2. amps-preamps
  3. 1156513030

Current mode vs voltage mode

Will some kind audiophile, in relatively simple terms, explain the difference between current mode and voltage mode signal transfer.

The reason I'm so interested is I own a Halcro amp/preamp combo which sounds much too thin when connected with high quality XLR voltage/standard interconnects. However when I use the unbalanced current mode connection (with standard high quality RCA cables) between amp and preamp it sounds much more musical and the lean qualities near-completely disappear.

Thanks for all thoughts in advance

Brian
audiobrian

Showing 1 response by cdc

cdc
1,663 posts
 
Sean or anyone? I had thought this thread was a question about current vs. voltage based amps. I don't see the type of I/C used as relating to how the amplification is accomplished.
Sort of like Nelson Pass's amps are current driven whereas most are voltage driven, if I'm not mistaken.
Maybe now this is off-topic but since you are posting, any insights on advantages of current vs. voltage driven amps?
Are chip amps (National LM3875) also voltage driven? Can't figure out why they sound so good.
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