Rated vs. Actual Power & Volume Control

alucididea

So, I’ve got a question concerning power.

Let’s say an amplifier is rated to 300w RMS (20-20000hz). Now let’s say my speaker is only rated to 250w. Volume control goes from -80 dB to +16.5 dB. At what volume level would it actually be safe to use this amp/speaker combo?

I’m figuring as long as I don’t turn it above, say -20 or so? Any input would be welcomed.

Nightfall

60% of the time it works every time.

BlueFox

Use your ears. When it sounds bad, turn it down. If you feel technical then buy a Sound Pressure Level meter so that you can put a number on what you hear. Of course, this assumes you have ‘normal’ speakers that will let you know they are hurting.

alucididea

ZLTFUL wrote: »

*note 78% of all statistics are made up on the spot*

My thoughts exactly.

BlueFox wrote: »

Use your ears. When it sounds bad, turn it down. If you feel technical then buy a Sound Pressure Level meter so that you can put a number on what you hear. Of course, this assumes you have ‘normal’ speakers that will let you know they are hurting.

I agree with that. I guess I’m trying to create a general rule of thumb for myself.

BlueFox

The problem, to me, is that volume controls have different meanings in different setups. A number in one setup doesn’t necessarily relate to another setup.

alucididea

BlueFox wrote: »

The problem, to me, is that volume controls have different meanings in different setups. A number in one setup doesn’t necessarily relate to another setup.

Fair enough.

mpitogo

alucididea wrote: »

Volume control goes from -80 dB to +16.5 dB.

I would ignore the power (unless it’s clipping). The volume control suggests your preamp is able to calibrate to reference levels. At common THX levels -20db on the volume knob should produce around 85db from the speakers. This is a normal listening level and doubt you would be overdriving and pushing more than a few watts. If you know what your speakers maximum output db is it would be relatively easy to derive the max volume level and compute the power.