Why does stereo sound louder? - Blu-ray Forum

Blu_Dude · 12-02-2009, 07:59 PM

My uncle has a 70s quad system. He also has a 5.1 system of the same wattage. Why is the former louder?

dewd · 12-02-2009, 08:03 PM

Different speakers? Different room? Different material?

Could be many things. What brands/models are the 2 systems you are comparing?

Blu_Dude · 12-02-2009, 08:12 PM

I just know that the speakers on the quad system (and a similar stereo system that he also has) are much larger in size and at least one is currently connected to a LP player. The speakers could be the factor, but I'm not entirely sure.

Location wise...
One is in the basement, another in a small garage. The 5.1 system is in a living room.

I would, in particular, like to know the theory behind the difference in percieved loudness between them.

richteer · 12-02-2009, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blu_Dude

I would, in particular, like to know the theory behind the difference in percieved loudness between them.

The main factor is probably the speakers' different sensitivity. It's a common misunderstanding, but the amplifier power rating (in this context) has got nothing to do with the loudness.

Hammie · 12-02-2009, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blu_Dude

I just know that the speakers on the quad system (and a similar stereo system that he also has) are much larger in size and at least one is currently connected to a LP player. The speakers could be the factor, but I'm not entirely sure.

Location wise...
One is in the basement, another in a small garage. The 5.1 system is in a living room.

I would, in particular, like to know the theory behind the difference in percieved loudness between them.

There are so many variables -- different wattages, different setting (Audyssey), different codecs, dial norm settings. The list can go on.

Without knowing brands and models, we really can only make assumption. Most of which will probably be wrong.

HiDefRev · 12-02-2009, 09:39 PM

There is no one answer to this question. As has been stated, it is most likely a number of variables, not the least is the efficiency of the speakers.

dewd · 12-02-2009, 10:29 PM

Real quick idea of watts and sensitivity....

If speaker A has a sensitivity measurement of 90db @ 1 meter and speaker B has a sensitivity measurement of 87db @ 1 meter, it would take TWICE as much power to make speaker B play as loud as speaker A (at 1 meter).

The room is a huge influence on how your speakers sound (and perform). You cannot compare identical speakers in separate rooms. It would be impossible to compare different speakers in different rooms.

Without knowing the brands/models, there could be even more to it. Some brands like to 'inflate' the numbers. They use these numbers to market to the uniformed consumer. Other brands are somewhat deceitful. If your 5.1 is a "Home Theater in a Box" (all in one) type system, they could very well be stating the power as 1 speaker driven at 4 (or less) ohms. 200 watts at 4ohm would = 100 watts at 8 ohm (the standard measurement). Then there is distortion levels. Standard measurements are 1% THD. Sometimes the stated power is at 10% THD. So your 5.1 system may actually be putting out 1/4 the power stated (or even less).

So you see that just saying you have the same power doesn't always mean it is true.

12-02-2009, 07:59 PM	#1
Blu_Dude Member Top contributor Member since:Aug 2008 4K collection:12 Blu-ray collection:127 DVD collection:162 Blu-ray reviews:19	Why does stereo sound louder? My uncle has a 70s quad system. He also has a 5.1 system of the same wattage. Why is the former louder?

12-02-2009, 09:39 PM	#6
HiDefRev Active Member Member since:Sep 2009 Location:State of Relativity Blu-ray collection:35	Speakers There is no one answer to this question. As has been stated, it is most likely a number of variables, not the least is the efficiency of the speakers.

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12-02-2009, 08:03 PM	#2
dewd Active Member Member since:Aug 2009 Location:Mechanicsburg, PA Home Theater Gallery:13 Blu-ray collection:25	Different speakers? Different room? Different material? Could be many things. What brands/models are the 2 systems you are comparing?

12-02-2009, 08:12 PM	#3
Blu_Dude Member Top contributor Member since:Aug 2008 4K collection:12 Blu-ray collection:127 DVD collection:162 Blu-ray reviews:19	I just know that the speakers on the quad system (and a similar stereo system that he also has) are much larger in size and at least one is currently connected to a LP player. The speakers could be the factor, but I'm not entirely sure. Location wise... One is in the basement, another in a small garage. The 5.1 system is in a living room. I would, in particular, like to know the theory behind the difference in percieved loudness between them.

12-02-2009, 10:29 PM	#7
dewd Active Member Member since:Aug 2009 Location:Mechanicsburg, PA Home Theater Gallery:13 Blu-ray collection:25	Real quick idea of watts and sensitivity.... If speaker A has a sensitivity measurement of 90db @ 1 meter and speaker B has a sensitivity measurement of 87db @ 1 meter, it would take TWICE as much power to make speaker B play as loud as speaker A (at 1 meter). The room is a huge influence on how your speakers sound (and perform). You cannot compare identical speakers in separate rooms. It would be impossible to compare different speakers in different rooms. Without knowing the brands/models, there could be even more to it. Some brands like to 'inflate' the numbers. They use these numbers to market to the uniformed consumer. Other brands are somewhat deceitful. If your 5.1 is a "Home Theater in a Box" (all in one) type system, they could very well be stating the power as 1 speaker driven at 4 (or less) ohms. 200 watts at 4ohm would = 100 watts at 8 ohm (the standard measurement). Then there is distortion levels. Standard measurements are 1% THD. Sometimes the stated power is at 10% THD. So your 5.1 system may actually be putting out 1/4 the power stated (or even less). So you see that just saying you have the same power doesn't always mean it is true.

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