2525C louder than DSL5CR both on 5W mode - normal?

[wilhem]

As stated in the title, I’m wondering if this is normal? Would have expected them to be similar in volume but the DSL5CR dimed is much quieter than the 2525C with gain / volume on 3 o’clock.

Would be to do with the 2525C having two power tubes over one? EL34s vs. 12BH7 power tubes? 12” speaker vs. 10” speakers?

Thanks!

 

[Kinkless Tetrode]

G12M25 Greenback: 97db sensitivity

10" speaker: probably 94db.

Cabinet volume and design will play a hand too.

2525 has EL34s and larger transformer, but watts are watts. Well sort of. Tube amps are usually rated at the wattage they are putting at the onset of clipping. The 2525, even at 5 watts, probably has more headroom, and may be putting out considerably more than 5 watts distorted. The 5 watt amp might be about maxed out at 5 watts.

 

[wilhem]

Thanks for the explanation! Yeah, makes sense.. the 2525C is just a tad bit too loud for my house even on the 5W setting.

Would an attenuator on the 20W setting be appropriate to bring it down just a tad bit quieter than it would be on 5W?

 

[Kinkless Tetrode]

Cutting wattage in 1/2 reduces volume 3 db. So 5 watts is already attenuating 6db from 20 watts. With most attenuators there is a detrimental impact on tone by attenuating that much. Although attenuating minus 3db from 5 watts might give you what you want.

The 2525 has a great master volume with a nice even taper. Just turning the output master down a notch should do the trick.

Or another option is a less sensitive speaker. Have you tried running it through the DSL5's speaker?