Best High Current amplifiers stable into low impedances
Seems like all I hear when reading Stereophile’s measurements when it comes to speakers: must be used with a High current amplifier stable at 2 Ohm. Most amplifiers rarely give specs related to 2 ohm loads. Most amplifiers are only stable into 8 and 4 ohm loads, and if they mention 2 ohm it seems they aren’t saying continuous, but peak, short term power.
With speakers becoming more complex and harder to drive, what are some high current amplifiers that have no problem with these 2 ohm or lower impedance speakers?
I think I I need to give one of these amps a try before I buy an old school amp for my Livingroom. I love the sound of the Benchmark AHB2 (that is no sound). Though the AHB2's power in 2 Ohm is lacking in stereo and definitely in mono. The Purifi modules are supposed to be almost as good as the AHB2 but with better power specs at 2 Ohm.
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I may have misinterpreted the OP's question. I believe there is a difference between HIGH CURRENT vs WATTS. Can anyone set me straight on that. I am considering the excellent 150 watt CODA #16 (which is supposed to be high current) vs some other amps that have a lot more watts. Are there scenarios where the CODA #16 could be considered a better match for a 2 Ohm hard to drive speaker vs an amp with more watts? CODA #16 specs Maximum current: 100 amperes per channel Power supply: 3KVA power transformer/ Dual independent rectification and 280,000 of power supply filter capacitance | ||||
“Watt is the measure of power. Volt is the measure of electric potential. Ampere is the measure of current.”
The point is that current is the number of electrons available. Watts is a combined term. Since output in amps is not generally stated. You get a rough guide by looking at the relationship between watts into different resistance. An amp has lots of current if the number of watts doubles 16 ohms -> 8 ohms -> 4 ohms -> 2 ohms -> 1 ohm. As resistance disappears the amount of current needed to maintain the flow requires a lot more current. | ||||
agree w @ghdprentice from a practical p-o-v for users sorting through amp choices, the best indicator is if the maker clearly states the amp is able to double wattage from 8 to 4 to 2 ohms... another indicator, less good than the first, is if the amp (at least traditional class a or ab ones) are big and heavy with substantial power transformers and heat sinks - delivering consistently high current flow into low impedance loads generates mucho heat |
