How Much Amplifier Power Do I Need?

[orchardaudio]

 

[garyrc]

17 hours ago, orchardaudio said:

 

 

Did you move your post to another section?  

 

Here is my attempt to start answering your question:"How Much Amplifier Power Do I Need?"

The amount of amplifier power needed is not as simple as it is sometimes depicted. 

 

 Need more information:

 

What speakers? Brand and model.  Sensitivity rating if available.

 

Room size.

 

Room liveness: Treatments?  What kind? Carpet?  Wall to wall, area rugs("throw" rugs)?  Drapes?  Photograph.

 

Distance from main listening position to speakers.

 

Type of music.

 

Loudness preference (Klipsch and Keel , Jr's  characterizations, DFH, Vol. 16, No. 1, January 1977 ):     

• Medium                  85 dB
• Loud                        90 to 100 dB
• Very Loud:             105 to 110 dB
• Too Damn Loud    115 dB

 

[105 dB is THX full scale (peak) above 80 Hz; 115 dB is THX full scale (below 80 Hz)].

 

A huge variable is the brand and model of speaker.  The range of amplifier power needed ranges from 3 watts to > 1,000 watts, depending on the above variables.

[artto]

And also the type of speaker.

 

Line source speakers, for instance, SPL does not decline at the same rate with distance as a more conventional direct radiator. Horn-loaded speakers are often designed with a different "throw" in mind - long throw (farther distances) or short throw.

 

And, in most residential rooms, there's not much decline in SPL after a few feet because of all the reflections.

 

Seems I remember responding to this same thread not too long ago.