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?

hiendmmoe

From the user manual of the Pass Labs INT-25 integrated amplifier:

The amplifier is stable into any load which does not dip below 0.5 ohms, but it will protect itself by shutting off any channel which outputs more than 10 amps (200 watts peak into 2 ohms)

Remember, the Pass INT-25 is rated at only 2x25w per channel but its stable down to 200 watts @ 2Ohms :) Not all watts are equal watts

I have often thought Pass Labs XA series would be a great amp to drive a 2 Ohm load, but they don’t publish any specs into a 2 Ohm load. I was ready to jump on a pr of XA 160.8 but was unsure they would drive my Focal Maestro speakers. The Focal’s have a schizophrenic load; it’s all over the place in the upper bass and lower midrange. 
I’m currently running the new Luxman M-10x amplifier. It drives the Focal’s well and sounds good, but there’s a feeling that the Focal’s need more. 

Call Pass and ask them what their 2 Ohm output is.  I’d be surprised if it’s not more than capable given their very robust power supplies. 

@lanx0003,

Not sure on the "current" spec/capacity, but the 8008BB is dual mono rated at 200 watts into 8 ohms and 400 into 4.

It has two torodial transformers, each rated at 1.1 kVa. Each channel has two 35,000µ capacitors...which means each channel can store 171.5 joules of energy.

:)

OP,

 

Call up Pass or your local dealer. I am absolutely sure they will be able to address your concerns. I have owned Pass amps for well over thirty years and they have always exceeded my expectations in performance…. Especially in driving difficult loads.