2. amps-preamps
  3. 1178545801

amplifier DB meters

How come amps no longer have meters? I personally like them, I find it very useful to know how many watts I am using while tuning my system.

If you have a pair of speakers and they require a certain amt of power whether it be 1 watt or 100 watts isn't good to know? Lets say you are only using 4 watts to drive your speakers isn't this the only way to find out that you can use a much "smaller" amp rather than the 200watt behemoth you are currently using? Also vis-a-versa to find out you need more watts as you may be going into clipping or just always using the most you amp can give.

If an amplifier does not have meters can you hook one up or use a test meter to find out how many watts you are using?
Bob.
acoustat6
scramman
43 posts
 
So nobody really answered with a "why"?

I was wondering the same thing. Is it cost? Can't be. The newer (90's - 00's) mega amps I see here on A'gon put out tons of w/rms per channel.

I have a 1970's vintage Son of Ampzilla, and I love watching the meters. I would not have an amp without them. I just like the looks.

It must my 70's radio/DJ background with VU meters that keeps me interested.

Any sound issues I have missed? AC cord replacement and power conditioning are things I have not seen before lurking on A'gon. Could the bulbs in the meters change the sound? (I took a leave of absence to raise kids). Oh I have a computer with a noisy fan in my listening room, I know THAT effects the sound.

AL--
acoustat6 OP
357 posts
 
Hi Al, I dont think anybody did actually answer why no meters, except for the fact that they may not be totally accurate. Why not make accurate meters then?!

I use on my woofer system two stereo amps (a 200wpc stereo amp for both the left and right bank of woofers, 32 eight inch drivers, yep 16 drivers per side!) and I have both VU and LED meter types of the same amps. I do find them very useful regardless of what others say here, But as of yet I have never had anyone agree with any of my postings on Audiogon, so definitly dont go by anything i say!

Again, I do find meters to be a great tuning instrument and important for for setting up ones system. And yes they do look cool, the only "bells and whistles" in my system.

Hello Atmasphere, I just received word that the Laverda V6 will be at Mid Ohio this year for the vintage event in July. This is not to be missed! Piero Laverda along with the "factory race team" Agusto Brettoni, Pieros son and others will be there also. Along with the V6 we will be allowed to run our Laverdas on the track with the V6. I will most likely bring my '74 750 SFC. Hope to see you there.
Bob
phaelon
1,052 posts
 
I thought most meters were installed because the marketing types thought that's what we wanted to see and served little purpose other than aesthetics, like the analog humidity gauge on a cigar humidor.
t_bone
1,182 posts
 
I thought the gauges on my humidor and amp were the same (except for the color - one is blue and the other is gold...)
scramman
43 posts
 
I am looking at my rebuilt "Son's" meters tonight and lovin it! Even have a little Bob Weir goin down now.

I have the Son plugged into my 80's Discwasher SpikeMaster. Hmmmm diggin' it dudes.

I quit smokin those cheap cigars at least a year ago.

AL--

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