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108 DB with a Single 10 sub?


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mrmsudawgs 
Copper - Posts: 145
Copper spacespace
Joined: February 22, 2005
Location: United States
Posted: July 14, 2005 at 11:01 PM / IP Logged  
I think I am catching on but let me continue - the "sensitivity" of my sub is 86 db. If I assume that was measured at 1 watt then the power/db numbers would be something like this: 1 watt = 86 db, 2 watts = 89 db, 4 watts = 92 db, 8 watts = 95 db, 16 watts = 98 db, 32 watts = 101 db, 64 watts = 103 db, 128 watts = 106 db, 256 watts = 109 db. I stopped at 256 watts because my amp, bridged, is pumping out about 250 watts into my single sub. Let's say for simplicity that my amp is delivering exactly 256 watts. Does that mean that my max DB (sub) is 109 DB? If so, then a sub with a sensitivity of 90 db (at 1 watt) would have 120 DB at 256 watts? Is this correct?
And what about the volume level I used during the test? Should I have maxed out the volume regardless of distortion just to get higher DBs or should I have found the highest volume that sounded good without distortion (which changed with the frequency of the test tone).
2000 F150 Supercab Lariat, Alpine CDA-9831, Polk MMC570 in Doors, One Polk MM2104 Sub, One Polk Carbon C400.4 Amp.
John 3:16
stevdart 
Platinum - Posts: 5,816
Platinum spaceThis member has made a donation to the12volt.com. Click here for more info.spaceThis member has been recognized as an authority in Mobile Audio and Video. Click here for more info.spaceThis member consistently provides reliable informationspace
Joined: January 24, 2004
Location: Pennsylvania, United States
Posted: July 14, 2005 at 11:10 PM / IP Logged  

Basically, correct, although the 90 db sub should be 114 db's at 256 watts.  When installed and measured in-car there should be another approximately 12 db's cabin gain added, mostly in the sub range of about 50 Hz.

And I see your point.  I take back my "bad" and upgrade to "normal"!

As far as your testing goes, you have to decide exactly what it is you are trying to find out.  If you're testing for SPL, then you need to power it up to the max but not at the point of clipping (sound of distortion).  If you're trying to get a response curve that matches a controlled test by the manufacturer, it's not going to happen.

Build the box so that it performs well in the worst case scenario and, in return, it will reward you at all times.
mrmsudawgs 
Copper - Posts: 145
Copper spacespace
Joined: February 22, 2005
Location: United States
Posted: July 14, 2005 at 11:28 PM / IP Logged  
Now I understand and thanks for the math correction (I ran out of fingers).
Just one more bit of info for all of you SPL hunters out there - I'm an SQ guy. SPL means little to me if it sounds like crap and even great sounding high SPL (140 and up ) can be too much for someone like me. After I measured my system's performance with test tones (which is where I got 108 Db) I then popped in Maroon Five's "Songs About Jane" album and turned it to track 12. It has a great bass line and funky guitar that I like. I cranked it up to the point where I just could not stand it anymore yet the music was not distorted. The meter read about 105 db.
There is no possible way that I can ride around listening to music at that level. It was loud. Clean but very loud. And yes - in my younger years - I had two kicker competitions behind the seat of my truck with an old school punch 150 on both. It was terribly loud but not very clean.
I'm very happy with clean sound at 90 db. That's all a person who wants to keep their hearing really needs - in my opinion.108 DB with a Single 10 sub? - Page 2 - Last Post -- posted image.
Thanks for the continued help Stevdart.
Mike
2000 F150 Supercab Lariat, Alpine CDA-9831, Polk MMC570 in Doors, One Polk MM2104 Sub, One Polk Carbon C400.4 Amp.
John 3:16
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