Surround Sound System?

	Surround Sound System? Can someone explain to me in detail how a receivers and speakers work? I understand speaker power is measured in watts. What I don't understand is why a 60 watt speaker sounds like a 180 watt speaker as far as bass. Is there a myth to the wattage of speakers? Also, how do ohms come into play with audio systems. I am asking because I would like to build my own 5.1 surround system using a Marantz stereo with Definitive Technology speakers and don't want to screw anything up. Asked By: Ben - 7/16/2012

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker
Wattage is not representative of much of anything in speakers. It is supposed to be the amount of power input a speaker can handle but in reality there are just too many factors to put a number on this. If you take a 1 amp use, it should work with less than 1 amp and fail with more than 1 amp. A speaker isn't like this, you can have a "100 watt" speaker and blow it out with 10 watts if conditions are right (maybe I should say wrong). You can also play it safely with 500 watts again if conditions are right. Everyone knows a 100 watt light bulb is brighter than a 60 watt light bulb. (it's usually true) With a speaker, it isn't true. A 10 watt speaker can be louder than a 100 watt speaker. The wattage is not the means of describing output in speakers. In speakers you look at the sensitivity rating. Let's say the 10 watt speaker has a sensitivity rating of 95 dB 1 watt/1 meter. It will pay 95 dB 1 meter from the speaker given 1 watt input. The increase in output with increases in power is given by 10Log P/1. (10Log 10/1 = 10 dB) With it's rated maximum power input of 10 watts it will be playing at 105 dB. Let's say the 100 watt speaker is only 85 dB 1w/1m. 10Log 100/1 = 20 dB so it's maximum output is also 105 dB. So, you understand that speaker power is measured in watts but hopefully what you now also understand is that speaker output is not measured in watts but rather dB SPL (Sound Pressure Level). Power and SPL are related and the relationship is described by the speakers sensitivity rating. Ohms has to do with restriction of electron flow. Lower ohms makes electron flow easier. You would think this means that lower ohms would be easier for an amplifier to drive but this is not the case. Think of low ohms like a very large diameter water pipe. Water flows very easy through this large pipe but does that make the spigot's job easier? No, it makes it's job harder, it has to supply a lot of water flow (current) to supply the load (large diameter hose). If the diameter of the hose were really small, the spigot would easily supply enough water to keep the hose flowing at it's maximum potential. Speaker impedance is the same, a speaker that is 4 ohms requires twice as much current (flow) from the amplifier as one that is 8 ohms. You know what a "short circuit" is I assume. A short circuit is zero ohms and it attempts to draw infinite amps of current out of your amplifier. You're amplifier fails! You know what an "open circuit" is I assume. An open circuit is infinite ohms and attempts to draw zero current out of your amplifier. A 4 ohm speaker is getting closer to a short circuit relative to an 8 ohm speaker and an 8 ohm speaker is getting closer to an open circuit relative to a 4 ohm speaker. You can study voltage and current division by Googling the topic. This will teach you how resistance (similar to impedance) works when you start putting things together in series and in parallel. Actual speaker impedance is different however. You have to know a little math to work with speaker impedance because it includes resistance and reactance. You can think of reactance as resistance with a phase component. Speakers include both capacitive and inductive reactance. To calculate voltage and current division in this case you use vectors. It can become quite complex and if you're not careful you can put together resistors, capacitors, and inductors in such a way as to have very erratic impedances. An improperly designed speaker system can have very low impedance at certain frequencies and be nominally 4 or 8 ohms at other frequencies. With such a speaker you could be constantly blowing up amplifiers not understanding why. You think the speaker is 8 ohms and should work fine but you don't realize that a crossover design flaw causes the speaker to drop below 2 ohms at the crossover frequency. In your case, you are planning on using name brand equipment as opposed to building so you don't really need to understand impedance on such an in depth level. Just know that when you put speakers in parallel the impedance is halved. Make sure you don't put a load on your amplifier with a total impedance lower than it can handle. The amplifier can always handle higher impedance, it's lower that it will have problems with. Going higher impedance however there is less power. Power is determined by the voltage across the load and the current through the load. For example 2.83 volts across 8 ohms produces 1 watt and 2.83 volts across 16 ohms produces 1/2 watt. So if you put two 8 ohm speakers in series on the same amplifier you get 1/2 power and you divide that 1/2 power between the two speakers so each one gets only 1/4 power. mk Answered By: Maniac - 7/16/2012

