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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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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
15,900 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?
 
djones51
4,947 posts
 
According to Pass the SIT-1 damping factor doesn’t change with frequency. The Cube is a single driver speaker, looking at the standard vertical scale at 50dB there’s a lot of axial variation from 20 -300 hz, below 100hz it looks a little strange. It’s probably bumping the bass below 100hz and above 10khz with distortion and then rolling off at about 15khz. Looks like it would sound good paired with the SIT-1 not sure DF would have anything to do with it.

The frequency and phase response is flat, distortion
harmonics are consistent in amplitude and phase relationship, and the damping factor remains the same.

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