Damping Factor vs speaker sensitivity

A high damping factor (DF) is indicative of two things

The amplifier has a low output impedance (Which is inversely related to DF).
Generous application of negative feedback (NFB).

I have yet to come across a reasonable explanation as to why a DF of > than 40-50 or so offers any meaningful sonic benefit. I agree with the comments/perspective of @larryi above.

Charles

@audiosens 

Yes technically an amp can have a damping factor that is very high as it is measured at the amp terminals.  I was listing all the parasitic values in a system between the amp and speaker driver that makes this value meaningless.

I have met many DF zealots over the years, and I'm glad to read that obsession is not being amplified here.  A JBL engineer whote a paper in the late 60's debunking the idea with math and logic. 

The DF Debate

Floyd Toole, director of Engineering at Harman (JBL parent) reprises the effort for the next generation of the technically misinformed here:

DF Nonsense

If the goal of specifications is to characterize a component's ability to faithfully convey the signal fed at the input unaltered to the output, it's clear DF is not an important measure as long as it's above 40.  1000 is not better than 40!

@crustycoot

@atmasphere has eloquently made this salient point a number of times on this forum.

Charles

@crustycoot +1

I agree with George L. Augspurger, in my opinion a damping factor (DF) of 4000 is pure marketing baloney! My Crown Studio Reference One Amp has a damping factor (DF) of 20,000 more marketing baloney. 😎  

Mike