How loud is loud, What DB is actually loud?

Rayray8, 01-08-11: 135db in a car is pretty easy to do with subwoofers. i use to compete with my car about 9 years ago and only had 1 12" subwoofer and would score 136db any day. these competitions are bass only, and usually people use simple test tones to hit one frequency. there are vehicles now that score well over 170db in these competitions.

Elevick, 01-08-11: Imagine what it takes to get to 170db if you keep doubling your power to gain a measly 3db? You need to gain about 10db to double the perceived volume. Even with 102db speakers (which are rare), it takes more wattage than any amp I've seen to get 170db. I imagine that it sounds pretty crummy and distorted at those levels.

If we optimistically assume 110 db for 1 watt, 170 db would require 1,000,000 watts. Doesn't sound too likely to me. Fortunately :-)

Regards,
-- Al

Al,

It can be done.

Where there is a will there is a way

What?

:-)

Best regards,
-- Al

Elizabeth - I have a good set of phones - I just prefer my listening via the speakers. Give me the airy soundstage any day. Phones are the absolute last resort for me.

Jet noise? I was at Rose Parade when the B-2 just idled over. You could hear it for another 30 seconds after it was gone. Close up, that thing's gotta be LOUD.

I also was at a landing and takeoff of a Concord. That was maybe the loudest thing I've ever heard. Ear covering loud, even.

But, bang for buck? A Harrier just 10 feet off the ground hovering there. Visit an airshow that has one.