Does CEA certification really mean anything?
Is it something that should be considered when buying new gear?
Mike THINK
Replies (4)
ttocs on 01/10/2008 00:53:39
it means that the gear is tested with given parameters. For a long time you could have 3 different 1000 watt amps with 3 different power outputs, as some amps would only hit 1000 watts if you have 100 volts going to it. With stuff that is CEA certified you should have 3 1kwatt amps that are far closer to each other if they are all cea certed.
make sence?
swez on 01/10/2008 05:11:19
Right, it's a wide net response that levels the playing field for low cost gear to claim specifications claim compliance. (Meets specified measurements under CAE Test parameters) Many older/high quality amps will exceed CAE 2006 test criteria.
Example:
Amp # 1: States in specs it will produce a validated XXX watts RMS output @ 1/2/4 ohms, @ 14.4 volts input .
Amp # 2: Same specs as above but amp #2 is able to produce >XXX watts RMS under same conditions.
Basically, amp #1 "meets" specs as stated and is compliant with CEA 2006 specs testing. Amp #2 is also compliant, but can actually "exceed" performance specs of CEA specs under the same test conditions.
Amps made by quality gear makers like Rockford, MTX and other will often give a "Birth Sheet" stating actual tested results. (These amps often "exceed" rated CEA specs)
Low end gear makers often provide guaranteed specs for the amp series in general terms , but no Birth sheet. They meet the minimum critera, but often do not exceed specs.
Get all that?
Swez
MrBrownstone on 01/11/2008 15:21:42
It means they agree to using established standards when rating their amplifiers. Just like home audio. That's it.
cplkittle on 01/11/2008 17:33:29
Those who use CEA compliant standards have nothing to hide, and make products that are generally more reliable.
There are no mandantory standards for amplifier ratings, and there are no laws to protect consumers from false advertising. CEA is voluntary.
Is it something that should be considered when buying new gear?
Mike THINK
Replies (4)
ttocs on 01/10/2008 00:53:39
it means that the gear is tested with given parameters. For a long time you could have 3 different 1000 watt amps with 3 different power outputs, as some amps would only hit 1000 watts if you have 100 volts going to it. With stuff that is CEA certified you should have 3 1kwatt amps that are far closer to each other if they are all cea certed.
make sence?
swez on 01/10/2008 05:11:19
Right, it's a wide net response that levels the playing field for low cost gear to claim specifications claim compliance. (Meets specified measurements under CAE Test parameters) Many older/high quality amps will exceed CAE 2006 test criteria.
Example:
Amp # 1: States in specs it will produce a validated XXX watts RMS output @ 1/2/4 ohms, @ 14.4 volts input .
Amp # 2: Same specs as above but amp #2 is able to produce >XXX watts RMS under same conditions.
Basically, amp #1 "meets" specs as stated and is compliant with CEA 2006 specs testing. Amp #2 is also compliant, but can actually "exceed" performance specs of CEA specs under the same test conditions.
Amps made by quality gear makers like Rockford, MTX and other will often give a "Birth Sheet" stating actual tested results. (These amps often "exceed" rated CEA specs)
Low end gear makers often provide guaranteed specs for the amp series in general terms , but no Birth sheet. They meet the minimum critera, but often do not exceed specs.
Get all that?
Swez
MrBrownstone on 01/11/2008 15:21:42
It means they agree to using established standards when rating their amplifiers. Just like home audio. That's it.
cplkittle on 01/11/2008 17:33:29
Those who use CEA compliant standards have nothing to hide, and make products that are generally more reliable.
There are no mandantory standards for amplifier ratings, and there are no laws to protect consumers from false advertising. CEA is voluntary.
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