Newbie Question Regarding Total Input Watts on Boxes

[Foreverlo]

Sorry if this post is in the wrong section or if it's been answered before but I have a question that's been hounding me as I try to buy my first boombox in many years. I've noticed that many boxes list their total watts on the back. I know this is input watts and doesn't necessarily reflect output levels (let alone sound quality at higher levels) but if boomboxes are like most electronics then it seems a decent place to start when considering power.

The problem is that many models list varying watt numbers for what is essentially the same box. A good example is the JVC RC M70 which I've already seen tagged at 40, 44, and 47 watts. I think the exact models on those tags were M70- "JW", "W", and "C" respectively. Some research told me that the "JW" was made for the US market, the "W" was for Europe, and the "C" was meant for Canada. That makes sense.

One online comment I found stated that in actuality they all have the same input WATTS and the tags were only different for some technical reason or other involving different government measurements. Another site said they really are different but it has no affect on sound volume or sound quality. Finally, I've noticed that many sellers of the 47 watt "C" version tend to tout it as more powerful that the "JW" and thus more desirable.

Anybody know what is correct?

 

[baddboybill]

One thing I've noticed is due to the age and use of these the sound varies a lot no matter what input wattage is stamped on unit. But for sake of argument I believe the difference is due to the different countries using 100v, 120v and 240v service but output wattage actually is same. 😊


Bad Boy Bill

 

[Reli]

When it says "watts consumption" it means the maximum amount of power used by the tape deck motors, lights, and everything else inside the boombox..............not just the speakers. So it's a pretty meaningless number. I've had lots of "20 watt" boxes that went louder than "40 watt" boxes. What really matters is the following:

1) The amplifier specs (Read the code number on the top of the chips, and google it to get the datasheet provided my the amp chip manufacturer. This will tell you how much power it can put out under a variety of conditions.

2) The speaker specs (And I don't mean the BS "max watts" number printed on the magnet, which is meaningless bullcrap. I mean the Ohms rating, and the sensitivity rating (which unfortunately isn't provided unless you buy aftermarket ones).

3) The type of power source you're using. With the vast majority of boomboxes, AC power will give you stronger performance than batteries will. It's not uncommon to read a service manual saying that you can get twice as much power output (or more) if you use AC.

Also, if you must use batteries, newer batteries will give you stronger performance than old ones, since their voltage decreases over time.

 

[Superduper]

I've seen an Aimor boast something like 70 watts consumption. But the M70 is 5 times the beast at 47 watts, and the M90 at 61 watts is 10 times the power and 100 times the audio quality as the Aimor. Forget the consumption watts, it does not necessarily translate to good efficient operation or quality sound.

You are new here, hang around or peruse the older posts and threads to educate yourself instead. As for the M70, the variations you see are versions released in different countries. Because of that, you can't really compare them in that manner since the ratings method, mains voltage and cycles, advertising regulations, etc. all differ due to local rules and customs. What I can tell you is for the most part, the innards of the M70 variants are all essentially the same, and with the same amp, etc and the same internal system voltage (no matter what the power supply is rated at, they are all dropped internally to 15v) so they are technically all the same really. Some folks have noticed some versions having more observable power, but they are operating a japanese or european set on USA voltage and comparing to another set, perhaps a USA set on USA power. Additionally, every individual unit is unique and probably going to have some level of performance degradation after 35 years, just like one old car is going to behave a bit differently than another old car, even if they originally as released had the same performance. So it's not really fair to take one 35 year old model and compare to another 35 year old example, and then from that one comparison declare one more powerful than another. All else being equal, the M70 is an M70 and all are essentially the same.

 

[Reli]

I have seen some Ebay sellers brag about how their M90 is the "rare", "more powerful" 60 watt or 90 watt version or whatever, just because of what the sticker says on the tape door. Or how their GF9494 is the "more powerful" 22W version instead of the 13W version, just because of the little badge on the front. Hilarious.

 

[Foreverlo]

Thanks for the insight everyone. It's all very helpful. I kind of wondered why JVC would decide to provide Canadians with an extra 7 watts of power versus Americans! Is it because they rock harder than we do here? Makes more sense that it's actually the same unit.