Are all amps being built wrong?


The power amplifiers that drive our loudspeakers are mostly built as a low impedance voltage source. They have always been ... but why?

Loudspeakers have a (greatly) varying impedance over the frequency range. A current drive amplifier would eliminate the issues that stem from this varying impedance, and at the same time make discussions about esoteric speaker cables that strive for optimal R, C, L superfluous. Although there still would be these un-measurable ’this (very expensive) cable sounds better’ debates and opinions ... and that’s OK, that’s part of the fun. :)

So ... why are amplifiers not built as a high impedance current source?

This is an interesting read: https://www.current-drive.info/
rudyb
Tony - I can fund transcription and or digital copy of the RM/Futterman tapes. i believe those would be important historical context. Advise please.
best
Jim
oops, very late to reply to @atmasphere

Output Z of the amps, depending on model is around .1 - .2 (rarely this high) ohms. Small but very clearly not zero.
And yes the stability is a very big plus.
Of course it means bias stability demands attention, but i solved that decades ago.

Of course it means bias stability demands attention, but i solved that decades ago.
:)

@atmasphere 
Running zero feedback is a nice way to insure stability. What is the output impedance of your amp?

I was talking to a fellow yesterday that said that the feedback of the Prima Luna was too high.

Do you have thoughts on that?