What's the difference in dB

Sensitivity is normally rated at one watt of power at a distance of one meter.

Maximum SPL indicates the loudest that the speaker will get no matter how much more power you feed it.

R

Lovely! Thanks for the replys.

were looking at a couple of different cabs, both 98dB/w/m and both a a max SPL of 127, from what you've said, I'm presuming these will be plenty loud for gigs of approx 500 Capacity.

2 X 500wt x 127 SPL + 1 X 500wt 132 SPL top per side =
1500wt x 134 SPL per side.

Willl this be enough?

Here's how it works:

If the speaker produces 98 dB at one watt, then you go up as follows.

Each doubling of power gives you 3 dB more level.

1 watt = 98 dB
2 watts= 101 dB
4 watt = 104 dB
8 watt = 107 dB
16 watts = 110 dB
32 watts = 113 dB
64 watts = 116 dB
128 watts = 119 dB
256 watts = 121 dB
512 watts = 124 dB

So as you can see it is not just a question of how powerful and amplifier you can afford. A speaker that starts at 101 or 102 dB will be louder with less power.

If you start with a more sensitive speaker you will get more volume, simple as that. And your amps won't have to work as hard to drive them to their maximum levels.

R