I'm not an expert on the subject but always heard that solid state amplifiers are low voltage, high current devices and work better with lower impedence speakers (8 ohms or lower), whereas tube amplifiers are high voltage, low current devices and work better with higher impedence speakers (8 ohms or higher; up to 16 ohms). Eventhough amplifiers put out more power into a 4 ohm load vs. an 8 ohm load, when the impedence of a speaker goes lower (4 ohms or less) it becomes an increasing difficult load for many amplifiers. Like Newbee pointed out, the impedence curve varies throughout the freqency range; some 4 ohm speakers, depending on their crossover design, may dip as far down as 2 ohms or even 1 ohm, which is a very difficult load for most amplifiers (except Krells which don't seem to mind). Hope this makes sense.
Please explain amplifier output impedance
I have recently read a few loudspeaker reviews which mention that the speakers would likely work best with low output impedance (or high output impedance) amplifiers.
So, what measurement defines low output impedance (or high output impedance) on an amplifier? What's the numerical value of low and high output impedance, and what is "average"?
Also, what specification of a loudspeaker provides info that would indicate using an amplifier with particular output impedance?
Thanks in advance for explaining this in laymen’s terms. :)
So, what measurement defines low output impedance (or high output impedance) on an amplifier? What's the numerical value of low and high output impedance, and what is "average"?
Also, what specification of a loudspeaker provides info that would indicate using an amplifier with particular output impedance?
Thanks in advance for explaining this in laymen’s terms. :)
- ...
- 72 posts total
- 72 posts total