amplifier DB meters

Hi, So most of the meters are inaccurate? Though they give a reasonable indication of power, is that correct? As I originally stated I use mine for tuning my system, I can see more or less power being used when setting crossover, EQ or listening level. Yes I can hear the changes but seeing them is also a good confirmation and it is repeatable as I freq write notes. Also I guess it is kind of fun to watch them, I will admit to that!
If most of us "only listen at 1 or 2 watts" why such big amps? I know that is true with myself, but how do you know you are only using 1 or 2 watts when you really dont know that without a meter? Arthur says that you need peak power which is understandable but how much more power do you need if you are only using those 1 to 2 watts.? The reason I ask is my subwoofer amps at the most use less the 4 watts or so on the loudest bass I have seen and indeed 90 percent of the time much less than 1 watt as indicated on the meters, with my 200 watt per channel amp, can I use a much less powerful amp?
Bob

Helio, When my system is playing and I only ever see 4 watts on the meter with the loudest peak, I can figure that the amp is using more watts, than the meter is reading, but how much more? Assuming that the meter is correct - a big assumption I gather - I know I would need a more powerful amp than 4 watts.
I know that this is one of those impossible to answer questions when you figure in the variables ; probably impedances, speaker type etc. I can be pretty well assured though a 400 watt amp can handle the peaks, but what about 100 watt or 40 watt? Any ideas of how much headroom is needed?
Bob

Hello, Atmasphere and Shadorne, thanks for your responses. Meters are good and useful I believe, just perhaps we should have better ones on our amps.
My woofer system is wired - parallel groups in series. There are 32 drivers in total. 8 forward facing and 8 rear facing per channel, each bank gets its own channel from one amp. This way one stereo amp drives the front 8 with the "left" channel and the rear bank is driven by the "right" channel. Each bank is then 4 ohm. So am I actually seeing double the power than on the meters? If the meter is reading 4 watts it is actually 8 watts, is that correct? I am using two 200 watt per channel amps.
Also FYI after really studying the meters since I wrote my original post the most I see is quite a bit more than 4 watts I originally cited, it is actually 18 watts. Going by Atmaspheres example of 4X and then doubling that, I need 144 watts to be safe. Guess I need to have my 200 watt amps. Though I could get away with 100 to 150 watt amps perhaps.
The interesting point also is just how small the excursion is at each driver, just a few millimeter at the most. The sound is also quite different due to this, ultimately giving great bass detail and no room shaking.

Atmasphere, I understand that you have/like Laverda motorcycles is that correct? I have a few and have ridden them since the early eighties.
Bob

HI Shadorne, I believe each bank is wired in just that- parallel groups in series. I have the wiring diagram and paramaters somewhere but I did this 8 years ago so I kind of forgot the details. I needed to keep it 4 ohms where my friends are wired to 2 ohms owing to the different amps we are using. I also believe it is the way Marshall stacks are wired.
An internet friend designed the speaker system and had enough custom drivers made for 3 sets (96 drivers, plus 4 to make an even 100 which was required for a price discount). He and a friend are using them with the big Soundlabs.
Bob

Hi Atmasphere, I heard it through the motorcycle/audio grapevine that you are a Laverda-phile. I have a '72 SF, '74 SFC and a RGS Corsa. I have owned the SFC since the early 80s. Great bikes any chance you make it to Mid Ohio for the vintage races? Next year the rumor is that Laverda will be there with the V6!
Bob

Hi Atmasphere, I will be there if the V6 shows up, though I will be there no matter what. I am also going this year, dont know what I will bring this year (perhaps my Bimota SB2) but I will definatly have the SFC there next year. Here is a link to a party I had a few years ago at my house with the SFC as the featured bike, we had 7 SFCs there. Also fotos of my Laverda and other bikes if you are interested.
Bob
http://rides.webshots.com/album/10045837YaZlbTdAGB

Hi Al, I dont think anybody did actually answer why no meters, except for the fact that they may not be totally accurate. Why not make accurate meters then?!

I use on my woofer system two stereo amps (a 200wpc stereo amp for both the left and right bank of woofers, 32 eight inch drivers, yep 16 drivers per side!) and I have both VU and LED meter types of the same amps. I do find them very useful regardless of what others say here, But as of yet I have never had anyone agree with any of my postings on Audiogon, so definitly dont go by anything i say!

Again, I do find meters to be a great tuning instrument and important for for setting up ones system. And yes they do look cool, the only "bells and whistles" in my system.

Hello Atmasphere, I just received word that the Laverda V6 will be at Mid Ohio this year for the vintage event in July. This is not to be missed! Piero Laverda along with the "factory race team" Agusto Brettoni, Pieros son and others will be there also. Along with the V6 we will be allowed to run our Laverdas on the track with the V6. I will most likely bring my '74 750 SFC. Hope to see you there.
Bob