Several personal points here:
1-Yes, every 3db requires a doubling of power. However, it takes +10db to double the perceived volume.
2-70db is a tad too quiet for most people. Most speakers are putting out 1 watt to produce around 89db. Simply to double the perceived volume would require about 10 watts (99db).
3-Finally, keep in mind that although it doesn't seem like a big deal to exceed an amps max rating just for a short period of time, it can be. Some very nice amps handle dynamic headroom really well, while some lessor quality units start distorting rather quickly and don't recover for a while. To put that into perspective, compare a 7 watt cary amp to a 100 watt klh receiver. Both playing at 5 watts will sound drastically different. In light of what Pabelson stated above, the 1812 overture may not be as loud on the Cary, but it sure will sound better and handle the peaks with no noticable problems.
1-Yes, every 3db requires a doubling of power. However, it takes +10db to double the perceived volume.
2-70db is a tad too quiet for most people. Most speakers are putting out 1 watt to produce around 89db. Simply to double the perceived volume would require about 10 watts (99db).
3-Finally, keep in mind that although it doesn't seem like a big deal to exceed an amps max rating just for a short period of time, it can be. Some very nice amps handle dynamic headroom really well, while some lessor quality units start distorting rather quickly and don't recover for a while. To put that into perspective, compare a 7 watt cary amp to a 100 watt klh receiver. Both playing at 5 watts will sound drastically different. In light of what Pabelson stated above, the 1812 overture may not be as loud on the Cary, but it sure will sound better and handle the peaks with no noticable problems.