When will doubling the power really add 3dB?

[ghart999 10+ year member]

I have two RLp 12's in a 2.2cf box ported to 34Hz. I know the box is too small right. I had the design done by Team Toxic Bass and this is what they came up with based on my trunk size and listening prefs. Well it sounds fantastic to me.

Anyway - I have 500w per sub and am hitting 143 dB on some old school bass music (Techmaster, DJ Magic Mike, etc.) Would doubling the power likely add another 3 dB as it would in theory? Or might my box size, car, etc reduce this ability? The RLp's are rated at 500-1000W. So I am on the lower end. I would certainly spend the money for another 2.5 - 3 dB gain. But not for 2 dB or less. What are your thoughts.

Thanks all.

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[Prowler573 5,000+ posts]

Doubling the power would only begin to increase the SPL level by 3dB in a perfectly controlled lab-type environment.

In your car the changes will likely be considerably less dramatic...

 

[ghart999 10+ year member]

Doubling the power would only begin to increase the SPL level by 3dB in a perfectly controlled lab-type environment.
In your car the changes will likely be considerably less dramatic...

That's what I figured. So probably not worth the extra $$$ for 1000 extra watts.

 

[SPL140.2 5,000+ posts]

doubling the power will not always give an extra 3 db some it may add 2db+ you can usually add more power to gain db's till you have reached your power compression of the sub. If you want it louder get more watts //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

egg

 

[J31Rob 5,000+ posts]

In theory, not always what happens..

 

[DaGh0st 5,000+ posts]

If you think it sounds fantastic leave it like it is.

 

[Nelson9937955 10+ year member]

Wow, doubling power only gives you a little DB boost? I didnt know that. Would you "feel" the bass alot more with a 3 DB increase? I have a sub amped at about 480 with a 2 channel amp and I was contemplating getting a mono sub that put out 600 rms. I take it, it's probably not really worth the money then?

 

[Twistid 5,000+ posts]

Wow, doubling power only gives you a little DB boost? I didnt know that. Would you "feel" the bass alot more with a 3 DB increase? I have a sub amped at about 480 with a 2 channel amp and I was contemplating getting a mono sub that put out 600 rms. I take it, it's probably not really worth the money then?

3db is twice as loud

 

[Louisiana_CRX 5,000+ posts]

I think that theory works when your dealing with over 5000 watts....

 

[SPL140.2 5,000+ posts]

a 2-3db boost you should feel it more and it will be louder example turn your head unit to volume 10 than turn it up to volume 20, can you feel it more is it louder?? //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

 

[Nelson9937955 10+ year member]

So what do you think 480rms to 600rms change to 1 sub? Worth the effort?

 

[SPL140.2 5,000+ posts]

depending upon the cost probably not

 

[Tiiimay 10+ year member]

not everyone understands how the db scale works. and i have no idea how to explain it. 3db increase is alot.

 

[Nelson9937955 10+ year member]

Ok I got a question for you guys.

Would there be a huge volume difference in 1 12" sub getting 800 watts over 2 12" subs getting 400 a piece? And I am comparing the same sub, just 1 vs. 2

 

[SPL140.2 5,000+ posts]

its gonna be all install dependant, some would say 1-12 would be best and others 2-12s would be best.