VU meters are analog devices that measure the volume of audio signals. However, there are still many audiophiles who prefer the retro aesthetic and functionality of VU meters, and many manufacturers continue to include them in their amplifier designs. Many modern amplifiers now feature digital displays that provide more accurate and precise measurements of audio levels. This tube amplifier is still highly sought after by audiophiles today, in part due to its classic design and the presence of VU meters.Īs audio technology continued to evolve, VU meters began to fall out of favor. One classic amplifier that featured VU meters was the McIntosh MC275, introduced in 1961. This allowed users to monitor and adjust audio levels in real-time, ensuring that the audio remained balanced and distortion-free. In the 1950s and 60s, VU meters began to be integrated into amplifiers as a way to provide users with a visual indication of the audio levels being output. VU meters were also used in recording studios to monitor audio levels during the recording process. The design of the VU meter was based on research conducted by Bell Labs, which found that the human ear perceives loudness in a way that is more closely related to average power than to peak power.Īs broadcasting evolved, VU meters became a critical tool for ensuring that audio levels were consistent across different programs and channels. VU meters were first introduced in the 1930s as a way to measure the level of audio signals in broadcast radio. Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on: The History of VU Meters and Their Use in Amplifiers Any price and availability information displayed on at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. If you don't have the equipment/know how to do this you're kind of stumped.įor a spot check, if you have an RMS reading multi-meter, you could measure the voltage across the speaker terminals at your chosen volume/listening level on both amps and compare them.Īnd no, the meters are not very accurate, mostly for decoration and a rough guide.Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. However, as dr*audio says, you could inject a 1KHz sine wave at various amplitudes into the amp and measure the output across the speaker terminals or a dummy 8 ohm load. My copy of the service manual does show provision of an adjustment in the block diagram but does not provide a procedure and a quick look at the schematic diagram doesn't reveal where the adjustment is. Is there a way to test and calibrate the meters on a Sansui 9090? How accurate are the meters on a 9090? Have any of you guys ever seen this? I feel like the sansui is making more power than what is showing on the meters. The Mcintosh is right about 2 - 2.5 watts. The sansui unit is right under 1 watt to get 85db at my listening chair. It is reading a higher wattage on the Mcintosh unit. What I am wondering is why I am not getting the same wattage reading from both units to achieve the same decibel reading. I am assuming that the reading on the Mcintosh meters is correct since it has just been tested and meets spec 100% I would think that when using the same speakers and test track that it would take the same amount of wattage from both the Sansui and the Mcintosh to achieve the 85db reading at the listening position. I am using a decibel meter to see how many watts it takes to get my JBL L-112 to play at 85db level at my listening position. I purchased it from audio classics and they have tested everything and it all meets spec. I have recently purchased a Mcintosh MC7300 amp with VU meters.
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