Speaker and amplifier loudness calculator
Pick a speaker from our range and see how loud it plays at your seat on a given amplifier, and the power it needs for cinema level — from the maker’s sensitivity and power handling.
Planning forPolk Audio Monitor XT15 Bookshelf Speaker
How loud will it get at your seat?
Estimate for one speaker using the manufacturer's sensitivity (86 dB) and power handling (150 W). It includes about 3 dB of room gain. Several speakers playing together add more. Receiver power ratings are usually measured with two channels driven, so expect less per channel when all channels play at once. Cinema reference means 105 dB peaks per channel. Want a check against a specific receiver? Use our Compatibility Checker or ask us.
Good to know
How loud will my speakers get?
Peak level at the seat = the speaker’s 1 W sensitivity + 10·log10(watts) − 20·log10(distance in metres), plus about 3 dB of room gain. For example an 87 dB (2.83 V, 8 Ω) speaker on 100 W at 3 m reaches about 100.5 dB.
What is cinema reference level?
105 dB peaks per channel at the seat (85 dB average plus 20 dB peaks), the level films are mixed at.
Every figure here is an estimate from the manufacturer's published specifications and standard room acoustics. Planning a full room? Plan my home theatre · Check compatibility