Social Question

RedDeerGuy1's avatar

Do electronics use more power when the speaker volume is turned up?

Asked by RedDeerGuy1 (24473points) June 27th, 2023

Just wondering.

Observing members: 0 Composing members: 0

8 Answers

Brian1946's avatar

Yes, they do.

The sonic power of an amplifier is usually measured in watts, and wattage is the product of volts x amperes.
Amp’s are the measure of how much current is being used by the sound system.

The more volume, the more wattage being used.

flutherother's avatar

Sound is energy, which has to come from somewhere.

elbanditoroso's avatar

Negligibly more, but yes.

Forever_Free's avatar

Studies have been done on this that show their power consumption is not significantly more. It will also vary on the components you are utilizing. A PC driving a speaker or a cell phone driving a bluetooth will not use more power due to volume setting. An old tube powered Hi-Fi actually is more performant for the amp when turned up. My Marshal amps and my guitars have negligible difference based on volume even when my amps are turned to 11.

ragingloli's avatar

Speakers work through vibrating membranes. The louder, the more intense the vibration, the more energy is consumed.

Blackwater_Park's avatar

Speakers are driven by current. In older tube amplifiers the high voltage amplified signal was passed through an output transformer that dropped the voltage down and stepped up the current to drive the speaker voice coil. Higher current induces a stronger magnetic field that displaces the cone more. That high current ultimately comes from the power supply. When you turn the volume down you limit the signal being amplified so there is less current being generated at the output.

kritiper's avatar

Yes. Especially bass.

Answer this question

Login

or

Join

to answer.
Your answer will be saved while you login or join.

Have a question? Ask Fluther!

What do you know more about?
or
Knowledge Networking @ Fluther