Understanding speaker power rating vs sensitivity

[PENG]

Around 85dB, but when there is a party I need it to work at >90. Sometimes I also like to crank it up a bit for a song, but keep it short.

This whole ordeal is I want the system to be able to handle reference volume. Not that I always play at that level. It now does that just fine but had no chance whatsoever before the power amp.

It all makes sense since you provided most if not all of the information specific to your use case. I think some of us are concerned that if you do listen to reference, or even close to that for sustained period of time, you really need to consider the possibility of hear loss, whatever's lost (unlike eyesight), you won't get it back. For short time duration occasionally it's supposedly fine, though I still wouldn't risk it. Is 75-80 dB not acceptable for such occasional party levels?

 

[lovinthehd]

Around 85dB, but when there is a party I need it to work at >90. Sometimes I also like to crank it up a bit for a song, but keep it short.

This whole ordeal is I want the system to be able to handle reference volume. Not that I always play at that level. It now does that just fine but had no chance whatsoever before the power amp.

Average level or peak? Movie reference volume?

 

[Petrolhead]

Usually I am below 150dB

I Survived the 150 dB Bass Challenge

I got to experience @Scott-Kat 7.10.4 JTR home theater and took his 150dB bass challenge and survived it Good times and bass did bring us together

youtube.com

 

[Kingnoob]

Usually I am below 150dB

I Survived the 150 dB Bass Challenge

I got to experience @Scott-Kat 7.10.4 JTR home theater and took his 150dB bass challenge and survived it Good times and bass did bring us together

youtube.com

Loud movie theaters are the reason why I have ear pain almost daily movies were so loud at cinemark. Oddly enough one room has just tv speakers and it hurts my ears more then my speakers.

 

[highfigh]

Usually I am below 150dB

I Survived the 150 dB Bass Challenge

I got to experience @Scott-Kat 7.10.4 JTR home theater and took his 150dB bass challenge and survived it Good times and bass did bring us together

youtube.com

With, or without hearing protection?

 

[Petrolhead]

With, or without hearing protection?

Thank you all for the concern for my well being. Outmost appreciated. I do not listen to 150dB music yet as i need more power and bigger speakers.

Now back to next question. With fairly large main speakers, do I also need a large center channel or does it not matter to much? Currently I have none so i think that’s next

 

[everettT]

Thank you all for the concern for my well being. Outmost appreciated. I do not listen to 150dB music yet as i need more power and bigger speakers.

Now back to next question. With fairly large main speakers, do I also need a large center channel or does it not matter to much? Currently I have none so i think that’s next

Your center channel is as important as your LR speakers. Aside from dialogue there is a tremendous amount of energy that is directed to it. A 3 way center is always recommended unless you have a vertical speaker. Coaxial speakers are a great option due to their horizontal and vertical dispersion.

If you're wanting the best home theater performance your center should be equal to your mains in capability.