Simple Audio Power Meter Circuit

This simple circuit indicates the amount of power that goes to a loudspeaker. The dual-color LED shows green at an applied power level of about 1 watt. At 1.5 watts it glows orange and above 3 watts it is bright red. The circuit is connected in parallel with the loudspeaker connections and is powered from the audio signal. The additional load that this represents is 470 Ohm (R1//R3)