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bob1029 • today at 1:13 PM • 3 replies • view on HN

The mapping between audio gear and the power grid is pretty close. AC power and audio waveforms are basically the same thing. If you connect a speaker directly to normal mains power, it will operate briefly before burning out. You'll get a very loud 60 or 50 hz test signal depending on where you plug it in. There are some drivers large enough that they can withstand this power level indefinitely. The car audio market has some pretty crazy designs.

There are pro audio amplifiers that are capable of producing >120v RMS at their output terminals. I would be much more interested in seeing a youtuber purchase one of these and attempt to run a bunch of household appliances using it. Blowing up random shit with ridiculous amounts of power got pretty old for me as a form of entertainment.


Replies

MisterTea • today at 3:29 PM

> There are some drivers large enough that they can withstand this power level indefinitely. The car audio market has some pretty crazy designs.

I wonder how true the claims really are. Rod E. of sound-au.com even questions the claims. I see some cheap "1500" watt RMS 8 ohm speakers for like 150 bucks, might be a good test, plug it into the wall through a variac and turn up the power to the full 1500W and see how long it lasts. I am too lazy to look right now but I am sure someone has tried this and put up a video.

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aaronax • today at 2:39 PM

> can withstand this power level indefinitely

What power level? 120V on a 15A breaker?

I = V/R and a typical speaker is 8 ohms which does happen to result in 15A at 120V. Interesting.

etcetcetcetceta • today at 2:32 PM

true, I was speccing a bom for a huge output SET amp, slowly buying bits and pieces during lockdown, then I did a bit of wiring on my house and got a minor shock from the mains, threw out everything realising that such a mistake during the amp build would result in a major headache and lifelong trauma for my wife.

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