fun build. It can also serve double duty, a pre amp for your bike, and a headphone amp for when you don't want to listen to your neighbors yelling lol.
How to Build the CMoy Pocket Amplifier
2. Go with lighter and more powerful lipo batteries. Like the ones they use in rc vehicles. This is not a real cost effective option as they can get pricy almost $200 and then you need a charger.
Check out www.towerhobbies.com two 11.1v 800mah lipos and a charger can be had for under $100. Unless your riding across the country I think 800mah will give you plenty of runtime.
!!!
You can't double up the batteries, it'll destroy the amp. The PCB says 9~14V (mine does)
You might get more volume by increasing the input but you may just increase the distortion. It'll be suck it and see.
Beyond that, the best way to get more volume is to use more efficient speakers. Or use a higher power amp, the speakers claim to handle 75W rms, the TA2024 is 15+15 max.
I've checked out the LiPo batteries, but the run time is just too low. I actually do ride 12-14 hour days, so I need something that will last. The SLA battery I use is 6 lbs, so it's not all that heavy.
I've also been considering building a CMoy anyway for a different project, so I'll give that a try and see if it works without distortion.
Also, any opinions on porting the tube?
I've also been considering building a CMoy anyway for a different project, so I'll give that a try and see if it works without distortion.
Also, any opinions on porting the tube?
Doubling anything always gives +3dB of the same thing.
1W vs 2W = 3dB difference
1V vs 2V = 3dB
1Pa vs 2Pa = 3dB
1W/m² vs 2W/m² = 3dB
Mag 5.0 vs mag 5.3 earthquake = 3dB = twice the shaking amplitude
2x the voltage = 4x the power = 4x sound intensity = 2x pressure = 4x sound pressure level
1W vs 2W = 3dB difference
1V vs 2V = 3dB
1Pa vs 2Pa = 3dB
1W/m² vs 2W/m² = 3dB
Mag 5.0 vs mag 5.3 earthquake = 3dB = twice the shaking amplitude
2x the voltage = 4x the power = 4x sound intensity = 2x pressure = 4x sound pressure level
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