How To Measure "Current" In An Amplifier?


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I've heard lots of times that an amplifier needs lots of "current" to drive a low impedance load.  
Is there any measurement on a spec sheet that would measure current?  
A high watts per channel amp does not necessarily mean that the amp has high current.
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mitch4t
One of my older amps has these specs:

150 watts RMS continuous, 8 ohms
300 watts RMS continuous, 4 ohms
475 watts RMS continuous, 2 ohms
Bridged mono:
550 watts RMS continuous, 8 ohms
800 watts RMS continuous, 4 ohms
1000 watts RMS continuous, 2 ohms
Output Current:
40 amps peak, continuous
90 amps peak, 0.1 ohm, 20 msec, 1 kHz

The ability to supply continuous current means a good power section, and the doubling into lower impedances also indicate a 'stiff' power supply.

I can't help but notice that you guys keep mentioning damping factor as if it were an absolute measurement. If you look up on ebay, "Audire Parlando" ( 100, 200, 360 wpc @ 8,4,2 ohms), you will find a brochure for this amp. It lists the damping factor as 1000 @ 20,000 cps, 800 @ 1000 cps, and 500 @ 10 cps.

I use a pair of slightly more powerful Audires (125 wpc @ ,8 ohms, 250 @ 4 ohms and 400 @ 2 ohms. It's damping factor is simply listed as 800.

The pair of 500 watt transformers and 8 26000 mf  filter capacitors per amp are the same, but the Parlando has a lot more output transistors, which lets it coast when my amps are working hard, but never to the point that it feels more than warm to the touch, even when just below the level to trigger the clipping indicators.

Given nearly identical designs up to the outputs, at high volumes, the Parlando is smoother. That is why I run two Fortes, to let them coast (Sometimes; The power is cool with good wine, even better with cheap wine or too much scotch.)

Any comments on either the three specs and the number of outputs as to current?

My guess is that the Parlando could put out a lot more current if it had the transformers to do so.

  


I made an error and an omission. The Audire Forte and Parlando use 4 26000 mf filter caps per channel.


Also, I want to hear about any impedence differences these designs might have. I have run B&W DM 14, 803 Series II and Acoustat electrostatic speakers,plus Peerless and 1259 subs with these amps. Only the 1259 subs did not work, maybe from lack of power; maybe impedence??? 

The reason the MF M6Si can punch above its weight price/performance wise vis-a-vis other apparatus in its class is because its made in MF's own manufacturing facilities in Taiwan, to take advantage of skilled, lower-cost craftsmanship in that country, and efficient logistical connections with countries in the Asia Pac and Australasian regions.

I have heard one and it is a stellar performer.