question regarding volume and hrz

[Darkstarling 10+ year member]

I've been trying to figure out what makes subwoofers different when it comes to watts volume and hrz. Lets say that you have 2 of the same 15" subwoofers for instance both rmsin at 500 watts and both in the same size and type enclosures. Subwoofer A is hooked up on an amp that is giving it 500 watt rms, while subwoofer B is hooked up to a different amp giving it 250 watt rms. If you were to play both of the subs at the same volume level on a 30 hrz note, how would either be any louder than the other? If they are both moving at 30 cycles per second, what would determine the difference in volume?

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[Chevyaudio 5,000+ posts]

The difference in Power would determine the difference in volume.....

From what I can make sence of that post.

 

[Darkstarling 10+ year member]

I know that, but i mean physically, if both subs are at 30 hz would the 500wrms subs' cone have more displacement during those 30 cycles to make the more powerfull sound?

 

[acold7dusta 10+ year member]

good question, if im not mistaken the sin waves are doubled the amplitude way (up and down)

 

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

I know that, but i mean physically, if both subs are at 30 hz would the 500wrms subs' cone have more displacement during those 30 cycles to make the more powerfull sound?

If the subwoofer has the proper build to allow it to take advantage of the extra power, yes.

But as Loyd's graphs of the MD Sidewinder show, you can sometimes double power to a driver and encounter something called power compression - where no matter how much more power you send it, that's all the output the sub has until it thermally fails.

good question, if im not mistaken the sin waves are doubled the amplitude way (up and down)

I'm confused by that...if you remain at a constant tone, the input signal doesn't change a bit.

 

[crow 10+ year member]

More power allows the sub to move more air which makes it louder. However, you would not see a big difference in volume between the 250 watt and the 500 watt setup.

 

[Darkstarling 10+ year member]

Ok so what about comparing subs like the oz audio power 15.1 at 4000wrms, and the lightning audio b1.15.4 at 150wrms, would the displacement difference between the subs make up for the 3850 watts?

 

[Darkstarling 10+ year member]

lol thats true, but would the extra power be to help move the heavier cone and the to move the coil through the stronger magnetic field, which would make a lot more pressure?