If 10 watts powers that speaker to 92db, that is loud. Wouldn't a 100 watt amp be a monster amp? They certainly aren't considered that these days. Any ideas why that is?
If 10 watts powers the speakers to 92 db at the listening position, 100 watts will power them to 102 db at that position (assuming the speakers can handle that power level without thermal compression or other problems).
As Tony (Tls49) said, "even if the average SPL is 75dB, some music can have dynamic peaks of 95dB and higher." I have more than a few classical symphonic recordings in my collection which when played at average levels in the 70's will reach occasional brief dynamic peaks of 100 to 105 db, at my listening position.
The ability of the amp to comfortably handle such high volume peaks will be less of a concern, of course, with many or most pop and rock recordings, which are typically compressed to narrow dynamic ranges. Often to the extent of having less than a 10 db difference between the loudest and the softest notes.
Also, I'll add that in the absence of specific technical information about whatever SPL meter is being used to measure these levels, I would not assume that a given meter necessarily responds fast enough to capture the true maximum volume of a brief dynamic peak.
Regards,
-- Al
