How do I get a louder stereo?

Hammyman

dave461 wrote: »

Your stereo is 2 x 20w, if you want one twice as loud, get one that is 2 x 40w rms.

Doesn't work that way. Volume is logarithmic. Twice the power only gives a 3dB increase however I can guarantee you you'd be hard pressed to notice a 3dB increase in volume.

Fifer

Hammyman wrote: »

Doesn't work that way. Volume is logarithmic. Twice the power only gives a 3dB increase however I can guarantee you you'd be hard pressed to notice a 3dB increase in volume.

I'd say a 3db increase would be a very obvious increase in volume. People tend to register changes of 1db as 'louder' (or quieter, depending on direction). Changes of less than a db are noticed, but tend to be perceived as a change in quality rather than volume.

Norman_Castle

Try one of these, http://hothardware.com/newsimages/Item13504/BacktotheFuture_Speaker.jpg

googler

OP - how much do you want to spend, or can you spend, on a new system?

tweeter

If you spend loads you might be lucky and get a loud consolation prize like tinnitus for free.

clivejohnson

Hammyman wrote: »

Either I missed it or you edited it. Was just clarifying because I've seen people more than once claim speaker impedance was sensitivity.

"What is the speaker sensitivity?"

"8"

"8 what?"

"It says Ohms, 8 Ohms on the sticker"

Anyway, excellent explanation you gave.

No, it was in there. I was rambling on somewhat, but thanks for the compliment:T I still redress: sensitivity first,matts later, for those who have since posted:):)

Sublime_2

I would try getting better speakers. I have noticed a difference when doing so.

Hotspur

tiamaria,

Apart from greater volume, what do you need from your system? e.g. do you need radio, cd and mp3 capability or connection to your tv?

Do you have limitations on size which means you have to have an all in one system.

And finally, what is your budget for something new?

I suspect changing your speakers won't do very much in terms of an increase in volume. Once we have answers to the above further suggestions should be forthcoming.

As a suggestion, have a look at this system http://www.whathifi.com/review/denon-d-m38dab At around £300 this award winner will knock spots off your current system and be louder. Find somewhere that stocks it and have a listen as there is no substitute for your ears.

Separates will provide better sound overall and allow you to upgrade an item at a time. Richer Sounds often have good deals and you can try before you buy too.

tiamaria

Thanks for all the replies, so much to read through don't know where to start!

My speakers will handle 60w, they used to be plenty loud enough when I first had them wired up to the system they came with and they were wired up to my old TV for a while and worked great then too. I guess that would mean the system is what needs changing - I need to know what I'm looking for this time - as yes, I did look at the total audio output when choosing which was obviously wrong.Sold my last system because I wasn't happy with the sound.

Haven't really thought about my budget, as I wasn't sure what I needed to buy - speakers or system or other - there are conflicting views on here but I will read through thoroughly when I get more time to take it all in. Much of the techie talk is alien to me:o



Thanks again.

Hotspur

tiamaria,

I don't think views are that much in conflict rather that they provide different solutions to your problem.

There are two options

1 An all in one system - compact and used where space is limited.
2 A separates system - more flexible and each component can be changed/upgraded as your requirements and technology change over the years. (See clivejohnson's post)

Both solutions can provide good sound quality and the volume required. Which one is right for you depends on your requirements and budget. And in true money saving style, invest in a respected product now and it will last for many years without needing to be replaced.