2. amps-preamps
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a Power vs Volume Question

Hell,

I just replaced my old 200w power amplifier with a new 300w amp. by my surprise, with all things left the same, including the volume setting, the output read by my spl meter was the same between the two amps. isn't the 300w amp supposed to be louder at the same volume setting?

please post your thoughts.
thank you
maab
aolmrd1241
1,043 posts
 
Shadorne;

If the "gain-sensitivity" on the amp has not changed with the addition of a sub, how than, can the amp play louder at any given volume? I understand, all things being equal, that the bass impact will be enhanced with the powered sub in line but how does that increase the "gain-sensitivity", and hence, the output of the main stereo amp? Thanks...

aolmrd1241
1,043 posts
 
Was wondering if anyone could answer my question from above, it would be nice to know. Thank-you in advance...
herman
2,274 posts
 
Aolmrd, I don't think it is a matter of louder but cleaner. Think in terms of energy.

The capacitor bank in the amp can only store a finite amount of energy. Bass notes take a lot more energy to reproduce than treble notes. If you free the amp from having to provide energy to the bass notes it can loaf when providing energy to the spectrum above and can therefore play more cleanly.
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