• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Average power and full power?!?!?!?!

F

FenderBax

Jun 26, 2006
38
0
#1
i am looking at back panel pics of amp head i want to buy and i see a reading that say average power:150W and a reading below it saying full power:500W
does this mean that if turned wide open it will be trying to pump 500W?
little confused because the specs say 280W@4ohm. to refer to this head, look at the back panel pic from this site.....
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
#2
FenderBax said:
i am looking at back panel pics of amp head i want to buy and i see a reading that say average power:150W and a reading below it saying full power:500W
does this mean that if turned wide open it will be trying to pump 500W?
little confused because the specs say 280W@4ohm. to refer to this head, look at the back panel pic from this site.....
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Click to expand...

I believe that represents the power it draws, not the wattage it puts out. An amp will always 'draw' more power than it creates... since no amp is 100% efficient.

Ignore that number... the 280w@4ohm is the 'power rating' of the amp.
 
#3
That number is if the amp were able to run at 100% efficiency. Due to electrical and mechanical losses (hysterysis and eddy currents), windage (if it were a motor:) ) that is the nomial wattage the amp will produce. Kinda like a car having different horsepower depending on where it is measured: either at the bore (engine stroke) or the wheels. The WHP will be lower than the BHP because of mechanical losses associated with the components that are in between the engine and the wheels.
 
#4
"..I believe that represents the power it draws, not the wattage it puts out. An amp will always 'draw' more power than it creates... since no amp is 100% efficient.

Ignore that number... the 280Watts@4ohm is the 'power rating' of the amp..."

Yes. Its the '280Watts' that you should be concerned with. As thats gonna be your 'continuous' (average)RMS output watts.. clean, non-clipped watts-power to your cab(s)

And also as they stated: "no amp is 100% efficient". True again..as there is always loss in any mechcanical system and certainly in electrical/electronics circuitry. That 'loss' will manifest itself
in the form of 'waste heat'.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back