Maximize Your Audio Experience: A Guide to [How and Why we Recommend Amplifier Output Power]

Welcome to an overwiew guide, on how to choose the perfect amplifier power for your Credo speakers! Whether you're a seasoned audiophile or a newcomer to high-fidelity sound systems, this video will help you make informed decisions to enhance your audio experience.
- Understanding the importance of amplifier power and its impact on sound quality.
- The role of the Fletcher-Munson Curves in determining your listening preferences.
- Leading us to the HARMAN curve
- Practical tips on calculating the right power using online tools and calculators.
- Real-world examples to illustrate our recommendations.
- That high efficiency speakers are not more dynamic, often bass shy
Resources and Links:
Credo Audio Switzerland: www.credo-audi...
Crown Audio Power Calculator: www.crownaudio...
Fletcher-Munson Curves: [Wikipedia Article] en.wikipedia.o...
Original Fletcher and Munson Research Paper: [ResearchGate Publication] www.researchga...)
1. Stereophile - www.stereophil...
2. SoundStage! Network - soundstagenetwork.com
3. Audio Science Review - www.audioscien...
4. Sound & Vision - www.soundandvi...
5. Hi-Fi News - www.hifinews.com/
6. HiFi World - www.hifiworld....
7. The Absolute Sound - www.theabsolut...
8. Hi-Fi Choice - www.hifichoice...
9. What Hi-Fi? - www.whathifi.com/
This list is not exhaustive. There are many other valuable resources, including additional publications, websites, and KZbin channels, some might also provide detailed reviews and technical measurements. Audiophiles and enthusiasts are encouraged to explore a variety of sources to obtain a comprehensive understanding of audio equipment performance.

[@volpedo2000]

You’ve explained more in 10 minutes than other hifi manufactures have been doing by answering questions the past ten years.

[@credoaudioswitzerland6696]

Thank you so much. Many in our industry and this awesome hobby, propagate that there is no right or wrong. It’s just a matter of taste. But, having a background in PRO audio, I have to disagree. Often the big picture gets overlooked or ignored. There is indeed no wrong, if you understand and respect the technical context and combine it with the passion for music.

[@howardskeivys4184]

This is the first video I’ve watched that has taken the trouble to explain why 85db is.classed as a reference listening level for music. Great video. Clear, concise and informative.

[@harrisedgar]

Wonderful..!!! I'm subscribind...!!!

[@bramvanminnen1444]

With 85/103dB sound pressure level per monitor you get 88/106 dB SPL when you run two monitors for standard stereo. 103dB SPL is unfortunately not the front row at a concert but almost always measured at the mixing desk, usually located at the back of the hall. These levels should not be aspired to in a livingroom, listening room or home theater situation because fatigue is the real hearing killer here. Watching a long movie like Lord of the Rings or Oppenheimer, or playing four records in full already exceeds the safe exposure time of these pressure levels. Hearing damage from attrition is more than likely to occur. Safer and more enjoyable levels would be at 75-80dB program and 99-100dB peak.

[@credoaudioswitzerland6696]

Thank you for your comment. It is indeed correct that two speakers summed together will be louder, often by 3 dB, depending on various factors like dispersion pattern, time alignment, acoustic influences (room gain), and so on. Of course, the listening reference SPL is measured from both speakers when in stereo. The standard specifies that each speaker should be capable of delivering at least 85 dB, so you’ll have some headroom. Likewise with amplifiers. When we make calculations and recommendations for our customers, we take that into account to provide more precise advice. Another topic I didn’t talk about in detail is the crest factor, or dynamic range of the content (music/movies). I’ll cover that in another video. Like I said in the intro of the video, the purpose is to give a broad overview of the topic, not an in-depth guide. SPL at concerts can be extremely different, depending on the country (legal restrictions), the venue, the budget of the production, and the band’s approach to coverage of the PA. In Europe, the FOH is never at the back of the hall, at least I can’t recall ever seeing that. Clubs, yes, but halls or stadiums? I’d be interested to know where that is the case. It’s interesting that you mention these two movies. Their dynamic range is above average, in my opinion. The movie “Oppenheimer” is known for its dynamic and powerful sound design. Christopher Nolan’s films are well-known for their expansive dynamic range, often featuring intense contrasts between quiet dialogue and loud sound effects or music. Here, the average SPL is quite low compared to its peaks during action scenes. And it is indeed correct that when listening to music at 85 dB SPL RMS, you should limit the time exposed to such levels. Like we pros in mastering usually do. For me, it’s 40-45 minutes followed by a 15-minute break. And let me quote my own video here: “However, in the real world, it will typically be 78-80 dB SPL. Room size plays a crucial role. Smaller rooms can make sound levels seem much higher than they would in larger rooms due to the nature of early reflections. Consequently, the optimal reference level for smaller rooms needs to be significantly lower. Here’s a quick guide:” • 566 m³ (20,000 ft³): 83 dB SPL • 284 - 566 m³ (10,000 - 20,000 ft³): 80 dB SPL • 143 - 283 m³ (5,000 - 10,000 ft³): 78 dB SPL • 42 - 142 m³ (1,500 - 5,000 ft³): 76 dB SPL • < 42 m³ (< 1,500 ft³): 74 dB SPL

[@guus007]

Sensitivity and impedance is a great technical starting point. Lastly use your ears because technical background doesn’t always predict the outcome. The last is still important too. I love horn speakers in general. It’s just those white Avantgarde behind you are a bit too energetic/shouty …

[@credoaudioswitzerland6696]

Thank you for your comment! These Trio's are a Luxury 21 edition, IMO the best Trio's available. Paired with the right room and electronics, they can sing. I agree, they can be too enercetic. But it was defenitely a nice trade-in, when our customer upgraded to the Credo "Cinema LTM". So, they are here for now.

[@nirodha35]

The Trios look impressive😎

[@credoaudioswitzerland6696]

Yeah, they are - with a total of six GH2 corner bass-horns. If you have the right room... Btw: They are on sale, looking for a new home.

[@stephannordmann5346]

Air Tight Amp and a Devore is the right combination

[@credoaudioswitzerland6696]

I defenitely like the Air Tight products, heard many of their models over the years. And in general good power-output, maybe the ATM-300R might work best with a horn.

[@mediascapes2011]

Kabel wie Abwasserschläuche, ist das wirklich sinnvoll?

[@credoaudioswitzerland6696]

Naja, also Abwasser hat noch etwas mehr Durchmesser ;-) Aber ja, nicht immer sinnvoll. Wir sind aber grosse Fans des "Cumulus Hybrid" Kabels von Van den Hul: www.vandenhul.com/product/3t-the-cumulus-hybrid/

[@mediascapes2011]

@@credoaudioswitzerland6696 DNM Denis Morecroft vertreted die umgekehrte Philosophie, extra kleine Kabeldurchmesser, mit erstaunlichem (klanglichem) Erfolg