One 100 watt amp vs. two 50 watt amps. Which sounds louder?

[Petros]

Which amp configuration is louder:

One 100 watt amp combo with a single 1 x12

Two 50 watt combos each with a 1 x 12

Assuming the 2 - 50 watt amps are run in stereo with a splitter, and assuming all amps 50 and 100 watt type are something like solid state amps running clean made by the same manufacturer, my guess is that the two 50 watt config is going to sound much louder. I can't buy the amps to just do the experiment and find out for myself, so I'm wondering what others who may know think.

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: One 100 watt amp vs. two 50 watt amps. Which sounds louder?

Loud is a perception. The 100 watt setup will be 3-6db louder than two 50 watt amps, but the sound of the two 12 inch speakers will travel farther with greater fidelity.

 

[Petros]

Re: One 100 watt amp vs. two 50 watt amps. Which sounds louder?

Loud is a perception. The 100 watt setup will be 3-6db louder than two 50 watt amps, but the sound of the two 12 inch speakers will travel farther with greater fidelity.

I understand the part about 1 speaker verses two (two speakers will create more PERCEIVED loudness because of increased SPL and greater dispersion), but isn't your stated 3 - 6 db louder for the single 100 watt combo amp in comparison with a SINGLE 50 watt combo amp?

 

[GoldenVulture]

Re: One 100 watt amp vs. two 50 watt amps. Which sounds louder?

Two speakers outputting the same signal will add 3 Db.

 

[Petros]

Re: One 100 watt amp vs. two 50 watt amps. Which sounds louder?

From one manufacturer's website:

There are two ways to get more volume. One is to increase the output power of the amp and keep the speaker the same, the other is to keep the power output the same and add an identical speaker. So if you double the power output of the amp, the result is 3 dB more acoustic output from the speaker and 3 dB higher SPL. If you double the number of speakers, the result is double the sound radiating area and doubling of the pressure level coming from the speakers. Since SPL is proportional to pressure squared, the output of the system is increased by a factor of 4 or 6dB. So, doubling the output power results in 3 dB higher SPL while doubling the
speaker radiating area results in 6 dB higher SPL.

As you can see, adding speakers is a much more efficient way to increase volume in an amp/speaker system.

See: http://www.acousticimg.com/docs/The%20Purpose%20of%20Power.pdf


So, in the proposed question (1 - 100 watt combo amp with 1 speaker vs. 2 - 50 watt combo amps each with 1 speaker) at the same time you lower watts for a SINGLE 50 watt amp (3 db lower yield based on power) you also add another 50 watt amp (compensating for 3 db loss based on power). Add to this the additional speaker in the 2-50 watt config and I would think there's just no way that 2 - 50 watt amps will not sound louder than the single 100 watt combo.

Remember too I'm talking about solid state amps, not tube.

Again, I can't just do this comparison as an experiment, and I don't know if I'm overlooking something. So I'm not arguing the point above just trying to make sense out of this and see what others know about it.

 

[Darg1911]

Re: One 100 watt amp vs. two 50 watt amps. Which sounds louder?

It's theoretical. Same total power, 2 of the same speakers instead of 1 ... theoretical 3db increase.

http://myhometheater.homestead.com/splcalculator.html

 

[Securb]

Re: One 100 watt amp vs. two 50 watt amps. Which sounds louder?

Either setup will be loud enough to play any arena on the planet. You need to ask yourself "what will sound better" and do you need a stereo setup. What is your end game tonally what are you trying to accomplish? Keep in mind if you are playing your average venues the soundman might not have the equipment or skills to properly mix a stereo rig. Rule of thumb keep your live rig as simple as possible unless you have roadies and a guitar tech working for you.

 

[Mincer]

Re: One 100 watt amp vs. two 50 watt amps. Which sounds louder?

My ears (and back) hurt just reading about it. With a good PA, that power just isn't needed these days.

 

[Petros]

Re: One 100 watt amp vs. two 50 watt amps. Which sounds louder?

My original question pertains to SOLID STATE amps, not tube.

If I was talking about 50 and 100 watt tube amps then yes that would blow you away. However, there are two amp models I am looking at. These are Boss solid state amps (made by Roland) that come in a 1 x 12 100 watt version and a 1 x 12 50 watt version. I just listened to the 50 watt Boss Katana amp full up, clean setting, and it definitely did not blow me away.

I'm reiterating this because it's an important variable that I know readers will overlook: this is a SOLID STATE amp.


I am mainly going for a fat clean jazz tone, but I want some versatility. For small venues and for rehearsing/recording at home I wanted to explore a stereo rig. I have a 25 watt tube amp combo that's superb for classic rock, and does clean tones fairly well, but it breaks up very quickly when I raise the preamp beyond 2. So, I'm looking for an affordable solution that will get me a clean tone when the amp is turned up. With amps like the Boss Katana (similar to the Roland cube amps) the built in FX are stellar, and given these are quite affordable (50 watt version is $200 new) I can experiment with a stereo rig. I was trying to determine if it's better to go for the 100 watt combo amp or buy two 50 watt combos and run them together, but I wasn't sure the two 50 watt combo amps would match how loud the single 100 watt combo can get.

