• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Who here likes Meters!?

CarnahanBB

CarnahanBB

Super Member
I had a nice score last weekend: A Kenwood KA-801 resplendent with a nice pair of big, white VU meters! This got me thinking: Who else here really likes meters?

I like them not only because they look cool and add a nice touch to an otherwise plain faceplate but also because it's nice to know how much power your speakers are using so you know when you're approaching clipping levels.
 

Attachments

  • IMAG0463.jpg
    IMAG0463.jpg
    38.5 KB · Views: 115
  • IMAG0466.jpg
    IMAG0466.jpg
    25.9 KB · Views: 71
Register to hide this ad
It was ONE of the reasons I bought The G 22000 brand new.
Besides the sheer size of it, it had cool meters.
In the 70's it was always a pissing match.
In my circle of friends at the time I won.
And yes I still have it. Always loved those meters.
 
Love 'em! There's just something about sweet music being produced by vintage stereo equipment in all its lighted glory accompanied by dancing needles... Just plain cool! The music is the most important factor when I pick up a piece of gear, but the visual aspect is a close second. It really completes the experience for me.

My metered components include a G.A.S. Son of Ampzilla, an Audiosource Amp One, and a Pioneer SA-606.
 
Most definitely! :thmbsp:

IMG_4789.JPG
 
I do like meters, but I feel that they are kind of eye candy.

I like clipping indicators as a more useful tool in setting maximum levels. Even the bar LED meters aren't that useful, unless the clipping LEDs are a different color. If the amp is playing loud and in danger of clipping, I want a clipping indicator to hit me over the head with a warning. If the clipping indicator blends in with the rest of the meter's power indication, it's easy not to notice that you are clipping.

I do like the look of meters though.
 
vintageboy said:
I love my KA-801 too
Click to expand...

Ha! Yeah I do too! It doesn't have enough power to drive my Quantum 5's but then again not much (if anything) rated at 100 watts/channel does. But it does sounds very nice and it looks great! I think it's the best looking integrated in that lineup for sure.
 
lordsparky said:
Can the Decibel meters on the Kenwood 700M somehow be used to calculate watts?
Click to expand...

Yes. If the meter is scaled to be "-0dB" as max unclipped output.

Wherever the needle peaks, say -3dB, you can calculate the power. If the power amp output capability is 100W into 8 ohms, the max output voltage is sqrt(Watts*ohms) = sqrt(800) =28.28Vrms. that is your "-0dB" meter indication. "-3dB" would be 10^(-3/20) = 0.707 That's the ratio.

The ratio * 28.28(V) = 20(V)
To find the power: (V^2)/load = (20^2)/8=50(W)
 
Love meters!!! Even if I don't have a true use for them or more accurately don't really know what a certain one tells me. I have a Marantz 5220 tape deck and it has the biggest and prettiest meters I've seen! I love those big honkin meters! Fun to watch.
 
Hajidub said:
Who doesn't like meters?! :thmbsp:
Click to expand...

Odd man out here. I have nothing against them but I have no particular craving for them.

All I ask for, but don't necessarily get, is a pair of tiny little LEDs for clipping indicators. Every amp should have them, meters in addition or not.
 
I absolutely love meters! The strange thing is I have nothing with VU meters. Well the tuner and cassette have light trees, but nothing in the amp stages. I may just print and cut out the meters from Ghettofunk's M700 and tape the pic to my Counterpoint. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom