Importance Of Power Supply : Transformer Ratings

A good amp using a 400VA transformer can sound fine.If it has a 500VA tranny,it should have more reserve power when needed.That is not a guarantee for better sound though.I myself go by the sound of the amp,plus the reputation of the company making it.A high end company most likely will have a tranny big enough to perform the way they claim.♫

I’ve found those with substantial often times, over built perhaps, power supplies do indeed contribute to the stability and performance level of an amp…. It’s just NOT the only thing which does however.

The power supply becomes still more important if the speaker mated to it is not optimally chosen. The PS is responsible for supplying sufficient voltage/current at whatever frequency immediately to the speakers so they will reproduce an undistorted signal. Differing freqs need more power to generate the same volume than do others. Consequently, the power sup must be able to provide the required juice or problems develop, like clipping or distortion. Neither is good and either can be damaging…. Especially to the speakers.

A fair enough rule of thumb for selecting class A or A/B amps is just to see how heavy the amp is. Again, it’s not the only aspect worthy of consideration… but it’s right up there in those type amps. Capacitors too play a big part, size, type, and number of them add to the power sups ready & reserve energy supply.

Hope that helps.

Thanks for the responses. I do know that the general rule of thumb in selecting an amp with a good power supply is by the weight of it. I am just not too sure if we can judge the quality of power supply through the numbers which most amp manufacturers do not publish in the specifications. My integrated amp is not too heavy weighing in at approximately 20 lbs. but it seems to possess ample power in reserve for transients and dynamic swings in music during loud passages.