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Topic: Amplifier Volume |
Billy Murdoch
From:
Glasgow, Scotland, U.K.
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Posted 21 Jul 2009 1:35 am |
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I asked this question on the British Forum but no replies so far.
When We read about an amp it is rated in Watts(power)
There are many who will believe that 200watts is louder than 100watts,not forgetting that tube amps are louder than transistor amps.
Why do manufacturers never give a decibel reading for the loudness of the amp,for example amplifier X is 200watts power which will give 120 decibels at a distance of 10 feet.
Billy |
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 21 Jul 2009 3:38 am
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| The tests for (electrical) output of an amp are very well established, and they take into consideration only the amp. Testing sound pressure levels (db levels at a certain distance) involves far more variables (speakers, cabinet design, room acoustics, etc.) and thus it’s simply not as reliable a measurement. Yes, a 100-watt amp will put out 120 db…but so will a 15-watt amp! Also, the “tube watts vs. transistor watts” is an exercise in futility. Watts are watts. And if a certain tube amp sounds louder, it’s probably because it’s putting out more than it’s rated power. A 50 watt transistor amp will put out 50 watts, but when pushed, it will either distort in a very unpleasing manner, or built-in protection circuitry will take over to prevent meltdown. Tubes are a different animal, they LIKE running hot, and a tube amp rated at 50 watts may put out considerably more than that when pushed. Even though it’s distorting, it’s an "audibly pleasing" distortion, and the average power level is higher. Thus, it sounds louder. |
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Lynn Oliver
From:
Redmond, Washington USA * R.I.P.
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Posted 21 Jul 2009 11:20 am
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| Don't forget that speaker efficiency varies widely. Using a more efficient speaker is just like adding watts to the amp. |
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 21 Jul 2009 3:41 pm
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| Right Lynn. Also keep in mind that speaker efficiency is not only a matter of the speaker itself, but of the type of cabinet the speaker is in. Closed-back cabinets are usually two to three times as efficient as open-backed ones. This is why a 40-watt Bassman can hang in there with a Twin (that has almost twice the power). |
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Billy Murdoch
From:
Glasgow, Scotland, U.K.
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Posted 22 Jul 2009 1:00 am
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I have had a great reply on the British Steelies site which explains a lot of the technical stuff.
However, I still cannot understand why manufacturers cannot give a "loudness"factor.
Automobile manufacturers can give test resuls for Speed and fuel consumption along with many other things and then We,the consumer can buy the vehicle and either modify it or drive it in a different way and get totally different results.
Back to amps,the manufacturer knows the spec of the components He uses,it is We,the consumer who modifies the "standard" amp.
For conversational purposes, How do I make a decision if I ware considering a new amp made by an unknown builder,I do not have the benefit of a Forum member telling Me that this amp has plenty volume.
My Nashville 112 is every bit as loud, at 80watts, as some amps of higher power.Peavey did not tell us how loud this amp would be,it was the users who posted these findings.
Billy |
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 22 Jul 2009 2:51 am
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| Quote: |
| How do I make a decision if I ware considering a new amp made by an unknown builder... |
I don't even know why you would. But, barring all else, you oughta try it before you buy it. If that's not possible, and you still want to (for some unknown reason) buy the thing, realize that there is the possibility you'll be disappointed (regardless of what it's "loudness number" is).
All my way of saying that a beginner is far better off sticking with a known product. |
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Billy Murdoch
From:
Glasgow, Scotland, U.K.
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Posted 22 Jul 2009 4:26 am
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Donny,
I apologise for being unable to use the correct wording to get My point over.
I was never thinking of getting an unknown amp,it was merely to try to illustrate the fact that I do not know how loud the amp will be by reading the wattage.
I am entirely happy with the amps I have and chose both from knowing they were made by respected manufacturers and by reading reports on this Forum.
Where I live,it is not possible to test run an amp(for steel)since there are no stockists within 500 miles.
I still think a manufacturer could give indication of loudness in the marketing pamphlet,even if it is only to say something like it being suitable only for small rooms,small venues or whatever.
best regards
Billy |
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 22 Jul 2009 5:43 am
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Billy, no need to apologize to me (I’m a nobody). Nevertheless, the term “loudness” means different things to different people. High frequencies require very little power to produce ear-splitting volume. Mid-range frequencies require only a very moderate power to sound quite loud, and low frequencies require tons of power. Perceived loudness, therefore, depends on the frequencies being reproduced. Without knowing what the customer is using the amp for, and exactly what his tonal preferences are, it’s impossible to say how loud the amp will be (or sound). Instruments vary so much, you can’t say how loud a certain one will be with a certain amp until you plug it in. Other things in the sound chain also affect the final volume, so it normally becomes a matter of everyone using something a little different. Therefore, their results will likely all be different. More importantly, volume or perceived loudness takes a secondary position to tone (for most players). Wattage, or even actual SPL (sound pressure level) are only an indication of potential. Since there’s no way to effectively measure tone, we have to make do with power measurements. Higher wattage amps normally have more potential (and tone), more features, and they usually cost more too!
Hopefully, the manufacturer can give you some idea of the capbility of the amp, and what uses it may be best suited for. |
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Billy Murdoch
From:
Glasgow, Scotland, U.K.
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Posted 22 Jul 2009 8:23 am
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Thanks Donny,
Some things take a bit longer to get thru' to Me.
Billy
P.S. The Tee shirt I bought last Year says Everybody is Somebody in Luckenbach 
So We are both special. |
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