Why Don't We See More High Current Electronics?

You can get the exact same current delivery for a given load without the expense of an amp that doubles its power when the impedance is halved. It's true that such an amp, depending on its power capabilities, could accomodate a wider range of speakers, but in general it's unnecessary.

Which would you prefer, a 250 watt amp into 8 ohms that doubles into 4 ohms or a 600 watt amp into 8 ohms that produces 900 watts into 4 ohms? -03-14-11: Bob_reynolds

Errr ...ahhhh.... Hmmm.. the one that doubles thank you ...

regards,

03-15-11: Atmasphere

Why not ask what the relationship is between doubling power and how your ear/brain system hears? The short answer is that you get flatter frequency response, but only with certain speakers. This comes with a price- distortions that the ear is extremely sensitive to. The ear hears these distortions as a variation (coloration) in frequency response! So in a way, you can't win with the explanation of flat frequency response.

- Atmasphere

LOL .. Deja vu Ralph ?

there are more manufacturers here in the US of vacuum tube audio products than there was in 1958! - Atmasphere

Yeah, but i wouldn't hold it against them, it's their use of carburetors that gets me... :)

regards,

Ooooo . . . I've been summoned, like Notorious B.I.G.!
http://www.southparkstudios.com/clips/155324/the-ghost-of-biggie
Actually Al, you're correct save a small arithmetic error. A "pure voltage source" amplifier that clips at 100W into 8 ohms of course puts out a maximum of approximately 40 volts peak-to-peak before clipping, regardless of the input waveform or load impedance. So for the combination of two equal-amplitude sine waves at 4KC and 40C, that's 20V peak-to-peak for each before clipping, or 14.14VRMS each . . . corresponding to about 12.5 watts RMS at 16 ohms, and 25 watts RMS at 8 ohms, or each at 1/4 the rated power like you said. To some, these numbers might seem like a large amount of "loss", but this waveform into even a low-sensitivity domestic loudspeaker would be absolutely ear-splitting (and probably tweeter-frying in short order).

interesting, but unfortunately, simplified theoretical scenarios are not very enlightening regarding what really matters playing real music.

Having a well made amp that is in no risk of breaking a sweat in practice is simply one of the best and simplest strategies to pursue in putting together a system. The actual benefits may vary, but it is an insurance policy at worst.

Few other decisions in audio can be made this easily, so doing it provides a firm playing field for mucking with all the rest as needed.