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How does the input impedance of an amplifier effect it sonically?

I understand the effects of an output to input impedance miss-match, but what I don’t understand is
why there’s such wide range in (especially input) impedances. Most tube amplifiers have a very input impedance. Solid state on the other hand has impedances that range from 5-250k. Why so much variance and how does it effect the sound of an amplifier, if it does at all?
hiendmmoe
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
One thing for sure will effect SQ is low LOW, like the old VTLs. .75 or something. Most are 1.2? My Modded MACs, would OVER drive them to over 320 watt per 300 watt rated MB.

When you played at low volumes they didn't sound right. If I remember it was a Pro preferred setting.  I had to do a couple of things to make them work, fixed output, sucked too.  I fixed that too. had a 3.2 and a 5.9 tap..

Just the way they did it.. not a very good idea, in hindsight, kind cheap...kinda lazy... You had to match those for sure. You should hear them push good/big horns though...My lord.. 115-120 the ol spl meter..

Regards
gs5556
1,240 posts
 
That's a very good question. The simplified answer is that the resistor which sets the input impedance is usually sized the same value as the global negative feedback resistor in order to minimize DC offset from a gain mismatch between the two differential input transistors. The value of the gnfb resistor depends on many variables and they are different among different topologies. That's the main reason.

As far as SQ goes, the smaller the resistance the better. This is way over generalized, but resistor noise is proportional to the product of resistance, temperature and frequency bandwidth. So it is desirable to go for a lower resistance in both the input and gnfb resistors. A lower value feedback resistor also allows a smaller value resistor on the feedback shunt, lowering noise further. Noise at the input is carried all the way through to the output. However, overall linearity is more important for sound quality (lower distortion) than resistor noise, hence the tradeoff as to why not all amps have 10K input resistances.
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
Ya know when I read your question again. It has to do with Pro vs Home stereo gear, too. The difference between the two.. You could  plug something into a lot of the old amps for amplification, Macs, VTL, for use in a band (LIVE), PA, all kinds of apps, ay? Some could get by doing both, but not both well, Mac is the exception..Sure there were a few more.

There are a lot of music guys that are stereo guys too.. They probably know....

Regards
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