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Re: Do multiple drivers have to be paralled to increase sensitivity?

Andrew:
(for a set voltage drive level)
Series connection results in no increase in SPL over a single driver.
Parallel conn. results in 6 dB increase in SPL over a single driver.
These are confirmed by experiment with an SPL meter.
In the series connection, the amp delivers 3 dB less to the series connected drivers, but the two together produce the same SPL because there is twice the radiating area. In the parallel connection, the amp delivers 3 dB more power and there is 3dB more SPL due to double the radiating area - the sum is 6 dB.
Just a correction: In your 3) above, SPL *is* a measure of power level and a doubling of power is given by 3 dB - not 6 dB. A doubling of voltage or current gives 6 dB. [the dB scale *always* relates to power levels and the 6 dB results from the square relationship of voltage and current to electrical power (P=E^2/R or P=I^2*R)]. {This from a long-time degreed design engineer who has had to deal with power relationships in my work - telephone electronics}

Fred H.


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