2. amps-preamps
  3. 1300148031

Why Don't We See More High Current Electronics?

It seems that in looking around for amplifiers and integrated amps that double their power as the impedance is halved (high current), they seem to be in a minority. Is it just more costly to build good-sounding high current electronics and the market demand for them just isn't there, or what?
foster_9
unsound
7,344 posts
 
One can and sometimes does hear in excess of 110 dB. It's not just the volume, but the duration and the frequency that one hears these peaks that are of concern. When it's appropriate, it's nice to have the capability. Some speaker can handle it without significant distortion.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,104 posts
 
Yeah, we've had this discussion before. Same old same old. Lots of assertions, but no supporting data. Negative feedback is bad because it causes time-domain distortion, distortions we can measure aren't important

Of course there is plenty of supporting data, and the distortions we are talking about *can* be measured, as well as heard.

high output impedance doesn't really affect frequency response linearity.

I don't know where you got that but you did not hear that from me. In fact the whole point of that paper (which now I am guessing you did not read) is that you have to **pay attention** to these things to **prevent** errors in 'frequency response linearity'.

so very high current amps are mostly for people that have more money than sense (like me).

Tube amps are for people even more skewed towards money than sense. ;-)

So, are you saying here that you have a tube amp in your future?? :)
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,751 posts
 
Yes, factor in the ability to handle transients as well as the more macro dynamic/loudness aspects and the case for making sure your amp does not break a sweat doing it's job one way or another goes way up.

I'm not an expert on amp design by any stretch, but what I do know based on experience and reading tells me in my gut that this is the right approach.
irvrobinson
295 posts
 
So, are you saying here that you have a tube amp in your future?? :)

-------------

I can't imagine it. ;-) But after reading your website and reading so many of your posts I wish it wasn't such a PITA to listen to what your amps, which have a design I wouldn't normally consider, would sound like compared to my Levinson amps. Unlike properly designed speaker cables, power cords, and the like, I suspect there could be audible differences, though I more strongly suspect that these differences would be coloration, not greater accuracy. Nonetheless, even a curmudgeon like me occasionally succumbs to curiosity.
weseixas
519 posts
 

You can get the exact same current delivery for a given load without the expense of an amp that doubles its power when the impedance is halved. It's true that such an amp, depending on its power capabilities, could accomodate a wider range of speakers, but in general it's unnecessary.

Which would you prefer, a 250 watt amp into 8 ohms that doubles into 4 ohms or a 600 watt amp into 8 ohms that produces 900 watts into 4 ohms? -03-14-11: Bob_reynolds

Errr ...ahhhh.... Hmmm.. the one that doubles thank you ...

regards,
More to discover