Hotplate Question

[Reckless Abandon]

I have heard dropping an amp 3 db will half the wattage. Is this ratio constant? If not how does it work. Really this is a question to preven tme from blowing a speaker

 

[Reckless Abandon]

Re: Hotplate Question

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[devastone]

Re: Hotplate Question

3dB is approximately 1/2 the wattage. I won't guarantee it will prevent blowing a speaker if you are running on the ragged edge though. You also know that you're only putting out full wattage if you have the amp cranked, right?

 

[Reckless Abandon]

Re: Hotplate Question

3dB is approximately 1/2 the wattage. I won't guarantee it will prevent blowing a speaker if you are running on the ragged edge though. You also know that you're only putting out full wattage if you have the amp cranked, right?

Yea I know about cranking it. Does that trend continue, 1/2 wattage for 3 db? I usually cut mine 8 db. I run 50 cranked into the hotplate and into a 30 watt celestion. HAve not blown it yet.

 

[Reckless Abandon]

Re: Hotplate Question

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[aleclee]

Re: Hotplate Question

Yea I know about cranking it. Does that trend continue, 1/2 wattage for 3 db? I usually cut mine 8 db. I run 50 cranked into the hotplate and into a 30 watt celestion. HAve not blown it yet.

That should be safe...for the speaker. Your 50W amp shouldn't put out more than 75W when cranked so taking 8dB off the top is definitely in the safe zone.

Even though it might be safe for the speakers, running a tube amp flat out on a regular basis probably isn't great for the transformers and definitely beats the hell out of the power tubes.