Additional Answers ()

First thing first. If you have a stereo receive you can not have surround sound. Most receivers in the market today are rated from 50watts RMS per channel up to 150 watts. Receivers can normally handle the 4 to 8 ohm speakers, but are rated for the 8 ohms. They can handle just about any speakers in the market today. Speakers are rate from the 4 to 8 ohm load resistance and watts. One thing to consider also is the db rating, the higher the rating the less power you need. Normally speakers are rated at the 86 db SPL. Definitive Technology speakers are a very good speaker. Marantz receivers are not very common to find and usually at the higher end audio retail store. I would recommend you go online to Home Theater Magazine and read the reviews on receivers and speakers. Hope this will help you out. Answered By: bbt91945 - 7/16/2012

"Is there a myth to the wattage of speakers? " Not a myth - but people want simple answers. Here is some truth: * Ignore max power ratings on speakers. The numbers really do not tell you anything. * On average over the course of a movie your receiver will output something like 5-15 watts per speaker. * a law of physics states that if you want to increase the volume of a speaker by 1 db, you must double the power. This is why we use amps that output 80-120 watts per channel and stay stable - to handle volume swings. "how do ohms come into play with audio systems. " Speakers are rated as 8, 6 or 4 ohms and some crappy box systems actually use 3 or 2 ohm speakers. The closer you get to 0 - the closer you are to a short circuit. You want to avoid this. A 8 ohm speaker is really "8 ohms nominal". More complexity: A full range, 8 ohms nominal speaker will actually change it's impedance from 3-30 ohms. It varies - based on what frequency is being sent at the moment. Low frequencies - the impedance drops into the 6,5,4,3 ohm range. Higher frequencies - the impedance increases to 10,15,20 ohm range "I would like to build my own 5.1 surround system using a Marantz stereo with Definitive Technology speakers" Bad idea if the Marantz is really a 'stereo'. You need a 5.1 receiver to decode the 6 channels of sound. You cannot get 5.1 sound from a stereo. Hit your local Craigslist for older but name brand AV Receiver. I am actually watching the Tour de France on a Yamaha RX-V 6xx series receiver I bought for $150 from Craigslist. You need a 5.1 receiver to be able to decode the signal from your HDTV or from a DVD or BluRay player. A stereo wont have these electronics. Also - Definitive Technology are fairly decent speakers and are not likely to over-heat your receiver. Just take care to do a neat wire job with no small strands of copper poking out to cause a short, and make sure you have vent space above your amp and you should be fine. PS: Maniac gave a great answer so give him the points. Answered By: Grumpy Mac - 7/16/2012

