What actually determines volume power? Is it watts?
I have a Yamaha AS-3200 amp. It sounds beautiful and has a really good open sound. The problem is I like my music loud since I live alone and typically I have the volume 70% and with some recordings it is not high enough. I need a amp that has more power/volume.
The AS-3200 is 200 watts at 8 ohms. I see many amps, even much more expensive ones (like the Yamaha M-5000), are also at around 200 watts per a channel at 8 ohms. I am going by 8 ohms for my speakers and also the worse case scenarios. Does this mean if I had a more expensive class AB amp like the M-5000 I would still be listening at 70% volume and getting the same power/loudness? If not, then what actually determines the volume power if not watts?
To double the perceived volume you need 10x the power. However, not all speakers have equal efficiencies, and you may not want it louder but you want more bass. Depends on what exactly you want to accomplish. You may be better off looking for speakers with higher rated sensitivities than you currently have, or to add a subwoofer. Also, if you are turning it up for detail that's often a sign your room is too reflective. |
I don’t want to switch speakers... I want to keep the speakers I have and to be able to listen to the music at 30-50% volume and still have plenty of power on reserver if I want to go louder. With the Yamaha, my normal listening level is at 70% and if I go any higher then you can tell it is underpowered. Does this mean if I bought a stereo class AB amp at like $25k and it is 200 watts on 8 ohms it will also not have enough volume? |
This discussion is informative. |
