Why is HiFi Equipment Often Overstated?
The world of high-fidelity (HiFi) audio equipment is often filled with conflicting claims, especially when it comes to wattage ratings. While some manufacturers are upfront about their specifications, others stretch the truth, leading to confusion and dissatisfaction among audio enthusiasts. In this article, we'll explore the discrepancy between HiFi and professional audio equipment, using specific examples to illustrate the issue.
Blown Equipment: A Case Study
Consider the SVS PB16-Ultra subwoofer, which is advertised with a stock 1500-watt amplifier. When tested against the Bose F1 subwoofers, the results are telling. Despite the higher wattage, the SVS PB16-Ultra experienced issues, whereas the Bose F1 subwoofers maintained their performance even when pushed to the limit. This discrepancy can be attributed to several factors, including built-in protective circuitry and the quality of components used.
Understanding Wattage in Audio Equipment
The relationship between audio enthusiasts and wattage is complex. On one hand, we're often told that watts don't matter if the first watt isn't good, leading to the use of low-wattage but high-quality amplifiers. For example, I own a tube amplifier rated at 8 watts per channel that can easily fill my small music room when mated with speakers with an 89 dB sensitivity rating. This setup doesn't require excessive wattage, thanks to biamping with a solid-state integrated amp driving the bass drivers.
On the other hand, many of us desire high-wattage amplifiers, particularly for subwoofers, to eliminate distortion and achieve better bass reproduction. Subwoofers, in particular, are known to require significant power. This misconception has led to the notion that wattage defines speaker performance and quality similarly to displacement in cars or megapixels in digital cameras. As a result, home audio equipment manufacturers often inflate their figures.
Untrue Wattage Ratings: A Common Issue
Many manufacturers take advantage of this misconception to present inflated wattage ratings. The cheap ones may advertise using the maximum power rating, which can be misleading. For instance, a receiver advertised at 180 watts per channel RMS, but upon closer inspection, it was only rated at 180 watts per channel at 4 ohms, with 10% total harmonic distortion. If your speakers have an 8-ohm impedance, the usable power could be as low as 50 watts.
Similarly, an integrated amplifier advertised at 100 watts RMS was only rated at 50 watts per channel at 4 ohms, reducing to about 25 watts at 8 ohms. While the SVS subwoofer is honest about its specifications, accurately advertising a 500-watt amplifier driving a 12-inch driver, sealed subs tend to be less loud than ported subs. However, the quality of the bass is more important than the quantity.
Protective Circuitry and Real-world Performance
The Bose F1 subwoofers, while providing excellent sound quality and audio performance, have additional protective features not found in the SVS PB16-Ultra. The Bose F1 has a built-in dynamic limiter, which is designed to prevent speaker damage, especially in rowdy environments. The limiter ensures that even if the sub is pushed to its limits, the risk of distortion is minimized. This is a crucial feature for professionals and audiophiles who prioritize sound integrity over sheer volume.
Professional audio equipment often requires tighter specifications and higher performing gear. Manufacturers in this market need to deliver top-tier performance, and they typically don't hide behind vague wattage ratings. This is why the Bose F1, while impressive in many ways, is not suitable for home applications. For professional use, Bose offers excellent products, but the F1 model is better suited for large venues or on-the-go audio setups.
Conclusion
The discrepancy between HiFi and professional audio equipment is significant, and it largely stems from the different priorities and requirements of these markets. While wattage is often cited as a determining factor in speaker performance, it is just one piece of the puzzle. Real-world performance, protective features, and overall sound quality are equally important. For those seeking a true audiophile experience, understanding these nuances can help in making informed choices and avoiding misleading specifications.