Wattage on speakers is meaningless. Wattage in general tells you absolutely nothing about sound quality. You cannot look at specifications on any equipment and know if its going to sound good or not. You have to simply listen. Specifications are helpful in properly matching the amplifier to speakers both in the quality and amount of power needed. Once you choose the speakers that sound good to your ears then you want to look at efficiency and impedance. The higher the efficiency the less power that is needed to get to a given loudness. For every 3db (not 1db) in loudness you must double the power. You want to have more than enough power to get to the given loudness you desire and to handle the dynamic peaks of the music or sound effect. Most speaker damage occurs when the amplifier runs out of power and clips the audio output signal, this sends a distorted signal to the speakers which can damage the drivers and if done for extended periods of time can also damage the amplifier. Impedance will tell you the quality of amplifier needed. 8 ohms is the easiest impedance for an amplifier to drive, but speakers impedance will vary depending on the design and frequency its having to reproduce. As the impedance rises or drops from 8 ohms it puts more of a load on the amplifier causing the amplifier to have to deliver more current. Anything below 4 ohms and above 12 ohms causes a greater load on the amplifier requiring a amplifier to deliver more current. Most cheap quality amplifier do a very poor job of driving more difficult loads, so you must be very careful in choosing the right amplifier depending on how difficult the speakers are to drive. "Generally" this is typically only an issue with higher quality speakers but its important to know when choosing the right amplifier for the speakers you prefer. Marantz and Definitive are both good brands and will match up just fine just make sure you have more than enough power, this will assure the amplifier does not have to work to hard. When a amplifier has to work close to its rated output for any extended period of time this will cause the amplifier to get hot and possible go into thermal shut down or worse damage the output stages of the amplifier. Another thing that is important is making sure you have good ventilation around cable box units and receivers. Never stack anything on-top of a receiver and cable box so that they are getting enough air flow around the units. If this is a open cabinet and follow these requirements you will have no issues, if this is in a cabinet open or with door then you must have fan kits installed. You can purchase fan kits at radioshack or Fry's and you need at least two, one to pull cool air into the cabinet and another to pull the heat out. The Marantz and Definitive are both good products and will compliment one another nicely. The key is buying a amplifier that drives the speakers you choose well electrically but also compliments them sonically. All speakers and equipment has its own sonic signature. You would never want to combine a pair of speakers that might be a bit on the bright side of neutral with a amplifier that is also on the bright side of neutral as you can guess you will have a over bright sounding system. The key is buying a amplifier the complements the sonic signature of the speakers, so they sound as natural as possible. Kevin 40 years high end audio video specialist Answered By: Kevin L - 7/16/2012

Lower ohms can make your system louder cheeply but you wont 8 ohms for qulity the more ohms the more power you need to equl up to say 3 ohms ... i cant remeber how it went but i think you can plug a higher ohms speaker in to a lower ohms system but you lose power and you cant do it the other way oy your amp/speaker will blow Answered By: Matt - 7/16/2012

Submit your answer or comment to this question

Other Career Questions

	If I wanted to get a job in a home theater store, where would I start researching everything before I apply? I want to know like the basics of what you need to know and where to find this information for a job say at Best Buy in the home theater section. I was told at a past interview you need to understand surround sound, cable box, tvs, cables, etc. Where can I find basic info to study on these areas? Thanks. 2 answers - Asked By: Question Asker/Answerer - 8/18/2009

	Business projector versus a home theater projector? Is there that much of a difference in black levels? I am budgeting about 500-600 for the project and about 100 for the screen. I can afford a 2000 projector. A ViewSonic PJ506D SVGA (800x600) 4:3/16:9 2000 lumens business projector is going for 500 with a mail free screen and mount offer. An InFocus In72 WVGA (852x480) 900 lumens home theater projector is going for about the same refurbished with no extras. I have read that I really should get a home theater projector rather than a business projector like the 506D, but the lumens scares me. I am projecting on an 80"screen with blinds and curtains closed. no lights. still some ambient light. Which will be better. I am going to use it the a really nice DVD player, Wii and Home theater PC. No interest in HD DVDs for atleast 3-4 years when I will prob upgrade this anyway. 2 answers - Asked By: bjmarchini - 8/23/2007

	What is the best way to find a home theatre installer? I need to find someone in my area that will do a good job of fixing my home theatre system for multiple connections like dvd recorder, blueray player,stero receiver,cable receiver and hd tv. The cabe company is useless for doing a good job and making sure everything works correctly. Does anyone have any recommendations for the dayton area? 2 answers - Asked By: Patty - 3/3/2010


Content is not owned or controlled by Monster. Any content concerns should be addressed with Yahoo! Yahoo! Does not evaluate or guarantee the accuracy of any Yahoo! Answers content. Yahoo! Disclaimer.

