It refers to the ability of an amplifier to deliver a greater amount of power on brief musical peaks than the amount of power it is rated to deliver continuously.
That can be good in the sense that the peak power levels required by a lot of music can be vastly higher than the average levels that are required. Classical symphonic music is one of the most extreme examples of that.
However, high dynamic headroom can also be an indication that the amplifier's power supply and/or its thermal design are "weak," because it indicates that the amplifier cannot sustain its maximum power capability for very long.
Regards,
-- Al
That can be good in the sense that the peak power levels required by a lot of music can be vastly higher than the average levels that are required. Classical symphonic music is one of the most extreme examples of that.
However, high dynamic headroom can also be an indication that the amplifier's power supply and/or its thermal design are "weak," because it indicates that the amplifier cannot sustain its maximum power capability for very long.
Regards,
-- Al