The first watts

I got the app. It seems my listening preference is between 75 and 85 dB. That's 8 to 9 feet away from the listening position to the center of the speakers. I'm not sure what that equates to in Watts

It seems that there is a disconnect between theory and practice here. A speaker rated at 87db is considered to have moderately low sensitivity. I would say that most speakers have a higher sensitivity today.

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 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

The unofficial dynamic range data base (Google search will pull it up) illustrates very convincingly (just Enter name of artist or group) how the dynamic range has suffered over the past twenty or so years as subsequent reissues of once dynamic pop and rock albums have been compressed more and more. Even the first releases are hopelessly compressed in many cases.

Sound pressure falls off by the square of the distance. By the time you are 9 feet back this can be significant.

2 meters is thus 1/4 the energy. The speakers, once the conversion is done from sensitivity to efficiency, are 84 db 1 watt/1 meter (87 db 2.83V/1 meter and a 4 ohm speaker).

so 1 watt at 2 meters is 78 db. We're a little further back than that of course. 10 watts is 88 db (10x more power). Add 3 db for the other channel. Discount for absorptive materials in the room- carpet, sofa, etc, as well as being further back.

You may assume that the amplifier is making significant class AB power- the 10 watts is likely getting used up pretty quick unless you have a very lively room. However that first 10 watts is likely helping out with low lever detail.