Popular Questions

	Is this normal for an interviewer to do this? So today I went in for an interview and I was going in for the 2nd interview by the head chief executive. now this is where it got weird, so she asked me about my previous jobs and said how much she liked that product over that product. then she started talking about her daughter? an her divorce ...then how she didn't finish college because she was making more money doing what she did for this company ... then she talked about how her teenage daughter is a handful... I just played it cool thinking she was using some sort of psychology thing to trick me into saying something stupid. the interview ended and she seemed happy an I was escorted to the door... now I'm freaking confused? is this normal behavior for an executive? like it felt like she was going to burst into tears at one point and tell me her life problems... is this normal? was she trying to see how I react or something? 6 answers - Asked By: Clone - 11/7/2012

	How do I get a job with Dodgy work history and no experience? Basically- no degree, although I have tried completing one in the past and stopped because of physical and mental health issues which were overwhelming to deal with along with going to classes full time. I'm not stupid and I am quite articulate. I am 23 and have only worked for about two years retail in high school and stopped working to go to university. I worked a few months in 2010 retail after I dropped out but it was only a seasonal position, and the only reason why I have not been able to constantly work is because of mental health issues. I had also tried going back to community college during my free time since i left university in 2008/9 and I had panic attacks while in community college, which made my anxiety worse from then on. Well recently I met a good doctor and he prescribed me some meds that are stabilizing my moods and I feel the best I've felt in years, and I'm ready to work. Thing is, I don't know how to get a job now since I've spent literally years being depressed and anxious doing nothing. I don't really have anything to put on my resume, and I never finished my AA degree either. All I've done is cashiering and although I do the job well and I get promoted easily when I do these jobs because I'm a hard worker and I try to go above and beyond what they ask of me,which is the attitude I have no matter what kind of work I'm doing as long as I'm getting paid. But I hate cashiering because it's too easy and I want a job that is more interesting. Any suggestions for me on how to get a job that is NOT Retail with the type of background I have right now? I also realize I have to go to college to get certain types of jobs, I am talking about what I can do right here right now. 1 answer - Asked By: Alex Prieto - 10/14/2012

	Why honesty, hard work and dedication have no place at work? Recently I have overlooked for a project at work and I am unable to accept it why? I am hard working, dedicated, maintain a very professional decorum, very cordial with my colleagues and bosses, give respect to one and all. Still people who take the p***, argue with managers, gossip mongers have been selected for some very responsible positions at work. I seriously can't get my head around it why, why unprofessional people who have no work ethics being selected over me, whereas I have a track record of excellent performance and never shy away from any work my manager ask me to do? I am at my lowest point and not getting hold of my manager to ask the question why not me, why them who can't even bother? I am feeling like a complete loser, giving years to this place, building my performance, trust and this is how I get rewarded. Why my life is so shit, anything I wish for turns to dust? 1 answer - Asked By: network7 - 11/6/2012

	What do you say when they ask what you want to be paid? ? Wen you apply at a job and they ask how mch you want as a salary what do you say? 2 answers - Asked By: Colette - 11/24/2011

	I have applied for over 100 jobs I have gotten no calls for a job interview, what can i do? As stated in my question I've applied for multiple jobs and gotten no job interview, you name a place I've applied there. I've said i will work ridiculous hours from like 12am to 5am and nothing. I've said I am willing to work weekends public holidays everything and I have gotten nothing back I am so desperate for money it's not funny. 9 answers - Asked By: Jamie - 1/9/2012

	What to wear to a job interview VS a career fair? So I have a nice white button up shirt, business skirt and pants, and a suit jacket. I'm applying for a software development job and I'm very short and can look young so I'm trying to look adult, yet professional. I'm also attractive so I'm trying not to look too sexy. For the career fair I'm thinking of wearing just my nice shirt and a skirt with low heels. My reasoning being it's approachable and attractive without going overboard since the career fair hosts are mostly younger male recent grads. I want to be remembered but not intimidating. For my interviews I was thinking pants, suit jacket (power suit). My reasoning being it'll be older execs and HR people (mostly women) so less sexy with the pants but more powerful with the suit jacket. What do you think?! 2 answers - Asked By: Beast - 9/23/2012

