In the specialist field of audio equipment testing, determining a device’s maximum power output is a crucial and difficult task. Many guidelines have been produced over the years to help with this process; these guidelines are the result of different understandings of what makes an accurate and trustworthy measurement of an audio device’s capabilities. Music Power, Program Power, Peak Power, Max Power, Instant Peak Power, Dynamic Power, Peak Music Power Output, Total System Power, Instant High Frequency Power (IHF), CAF, UL 1711, IEC 60268-3, EIA RS-490-A, FTC 16 CFR, CEA 490-A, and CEA 2006-B (pertaining to car amplifiers) are some examples of these standards that have changed over time, reflecting the industry’s continuous efforts to achieve a more accurate representation of audio performance.
Different characteristics of power output and audio quality were the focus of the establishment of each of these standards, which each had its own set of criteria and goals. Others examine sustained performance or particular kinds of audio signals, while still others concentrate on a device’s maximum capabilities. These standards all try to give a dependable and uniform way to assess the maximum power output of audio equipment, in spite of their variances.
But the intricacy of sound itself makes measuring an audio device’s performance precisely difficult. Played through these devices, music is the most prevalent and demanding material. It is a rich tapestry of frequencies, harmonies, and dynamics rather than just a sine wave. Because of its subjective and emotive nature, it is an art form that is difficult to simply quantify. It is therefore necessary to carefully balance the scientific rigour needed for repeatable, objective measurements with an appreciation of the beauty inherent in music in a laboratory test arrangement intended to evaluate a device’s performance.
Through empirical research and practical experience over the years, we have gained invaluable insights and concluded that using a signal with a single cycle of 1kHz (1ms) repeated at the rate of 100Hz (10ms) is getting quite close to replicate the real-world sensation of listening to music quite accurately. It is defined by a one-millisecond signal that is repeated every ten milliseconds. This particular frequency and pattern of the signal was chosen since it is symbolic of the complexity of music and offers a demanding test of the device’s power capacity.
Furthermore, for a device to pass this test and be considered capable of delivering high-quality audio, it should maintain less than 1% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD). Additionally, this level of performance should be achieved without the engagement of any protection circuits within the device, which can interfere with the pure assessment of its power capabilities.
In summary, the search for a universally accepted standard for determining the highest power output of audio equipment is a continuous process that reflects both the complexity of sound as a medium and our dedication to quality. The goal of this quest is to accurately capture and replicate the spirit of sound, in all its complexity and beauty, rather than just numbers and specs.
