Cone area and sensitivity

[BertM]

I have a few questions about how different cabs stack up and was hoping I could get some help because my search didn't turn up much.

I currently am using a Peavey max 115 which, while it is great for practice, at 60 watts doesn't have the power I need so I'm looking for a new head and cab. Unfortunately Peavey doesn't have the Sensitivity of the speaker so I'm just making these numbers up to just get an understanding on the topic

Say you have a 15" speaker with a sensitivity of 93db and another 12" speaker at 96db. Now I understand that the 15" cab will require twice the amount of power to reach the 12" volume (or does that not represent volume?). So is it as simple as that, did I just answer my own question, the 12" will be louder or does the larger cone area of the 15" speaker play a part in this too?

[billfitzmaurice]

Originally Posted by BertM

Say you have a 15" speaker with a sensitivity of 93db and another 12" speaker at 96db. Now I understand that the 15" cab will require twice the amount of power to reach the 12" volume (or does that not represent volume?). So is it as simple as that

It is. What isn't simple is getting accurate sensitivity specs. The only way to know what's really what is with a measured SPL chart, and no manufacturer provides them.