	What is NOC Engineer ?. What are his responcibilites ? 1 answer - Asked By: vishal - 2/23/2006

	How can l find a job in the pharmacitical field as a sales and marketing manager,in south africa? L want to study medicine and work as a doctor but l am limited due to luck of required monyes. however l swtched on to anther career but still within my career interests as a care giver, but this is somthing to do with sales and marketing in the pharmcitical industry. 2 answers - Asked By: tonnydanabwembya - 12/24/2005

	What questions should I ask at a job interview for a healthcare recruiter position? I have an interview tomorrow with a healthcare recruiting firm and I want to have a few good questions to ask about the job/industry, but it will be a new field for me and I'm not sure what to ask about. Any suggestions? 1 answer - Asked By: stephinrado - 5/8/2006

	I want to become an events/party planner. Does anyone know how I would begin my own business in this field? I am in the process of planning my own wedding and I am having a fantastic time doing so. I have always enjoyed planning things: group vacations for my friends and I, road trips, etc... I could be described as a slight control freak and I am a perfectionist. I know I would exceed, and enjoy my career, if I were to make this a possibility. How do I do it? How do I get my name out there? How much do event planners charge for their services? I have a lot of questions, and hope that people who are self employed would be able to give me some pointers on getting my business up and running. Thank You in advance for your time and help. 2 answers - Asked By: Careerdriven - 4/24/2006

	Job description of supply and logistics manager? I am applying for a job of supply and logistics manager so I need to know more about the this job 1 answer - Asked By: waelasfour - 6/19/2006

	I am a student who is working at Deloitte during this summer. What is the dress code during the summer? Being a student my budget is limited so any help regarding specific retail outlets to go to would be very helpful. I am working in downtown toronto for Deloitte (accounting firm) and the summers are very hot here in Canada. Any specific advice on what clothing items this MALE student should wear to work would be helpful. The dress code is "business casual". As if any student knows what that means. 2 answers - Asked By: kamol_yason - 5/3/2006

	What is the difference between a nurse practitioner and an ARNP? Is there any difference between a "nurse practitioner" and an "advanced registered nurse practitioner"? 1 answer - Asked By: lucysmom - 3/27/2006

	Debenhams job application/interview help? I'm applying online for a job at Debenhams. It's just a temporary part time job but I have no previous retail experience, just in customer service, and I am finding some of the questions rather difficult. Our commitment to training and development encourages our people to grow their futures with us. If successful in joining our team, how will you become an expert at what you do? and At Debenhams, our people make all the difference to our customers. If you were a Stock Movement Adviser with us, how would our customers know that you are focused on their individual shopping experience? Any help in answering these questions would be greatly appreciated, many thanks! 1 answer - Asked By: Mac - 9/7/2012

	What does marketing communications means to a manager? 1 answer - Asked By: Gotti girl - 7/23/2006

	Math Teacher? I am going to college in about a year or so and planning on going to school for teaching...I am hoping to be a high school level math teacher and just wondered if you guys knew of any good schools with a good teaching or math program? 3 answers - Asked By: ♥Special K - 8/20/2006

	Where to find Java Mobile Application developer in Singapore ? I am looking for someone (or company) to program a simple (I think) java mobile application, but do not know where to look. Any ideas where to start ? 1 answer - Asked By: ppb - 7/11/2006

	How much does an Electrical Engineer make? I'm thinking of completing an Electrical Engineering degree and was wondering what people are making just out of college and those that have been in the field 5+ yrs. The main careers I am looking at are Design Engineer and Technical Sales Engineering. Any input from people with those jobs would be great! 3 answers - Asked By: MacDadRaj - 3/23/2006

	Why does NCO-RMH in Manila give delayed paychecks to their resigned employees. it's a call center company? I was told by the people in the HR department that our checks have to come from Pensylvannia. Does it normally take that long? I mean more than two months for a paycheck that i worked hard for.? 1 answer - Asked By: nightshades9678 - 8/28/2006

