Need some info on amplifier

[saboniux]

I have a 240w (120w per channel) amplifier and two speakers (300w each).
Since my speakers are 300w I always keep my amp at maximum output (volume knob to the max). My amp has VU meter. The VU meter stays constantly at very high position.
Just wanted to know is it safe to do so?
Can this damage the amp???

Thank you.

 

[cfrizz]

No you are just fine. I also have an amp that when it is on it goes all the way over to the right & does not fluctuate. It's just there for show.

 

[lsiberian]

You sure it's delivering 120 watts per speaker. At max volume I am surprised your ears don't blow.

I can't turn my system past halfway before It starts getting too loud for me.

 

[Midcow2]

Sounds like you are power starved.

I have a 240w (120w per channel) amplifier and two speakers (300w each).
Since my speakers are 300w I always keep my amp at maximum output (volume knob to the max). My amp has VU meter. The VU meter stays constantly at very high position.
Just wanted to know is it safe to do so?
Can this damage the amp???

Thank you.

You shouldn't have to run you amp at maximum. Just because speakers are rated up to 300 watts doesn't mean you have to run 300 watts all of the time. Speakers also have a minimum rating maybe 25 watts or so for your speakers.

If you provide your specfic speakers and your specfic AVR ( Audio Video Receiver or Stereo Receiver) and what sound level dB you are trying to achieve, we can help you much better.

If you are having to run your amp at maximum, then maybe you want to reexamine your system. As long at the current flow doesn't exceed your receiver specs you are okay, but you appear to be power starved. What dB level are you running at? Have you measured it with an SPL meter ?

If you AVR has pre-out you might want to think about getting a power amp . In your case the Behringer 2500 might be a good choice. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/280617-REG/Behringer_EUROPOWER_EP2500_EP2500_2_Channel_Rackmount.html

Good Luck!

MidCow2

 

[mtrycrafts]

You sure it's delivering 120 watts per speaker. At max volume I am surprised your ears don't blow.

I can't turn my system past halfway before It starts getting too loud for me.

His amp may have a separate attenuation knob on top of the volume control on the preamp. So, he would not be pumping out 120 watts continuously. He'd be deaf by now

 

[lsiberian]

His amp may have a separate attenuation knob on top of the volume control on the preamp. So, he would not be pumping out 120 watts continuously. He'd be deaf by now

yeah that's what I thought. Either that or he is already hearing impaired.

 

[saboniux]

This is some info about my amp:
Technical details:
• Power max.: 2x 240 Watt max. on 8 Ohm
• Power rms: 2x 106 Watt on 8 Ohm
• Delay 5,6 µs
• Impedance 4-8 Ohm
• Frequency range 20Hz-25kHz
• Signal-to-noise ratio 80dB
• Distortion factor < 0.3%
• Protection circuit (short circuit proof)
• Weight: 7,5 kg
• dimensions: 480x250x100 mm (WxDxH)
• security switch

Its one of these:
cgi.ebay.co.uk/480-W-DJ-PA-POWER-MUSICAL-NEW-AMPLIFIER-IMPACT-240-bl_W0QQitemZ290288688726QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ20090112?IMSfp=TL090112127003r21731

And the speakers are big and old that were made in Russia I do not have the specs of those but I know they are 8 ohm. The only thing I know is that they sounded a lot louder with another (old russian) amplifier.
So when I am playing live the LED VU meter on the amplifier stays pretty high (never goes lower than 3 top LEDs while playing). I wonder if it can be harmful to the amp or the speakers.

Thanks for the info!

 

[john72953]

Sounds to me like your AMP and your SPEAKERS are a complete mismatch.

There is no way your amp is constantly pumping out it`s maximum (106 watts RMS)...your ears would shatter and your amp would die (which might be exactly the problem).

John

 

[saboniux]

I did some research on the internet and I think that the amp is 2x106 rms on 4 ohm. So now I am using 8 ohm speakers...

Can I wire the speakers in parallel? Would this give me some extra dB?
Is it safe to do so?
I really do not want to damage my amp or the speakers...
Or maybe there is something else I could do in such a situation?
Just dont want waste money on buying another amp...

 

[john72953]

I did some research on the internet and I think that the amp is 2x106 rms on 4 ohm. So now I am using 8 ohm speakers...

Can I wire the speakers in parallel? Would this give me some extra dB?
Is it safe to do so?
I really do not want to damage my amp or the speakers...
Or maybe there is something else I could do in such a situation?
Just dont want waste money on buying another amp...

BINGO!

(so the 8-ohm rating would be what?...like 2 x 53 wrms?)

 

[Phil Taylor]

His amp may have a separate attenuation knob on top of the volume control on the preamp. So, he would not be pumping out 120 watts continuously. He'd be deaf by now

I'd imagine that's the deal (preamp volume) or he'd indeed be hearing impaired.

BINGO!

(so the 8-ohm rating would be what?...like 2 x 53 wrms?)

Not that much difference between 53 and 106 watts - just one level of perceived volume. My guess is either the aforementioned pre-amp volume deal or his old Russian speakers have a sensitivity rating somewhere near that of a tin-can at the end of a string.

 

[saboniux]

OK, so now the question is:
Is there a safe way to make 4-8 ohm amp with two 8 ohm speakers sound louder?

 

[john72953]

OK, so now the question is:
Is there a safe way to make 4-8 ohm amp with two 8 ohm speakers sound louder?

NO. You can't get more out of your amp than what is there.