2. amps-preamps
  3. 1178545801

amplifier DB meters

How come amps no longer have meters? I personally like them, I find it very useful to know how many watts I am using while tuning my system.

If you have a pair of speakers and they require a certain amt of power whether it be 1 watt or 100 watts isn't good to know? Lets say you are only using 4 watts to drive your speakers isn't this the only way to find out that you can use a much "smaller" amp rather than the 200watt behemoth you are currently using? Also vis-a-versa to find out you need more watts as you may be going into clipping or just always using the most you amp can give.

If an amplifier does not have meters can you hook one up or use a test meter to find out how many watts you are using?
Bob.
acoustat6

Showing 2 responses by scramman

scramman
43 posts
 
I am looking at my rebuilt "Son's" meters tonight and lovin it! Even have a little Bob Weir goin down now.

I have the Son plugged into my 80's Discwasher SpikeMaster. Hmmmm diggin' it dudes.

I quit smokin those cheap cigars at least a year ago.

AL--

=== It's ALL in the music ====
scramman
43 posts
 
So nobody really answered with a "why"?

I was wondering the same thing. Is it cost? Can't be. The newer (90's - 00's) mega amps I see here on A'gon put out tons of w/rms per channel.

I have a 1970's vintage Son of Ampzilla, and I love watching the meters. I would not have an amp without them. I just like the looks.

It must my 70's radio/DJ background with VU meters that keeps me interested.

Any sound issues I have missed? AC cord replacement and power conditioning are things I have not seen before lurking on A'gon. Could the bulbs in the meters change the sound? (I took a leave of absence to raise kids). Oh I have a computer with a noisy fan in my listening room, I know THAT effects the sound.

AL--
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