And to repeat from above, given all variables are the same except for power, a SINGLE 50 watt solid state combo amp will yield 3db less output than the 100 watt combo. BUT-- given I'm talking about running TWO 50 watt solid state combos, that is like having a dedicated right and left channel each having 50 watts of power, which (theoretically) is the same power as 100 watts mono. The two dedicated channels are additive; there are two amplifiers. Plus, there are two speakers in the 50 watt combo configuration. The quote above explains why that should sound louder by 4 - 6 db just based on having two speakers instead of one.

I appreciate the replies. More opinions regarding the original question?

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: One 100 watt amp vs. two 50 watt amps. Which sounds louder?

I understand the part about 1 speaker verses two (two speakers will create more PERCEIVED loudness because of increased SPL and greater dispersion), but isn't your stated 3 - 6 db louder for the single 100 watt combo amp in comparison with a SINGLE 50 watt combo amp?

Ah yeah right. Theoretically if they are putting out the exact same signal, they should be equivalent. But also you will have some phase cancellation from the multiple speakers. I don't think that will affect the perceived loudness but rather the clarity.

 

[Darg1911]

Re: One 100 watt amp vs. two 50 watt amps. Which sounds louder?

The SPL calculator that I linked in post #6 applies.

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: One 100 watt amp vs. two 50 watt amps. Which sounds louder?

The question of solid state only affects it's dynamics and what happens when reaching its operating limit in volume. The loudness principles should be the same regardless of the architecture of the device. Doubling power results in a 3db/6db increase (one of those is power and the other is air pressure, and I honestly forget which off the top of my head - need to look it up again.)

 

[Securb]

Re: One 100 watt amp vs. two 50 watt amps. Which sounds louder?

My original question pertains to SOLID STATE amps, not tube.

...and this is where I walk away from this flaming mess of a thread.

 

[devastone]

Re: One 100 watt amp vs. two 50 watt amps. Which sounds louder?

Wow Bruce, that picture looks nothing like you ;-)

I always find these conversations amusing, when James Watt was working with power formulas in the late 1700s, I'm sure he saw that his unit of measure, while applicable to steam engines of the day, would not not be a reliable unit of measure once the great tube vs solid state debates began.

Yes, I am being sarcastic, so please, no one be offended. I know tube amps and solid state amps react differently, but 1W will always equal 1W although there are Wrms or Wpk-pk which are different.

 

[IM4Tone]

Re: One 100 watt amp vs. two 50 watt amps. Which sounds louder?

Variations on this question come up all the time and arguments follow with little to no consensus. Let's look at the practical application side of things. I find it unlikely that you'll be able to play a 100 watt amp, or two 50 watt amps dimed in most, if not all, venues. Even outdoors, keeping stage volume 'reasonable' and then mic'ing is a far better solution. So, given that, as soon as you turn down the volume knobs, the question regarding actual 'loudness' (SPL) is moot. The issue to resolve in your mind is whether you want mono or stereo and do you prefer the improved dispersion of two separated by some distance. JMHO

AND whether you're OK w/ schlepping more equipment.

 

[Mincer]

Re: One 100 watt amp vs. two 50 watt amps. Which sounds louder?

A stereo rig is fun, although I do by using a modeler going into a PA. I hear it via stereo IEMs. Stereo has some limitations, though, as you have to be in a certain place in the audience to hear it well. I have used a Roland JC-120 in stereo, though. I am not carrying that around anymore.

 

[dave74]

Re: One 100 watt amp vs. two 50 watt amps. Which sounds louder?

The advantage IMO isn't volume, and it's not so much in having two 112s (a 212 would be because it's just a richer deeper-tone IMO).

I do think however that running two amps is better because you can have one gained-up with a hair-bit of mushiness and sizzle-fuzz and the other set more crisp and tight. (even though it's a completely un-needed pain in the)
I absolutely love that kind of blended tone for the thick brutes, but I never bother myself for the low volumes I jam at home alone.

 

[Securb]

Re: One 100 watt amp vs. two 50 watt amps. Which sounds louder?

Wow Bruce, that picture looks nothing like you ;-)

Are you talking about the abs? I have been working out. Thanks for noticing.

On a serious note to the OP. Wattage is a unit of measure. Look at it this way, if you cut a wooden and metal rod to 6 inches, they both will be 6 inches. 12 ounces is 12 ounces in a plastic or glass container. The same with watts. 50 watts is 50 watts no matter the makeup of the amp. You can have perceived volume, and that can be changed with the type of room you are in (size, curtains, rugs, etc.....) or in your case how far apart you have the speakers. If you are thinking of running two amps simply to be louder you are better off just getting a 100-watt head it will be more than loud enough for any application.

 

[devastone]

Re: One 100 watt amp vs. two 50 watt amps. Which sounds louder?

Are you talking about the abs? I have been working out. Thanks for noticing.

 

[Petros]

Re: One 100 watt amp vs. two 50 watt amps. Which sounds louder?

The advantage IMO isn't volume, and it's not so much in having two 112s (a 212 would be because it's just a richer deeper-tone IMO).

I do think however that running two amps is better because you can have one gained-up with a hair-bit of mushiness and sizzle-fuzz and the other set more crisp and tight.

Thank You.