How do you know if your amp is putting out @ Rated Wattage ?

Hi abhi,

You are worrying about the wrong things. Specs are a mid-fi game and mean little, excepting (if it is a SS amp) what peak current does the amp provide and does it double down as impedance halves? These two things tell the most about the quality of the ultra-critical power supply. The closer that an amp comes to doubling its RMS output as impedance halves, the better the power supply.

There are many monster-spec amps that sound bad and many lesser spec’d ones that sound great. Dozens of other things besides power output determine sound quality.

Does the new amp sound better than the old one? Honestly, that’s the only important thing.

Best to you,
Dave

To get 2x the perceived volume you need 10x the power. :) 2x the power is only 3 dB louder.

Best,


Erik

Erik

Actually is is 6.8x power increase, for perceived volume doubling, from research studies on listening.

According to my calculations it is about 11x

Perceived loudness increase = k^(1/3.5)  , where is ratio of power.

11^(1/3.5) = 1.984

http://www.aes-media.org/sections/pnw/pnwrecaps/2006/jj_loudness/

Some studies mention k^0.3     (10^0.3=1.995)

Thanks everyone for your perspectives. Really appreciate the insights. 
Everything seems to be working just fine. I was doubtful if the amp is operating at specs.

I definitely can hear better sound and improved base response than my earlier amp.

Regards