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Question regarding speaker sensitivity


71jazz

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Hi,

I haven't been able to listen to one locally yet, but I'm considering picking up one of the Ampeg Porta-Bass PB212H enclosures (basically a 2x12 with horn).

 

I noticed that the sensitivity for this cabinets is at 93...essentially the same as Acme cabinets that apparently require tons of power to fun. My Aguilars, on the other hand, are 103.

 

So...is it safe to say that this Ampeg cabinet is going to need tons of power just like the Acmes? I've never had any problems pushing my Aguilars (I have two 1x12 cabs) with a GK 800RB but I was curious if the volume would be conspicuously less.

 

Any advice or experiences you may even have with this Ampeg would really be appreciated.

 

Thanks

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Hmmm....

 

93 dB(SPL)/Watt-Meter versus 103 dB(SPL)/Watt-Meter

 

Definitely there would be a noticable difference!

 

At just 100 watts input add 20 dB to each base measurement.

 

93+20=113 dB (SPL)

 

vs.

 

103+20=123 dB (SPL)

 

Then again, if you're on a budget (who isn't?) and if those extra 10 dB cost bucks (like an extra $1000).....but if you have access to more amplification power using the less efficient speakers, at a much lower cost, go with the more power to gain sound and save your money for more important things, like getting to gigs.

Beware the lollipop of mediocrity; one lick and you suck forever.
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Their full sentence is that the Ampeg will produce 93dB at 1 meter with 1 Watt. Your Aguilars will do 103dB at 1 meter with 1 Watt. That is 10dB less which is noticeable, so the Ampeg will need similar power. I would think 800W is fine. Just turn it up a bit more.

 

Less efficiency does not mean less quality. Class A amps are only 25% efficient, but are notoriously great sounding amps.

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Originally posted by 71jazz:

I noticed that the sensitivity for this cabinets is at 93...essentially the same as Acme cabinets that apparently require tons of power to fun. My Aguilars, on the other hand, are 103.

We had a discussion about how loud the Aguilars really are on talkbass. The general consensus was that they're more like 98dB @1W1m, and the Acmes are really about 95dB @1W1m. Apparently one 4 ohm Acme B2 is about as loud as one 8 ohm GS112, which fits those adjusted specs.

 

The BP review of the Ampeg Portabass 2x10" commented that it was just a loud as most other 2x10" cabs, which would suggest that Ampeg's specs are conservative whilst (yes I'm looking at you Eden and SWR) are a 'little' bit optimistic.

 

Sensitivity matters a lot, but as it's usually quoted @ 1kHz, it's not always accurate for bass cabs.

 

Alex

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Sensitivity matters a lot, but as it's usually quoted @ 1kHz, it's not always accurate for bass cabs.

Word, Alex.

 

You can have efficiency, or you can have flat response. Rarely can you have both.

 

If you can't see a broadband response curve for a given speaker system, any printed SPL/watt figure is suspect.

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