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Current, Amperage


I’m trying to make sense of the argument about various types of speakers [ sensitivity, brand, etc ] and their relationship with power/ current/ amperage.

Can someone please provide some basic perspective.

I have a 91.5db tall floor speaker [ Focal Chorus 826V ] and what should I look for in an amp to drive these? How much power do I really need with all things being equal? I use a VTL tube 2.5 amp if that matters to the discussion.

Thank you.
adman227

Showing 2 responses by elevick

elevick
2,638 posts
 
91.5 is fairly efficient.  For every doubling of wattage, you will gain 3db in volume.  2 watts is 94,5, 4 watts 97.5, 8 watts 100.5 and so on.  Every 10 db will give you a perceived doubling of volume.  
What does this mean?  16 watts should be more than enough and 40 should make these sing.
elevick
2,638 posts
 
It's more about synergy, not math.  I have a 300 wpc Mac but usually am using my 10 watt triode.  Running out of power can ruin a speaker and/or your experience but quality is much more important than quantity.  

My math was a generalization but you do need a frame of reference on these things.  Generally speaking you gain 3db for doubling your wattage is a great way to understand why going from 40 to 60 watts is virtually inaudible all other things remaining equal.
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