a Power vs Volume Question


Hell,

I just replaced my old 200w power amplifier with a new 300w amp. by my surprise, with all things left the same, including the volume setting, the output read by my spl meter was the same between the two amps. isn't the 300w amp supposed to be louder at the same volume setting?

please post your thoughts.
thank you
maab
To add to the discussion;

1) Each additional speakers gives you 3 db SPL

2) Each time you double the distance you lose 6db SPL ( 2 meter is -6 db, 4 meters is -12db )

3) Line arrays drop at 3 db per meter when are very close to the speaker....as you get into farfield they behave just like other speakers

4) The room will help reduce the loss of the sound level with distance through reverberation.

5) Speaker close to a rear wall add up to 3 db SPL in the bass.

6) Speaker in a corner add up to 6 db SPL to the bass.

If you are serious about audio reproduction then consider this: a drum set can produce 115 db SPL and a symphony orchestra can produce 110 db SPL, marching bands and rock concerts can achieve more.

A drummer sits at the back of the stage. A conductor stands several feet back from the orchestra.

A system that can achieve 105 db spl continuous cleanly at the listening position (with 10 db of head room) is roughly what you need to cover all but the most extreme situations.
I also read somewhere that you lose 3 dbs output going from a 8 ohm load to a 4 ohm load with the same wattage.
Does adding a powered sub to the mix free up the amp to play at louder volumes,ie: will the amp seem to play louder with the sub in line?
AOLmrd1241,

Yes of course - a tweeter never needs more than 50 watts....if you remove the ultra LF load from the amp then it will play cleaner louder...