Sound level (VU) meters built in

Options
Posts: 1,487
edited July 2007 in Electronics
I have a couple of questions about these...been burning in my mind for years now:

1. Mine says amp sound level is about -20dB, which I believe given the fairly high volume level. But it says it is putting out 1-2 watts. Really?

2. If I put it up to 5-7 watts, it is about as loud as I can stand it. Is this really putting out only 5-7 watts (out of th 150 rating)??

3. Is the watt/dB a constant reationship across all amps or does it vary from amp to amp...in other words, is every amp that is at 1 watt at the same dB level (on the VU meter).

I am talking about the on board meter here and not an external sound pressure. Thanks....maybe I'll go pour a beer on my brain.
Post edited by NeilGabriel on

Welcome!

It looks like you're new here. Sign in or register to get started.

Comments

  • Posts: 19,728
    edited July 2007
    Trust your ears, not that electronic crap.

    Use the VU meters as a reference to what the amp is being taxed instead.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
  • Posts: 2,813
    edited July 2007
    Yes... you usually only use a watt or two (average). A watt is a watt in terms of spl (I think?) but it will sound different from amp to amp.
  • Posts: 1,487
    edited July 2007
    I trust my ears, I just wanna know what this stuff means....if I can't understand the modern american automobile, I would like to understand what the audio dohickies do. I found some good articles on sound pressure and the VU meters and the difference between the dB ratng on the VU meter and a dB rating with a sound pressure meter. Well written stuff. Thanks.
  • Posts: 25,311
    edited July 2007
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul!

Welcome!

It looks like you're new here. Sign in or register to get started.

Welcome!

It looks like you're new here. Sign in or register to get started.