If you think about simple arithmetic, you'd most likely say "yes!" But do you remember the Inverse Square Law? It states that you get a 3dB increase in sound pressure level when you double the power available to a speaker and a 6dB reduction when you double the distance from the source (note that we're talking free-field here, that is outdoors or in any environment that is void of most reflections).

The perception of louder is not as linear as the Inverse Square Law, thus the answer to the above question is: A 100-watt amp is approximately 23% louder but only if attached to a speaker (grin). And a 3dB increase in volume isn't that much. "So why do I need the larger amplifier?" you may ask.

Consider the following analogy: Imagine yourself in a Geo Metro driving at 50 mph. In the next lane is Chuck Surack in his Porsche, also traveling at 50 mph (50 mph? Yeah right, and I have a nice bridge to sell you). Ahem, back to the analogy. Assuming that the two cars have the same weight, and excluding differences in wind and tire resistance, they will use the same amount of horsepower to maintain a 50 mph speed. The differences lie in how quickly you can reach a certain speed, how fast you can pass another car, and how many women will notice.

Amplifiers work the same way: For normal listening levels in your home (let's say 80dB average), you only need a small amount of power (a few watts). Loud signal peaks, like the cannon blast in the "1812 Overture" may require in excess of 20 times the normal power used, but only for a few milliseconds. If your amplifier does not have the required acceleration (which we call headroom) to handle these peaks, clipping and distortion will result, as well as just plain "flat" sound. In other words, you simply don't hear the music as the artist and producer intended.

Now if you want to recreate concert conditions by turning up the volume until your hair starts dancing, the difference in power requirements become quite evident. You need a tenfold increase in power to double the intensity of the perceived sound level. That's when the Porsche shows its stuff. Having the extra power is great when you need it, and can also prevent speaker failure from clipping.

So the answer to our original question is: To play twice as loud as a 50-watt amp, you would need a 500-watt amplifier (or 10 x 50 watts). To sum it all up, make sure any equipment you purchase will fit your intended application. Some of today's "Top 40" music played in a small room could be powered by a gerbil on a treadmill.