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How many watts??

If I have a 80 watt stereo amp and I normally listen at quarter volume and never play at levels higher than this. Do I really need 80 watts could I use a 15 watt amp at half volume?

My next question if I have speakers that my mfg states needs min 50 watts to really make them sound good with my current amp rated at 80 watts but played at qtr volume does that mean I am not really getting the best from these speakers. If I play at half volume this is too loud, do I need a bigger room. Sorry if I did not explain clearly enough.


ecpninja

Showing 1 response by elliottbnewcombjr

elliottbnewcombjr
5,767 posts
 
Your 80 wpc amp drives your 87db sensitivity speakers rather easily at your preferred volumes; and it has reserves for instantaneous needs. a less powerful amp would be a mistake IMO.

If you like those speakers, I would be tempted to upgrade to their 9.5 speaker

https://www.dagogo.com/salk-sound-ss9-5-speaker-review/
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to answer your question:

it is Logarithmic: a lot of additional power is needed for a small amount of volume increase.

https://geoffthegreygeek.com/amplifier-power/

+3db = a perceptible volume increase. double the WPC needed for +3db volume, i.e. a lot for a little.

to double the volume needs 10x WPC. thus 10x is needed for 2X 
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