Does the same wattage sound different at 4 vs 8 ohms?

[vvvmmm]

As a stupidly simple guy, I think that if a stupidly simple doubling of power results inna 3dB increase in volume, e.g., a stupidly simple 100 watt amp vs. a stupidly simple 200 watt amp and all else remains stupidly simple equal, then a 3dB difference is audible.

IOW, to say otherwise would be to say that 100w. vs. 200w., all else being stupidly simple equal, is itself equal.

Or something stupidly simple like that.

 

[cfortner]

And stupidly 200W is not twice as loud as 100W.

 

[Jazzdogg]

And stupidly 200W is not twice as loud as 100W.

It would be interesting to have a selection of people listen to a sound source and then adjust a competing sound source until they thought it was twice as loud as the first. I surmise the way most people would subjectively define "twice as loud" would be all over the map, with little semblance of consistency from one person to another.

TLDR: lots of people say "twice as loud" without first being able to define the term or reach agreement as to its meaning.

 

[agedhorse]

It would be interesting to have a selection of people listen to a sound source and then adjust a competing sound source until they thought it was twice as loud as the first. I surmise the way most people would subjectively define "twice as loud" would be all over the map, with little semblance of consistency from one person to another.

TLDR: lots of people say "twice as loud" without first being able to define the term or reach agreement as to its meaning.

That’s exactly how the accepted perceptions came to be!

 

[agedhorse]

As a stupidly simple guy, I think that if a stupidly simple doubling of power results inna 3dB increase in volume, e.g., a stupidly simple 100 watt amp vs. a stupidly simple 200 watt amp and all else remains stupidly simple equal, then a 3dB difference is audible.

IOW, to say otherwise would be to say that 100w. vs. 200w., all else being stupidly simple equal, is itself equal.

Or something stupidly simple like that.

Correct, it is pretty much that simple.

 

[vvvmmm]

FWIW, if you haven't, take the chance to sit in front of a computer onna multitrack mixdown session and ask that the bass level be increased 3dB, or cut so - you'll definitely hear the difference there (admittedly likely different than inna live stage mix).

When mixing, I can clearly hear the difference of about .3dB, and often adjust using that increment, altho' I usually default to .4dB.

The real fun (for some of us idjits) is when you are using EQ, so ask that that bass track get a 3dB boost or cut at 1.2 kHz with a 1.3 Q - it will likely change the character of the bass track significantly, all else being stupidly simple equal.

 

[JimmyM]

I’ve never been in a situation to make a judgment call on the difference between 8 ohms and 4 ohms in the amp itself. Every time I run 4 ohms vs 8, I’m adding a cab. So of course 4 will sound better just because of the extra cab.

I can tell you that the DI signal doesn’t change, though.