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Damping Factor - Interesting article

Benchmark Media published interesting article on Damping Factor.  I already knew that it does not make much difference for the damping of the membrane, but low output impedance is necessary to drive changing impedance ot the speaker (ideal voltage source).  According to this article DF=100 produces about 0.5dB variations typically, while DF=200 reduces it to 0.1dB.  DF above 200 is inaudible.

https://benchmarkmedia.com/blogs/application_notes/audio-myth-damping-factor-isnt-much-of-a-factor?omnisendAttributionID=email_campaign_5eda3b728a48f72deaf34bf2&omnisendContactID=5cf9266b15b61cc5a2a4dee7&utm_campaign=campaign%3A+AUDIO+MYTH+-+%22DAMPING+FACTOR+ISN%27T+MUCH+OF+A+FACTOR%22+%285eda3b728a48f72deaf34bf2%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=omnisend

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bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
General observation:  much of the discussion above focuses on high DFs of 20, 200 or 2000.  I surmise that most amps that fall into those DF categories are solid state amps that are constant (or near constant) voltage sources.  

I was hoping Atmosphere (Ralph) would have chimed in because he manufacturers very fine tube amps that probably have output impedances in the single digits. 

Anyone have any thoughts about the db spread on tube amps, even those that use NF??

BIF
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djones51
4,947 posts
 
Here is an older paper I found  that explains the DF relationship between amp and speaker. It was a little easier for me to understand some of the numbers. 

https://butleraudio.com/damping2.php
erik_squires
16,338 posts
 
One last thing:

Damping factor theory is basically series network analysis. There’s nothing here very complicated. You just string up your amp’s output impedance and put it in series with the load, then analyze the difference in output vs. F.

Amp (+) --> Output Z --> Load Z --> Amp (-)

A little work with a spreadsheet and a speaker impedance graph and you too could model this at home! Any EE learns to do this probably in the first semester of electronics. If you want to learn more search for "AC Circuit Analysis"

There is one thing I’d like to say though: While network analysis like this is straightforward, the effects I’ve heard from speaker cables has led me to believe that amps are more susceptible to cable and speaker impedance than we would model this way. I don’t think the model as outlined above fully accounts for what I’ve heard in all instances. This does not mean speaker cables are worth $30,000. It just means I think there’s untapped research to be done there.

Best,

E
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
Reaching out to those that know this stuff: does damping factor play a role with (influencing) perceived scale (image size)? If so, how? Thanks.

Member @stephendunn from the Cube Audio Nenuphar thread:

one area in which the SIT-1 excelled that I believe might be related to damping factor is scale

the SIT-1 bring[s] a noticeably increased sense of largeness through a sound stage that opens more in every direction

Does this have something to do with damping factor?
 
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