	I want to become an Escrow Officer, does anyone know how to go about it? What kind of training will I need? I know that Escrow is within Title industry in Texas. What would be the best way to get my foot in the door. I am assuming I will have to start as an Escrow assistant and work my way up, but I would really like to find out more about this career path. How does an officer usually get licensed? Are there classes we need to take and exam to take? Any response is appreciated. 2 answers - Asked By: schang25 - 2/10/2006

Monster Communities

Teaching Community: Where teachers meet and learn.
ArtBistro: Create and connect.
Excelle: Networking for the career-minded woman.
Nursing Link: Where nurses call the shots.
More Monster Communities

Monster Partners

Scholarships: Scholarships, financial aid and more ways to pay for school.
Education.org: Find top campus and online degree programs.
Military.com: Military portal for the US Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.
Financial Aid: Scholarships & financial aid.
Staffing for Government Jobs: Staffing and hiring solutions for federal government agency jobs.
More Monster Partners

Job Hunt Strategy

Six Ways to Make a Recruiter Hate You

If you want to blow your chances with recruiters -- and, by extension, with the companies they work for -- here are six perfect ways to do so.

Resumes & Cover Letters

Rev Up Your Resume to Relocate

Hoping to relocate? Get the ball rolling on landing the right job in the right location with these expert resume and cover letter tips.

Interviewing

100 Potential Interview Questions

Interview questions can run the gamut. You probably won't face all 100 of these, but you should still be prepared to answer at least some of them.

Salary & Benefits

10 Questions to Ask When Negotiating Salary

Most of us aren't natural negotiators, but asking these 10 questions during salary negotiations can help you get everything you deserve.

Attracting Candidates

Facebook for Employers: Make Friends, Not Fans

Recruiting? Go where the talent is. See why recruiters have befriended social networks.

Employee Sourcing

Employment Index

November Monster Employment Index Grows 13% Year-Over-Year, Tenth Consecutive Month of Positive Annual Growth.

Interviewing Candidates

Improving Interview Skills: Learn from the Experts

What’s the key to a great interview? According to experts: Practice, practice, practice.

Workforce Planning

Enhance your Small Business Marketing Strategy with Social Media

Social media. It’s everywhere. But how can it help you? Learn how to utilize social media even monetize it.

For Seekers

Campus and Online Degrees: Advance your career and earn more with an online degree.
Free Salary Wizard: What are you worth? Find out and negotiate a better salary.
Research Careers: Get information on jobs and career paths to help guide your choices
Questions & Answers: Find answers to all your career related questions -- powered by Yahoo! Answers
Resume Distribution Service: Our distribution service puts your resume right in the hands of recruiters.
Resume Writing Services: Our experts will craft a keyword-rich resume that stands out in the crowd.
More Career Resources

For Employers

Career Ad Network: Target your job posting to more candidates on thousands of websites.
Hire Right Background Checks: Explore our background check packages to improve the quality of your hires.
Hiring Home Page: Find the best candidates for your business with Monster hiring solutions.
Job Postings: Find the right solution for your hiring needs. Starting at $99.
Power Resume Search: Monster's new search technology precisely matches people with your jobs.
Resource Center: Find staffing insights, labor trends, HR best practices and more.
Target Post: Connect with skilled, hourly and administrative candidates for only $99.

Social Media

Jobs on Twitter: Find jobs in your area and industry.
Monster Careers: Tune into our career advice and discussions tackling a wide range of topics and industries.
Monster Corporate & PR: Stay up-to-date on the latest news. Get the 'Who', 'What', 'When', and 'Why' on all things Monster related.
Monster Customer Service: Got a Monster question? We've got the answer. Whether you're a job seeker or employer, we can help you find the answers you need.
Monster for Employers: Find advice on hiring.
Follow Us: Check out our many pages and stay connected with the latest industry news, events, career advice and job openings.

Are You An Employer?