During my chat with the The Daily HiFi guys this past Monday, the topic of higher sensitivity speakers having more dynamic range came up. I gave my condensed spiel about why I think it isn't the speakers but rather the system as a whole that when integrating higher sensitivity speakers that provide more dynamics.
In this video I address that a little bit more but with a focus on how to obtain a realistic number for how much amplifier power you need using three factors:
1) Speaker sensitivity
2) Distance from MLP to speaker
3) Dynamic range of the content you listen to
The third is key but never discussed when the topic of "how much power do I need" comes up on the forums. So, I spend some time on that aspect. If you're wanting to kill about 20 minutes listening to audio chat, I have provided the link below.
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To address a comment I already had from @MZKM:
* doubling of speakers = +3dB
* doubling of power = +3dB
* net gain of adding a speaker & its own amp channel = +6dB (theoretical)
* speaker in a room vs anechoic = +3-6dB (+3dB is the norm above the transition frequency)
I tested the +6dB doubling of speakers/power by simply using a single powered speaker and measured the FR via RTA. Then I connected the other powered speaker and measured the response. I got about +5dB from about 300Hz+. In the HF+ I noticed less overall gain, which I believe aligns with what Toole discusses in his book regarding the point where a speaker becomes more directional. In the LF the gain was anywhere from +3 to +6dB.
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I created a poll on AVSforum a year or two ago asking what the listening distance is for people from the MLP to the speakers. The poll showed 3-4m average listening distance.
I created a poll on my YT channel and my FB group asking who pays attention to the mfg spec for "recommended power". Over 80% said they pay it no mind.
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Links used:
https://dr.loudness-war.info/
https://www.crownaudio.com/how-much-amplifier-power
https://www.crownaudio.com/en-US/tools/calculators#amp_power_required
In this video I address that a little bit more but with a focus on how to obtain a realistic number for how much amplifier power you need using three factors:
1) Speaker sensitivity
2) Distance from MLP to speaker
3) Dynamic range of the content you listen to
The third is key but never discussed when the topic of "how much power do I need" comes up on the forums. So, I spend some time on that aspect. If you're wanting to kill about 20 minutes listening to audio chat, I have provided the link below.
--------------------------------
To address a comment I already had from @MZKM:
* doubling of speakers = +3dB
* doubling of power = +3dB
* net gain of adding a speaker & its own amp channel = +6dB (theoretical)
* speaker in a room vs anechoic = +3-6dB (+3dB is the norm above the transition frequency)
I tested the +6dB doubling of speakers/power by simply using a single powered speaker and measured the FR via RTA. Then I connected the other powered speaker and measured the response. I got about +5dB from about 300Hz+. In the HF+ I noticed less overall gain, which I believe aligns with what Toole discusses in his book regarding the point where a speaker becomes more directional. In the LF the gain was anywhere from +3 to +6dB.
--------------------------------
I created a poll on AVSforum a year or two ago asking what the listening distance is for people from the MLP to the speakers. The poll showed 3-4m average listening distance.
I created a poll on my YT channel and my FB group asking who pays attention to the mfg spec for "recommended power". Over 80% said they pay it no mind.
--------------------------------
Links used:
https://dr.loudness-war.info/
https://www.crownaudio.com/how-much-amplifier-power
https://www.crownaudio.com/en-US/tools/calculators#amp_power_required
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