In Reply to: How do I calculate how much "noise" my speakers will make? posted by Frihed89 on March 9, 2007 at 08:27:37:
... there is an equation that goes something like this:Where factor definitions are:
x = sensitivity rating of speakers in dB
y = amplifier power in dBW (not simple Watts)
z = distance from speaker in metresThe dB peak listening level = (x+y)-5(z-1)
(Remember that the ‘5’ comes from the 5dB loss for every metre moved away from the speaker and the ‘-1’ allows for the fact that the speaker’s dB sensitivity was measured at a distance of 1m).
Then there is a table that helps to convert Watts (RMS values) to dBW:
10 = 10
20 = 13
50 = 17
63 = 18
79 = 19
100 = 20
126 = 21
156 = 22
200 = 23
251 = 24
316 = 25
400 = 26Now, by way of example, here is the calculation I used for my set-up:
a) Speakers : Tannoy D700
- Nominal Impedance : 6 ohms
- Quoted Sensitivity: 93dB at 1m
- Listening Distance: ~3 metresb) Amplifier: Jeff Rowland Model 201 monoblocks (x2)
- Output into 8ohms : 250 watts per channel
- Output into 4ohms : 500 watts per channel
- Output into 6ohms : 375 watts per channel (interpolated)c) Calculation as per the formula:
- From Amp Power Table: 25dB
- Speaker Sensitivity : 93dB
- Maximum SPL (1metre): 118dB (ie: 25 + 18)
- Distance Attenuation: ((3-1) x -5) = (2 x -5) = -10 dB
- Peak Listening Level: 108dB (ie: 118 - 10)Where "Peak Listening Level" is at 3 metres from the plane of the speakers.
I hope that helps....
DevillEars
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Follow Ups
- I don't know if this is what you are looking for, but.... - DevillEars 10:02:23 03/09/07 (16)
- I have a question DE ............. - three_sox 01:05:42 03/10/07 (5)
- Some observations/comments - DevillEars 03:20:56 03/10/07 (4)
- I have a number of amps on hand ......... - three_sox 04:48:54 03/10/07 (3)
- Re: I have a number of amps on hand ......... - krisjan 10:46:56 03/10/07 (0)
- I'd be curious to see the rated outputs at lower impedances for each... - DevillEars 05:49:14 03/10/07 (1)
- Re: I'd be curious to see the rated outputs at lower impedances for each... - theaudiohobby 12:17:11 03/10/07 (0)
- Re: I don't know if this is what you are looking for, but.... - Drew Eckhardt 11:35:49 03/09/07 (3)
- Re: "This is completely wrong" - DevillEars 12:21:23 03/09/07 (2)
- Re: "This is completely wrong" - Drew Eckhardt 13:50:51 03/09/07 (1)
- Re: "This is completely wrong" - Paul Joppa 14:36:55 03/09/07 (0)
- You can add 3 dB to your answer if you're using 2 speakers.. - Duke 11:35:11 03/09/07 (0)
- You can substitute a simple formula for that "dBW per Watt" Table... - DevillEars 10:47:24 03/09/07 (0)
- Thanks so much - Frihed89 10:07:23 03/09/07 (3)
- BTW, I can implement that formula and table in Excel and e-mail it you... - DevillEars 10:28:08 03/09/07 (2)
- Thanks, I already did it, but it wouldn't hurt tosend it anyway - Frihed89 10:59:57 03/09/07 (1)
- You got mail... (nt) - DevillEars 11:15:51 03/09/07 (0)