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Define high current amp?

This may be a very rudimentary question, I'm just trying to learn:

I've fallen in love with electrostats, and am contemplating Magnepans or Soundlabs. The Martin Logan's I've heard are dark and ill defined to me (just my ears' opinion).

In selecting upstream equipment, I keep reading on these forums about planars requiring an amp with high current output to do their best.

In what specification for an amp would I be looking to select a high current amp? Is there a particular threshold of this spec which defines high current vs. low? I'm a little confused, as I have an old Yamaha integrated, and have been told a couple of times it puts out high current, but would like to know how to definitively compare this characteristic of different amplifiers.

Thanks in advance.
timwat
turbofun
6 posts
 
Electrostats are the most demanding speakers to drive.
It's not just the current in your amp but also it's
stability. In the last few years most high powered solid state amps have also become "high current" amps, but a lot
of these still have trouble with 'stat loads. The classic
amp to drive them with would be an OTL tube amp such as
a Futterman or Sans Pariel. The modern choice is a
Wolcott Presence.
drrdiamond
671 posts
 
I am no expert, but from all I have heard, Tubofun is right. ... OTL tube amps are fantastic for ESL's; especially Soundlabs. I have heard the big Soundlabs driven by OTL's and it was a match made in heaven!

I think I would add the Graaf amps to your search.

Also, this info is coming to you from a Krell lover.
Richard
thorty40
149 posts
 
OTL's are an outstanding match with Soundlabs, I can attest to this personally. Currently, I am using a single David Berning ZH-270 with full-range Soundlab Pristine II's with very good results. The 270 outputs 70W @ 8 ohm and steadily increases power output as impedance curve drops. It is boasts both high current and voltage.

Good luck,

Chris

timwat OP
132 posts
 
Thank you all for the wealth of information. I've got some more listening and research to do, and really do appreciate the insight and recommendations.
6bq5
62 posts
 
In 'Theory' a High current amp is an amp that is capable of delivering significantly "higher" current than standard design practices would dictate. For example a 'typical 100 watt amp would produce 28.5 volts at ~9 amp into a fixed 8 ohm load, and a 'high current amp' might do the same but be capable of delivering 11 amps.
THe discussion, as noted very well above is somewhat specious, as the current draw will be different from the current capacity, and you don't really want to see full current via a dead short, which may lead to a dead amp.
Tube amps are current limited by the output transformer [ OTL amps by the circuit]. Most of the "high-current" designs are Solid State, and are either (as mentioned above) down-rated amps, or amps with abnormally oversized power supplies; either way unless your speaker wants it, the amp won't deliver it, irrespective of the MFG claims.
Try an amp that sounds good - to you!- and that you can afford.
Happy listening
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