High Current Monoblocks


Hi Folks. I'm in the market for some mono amps that are capable of delivering high current. Can be tube or solid state but must have a small footprint. Linestage is an ARC LS26. Any suggestions?
dodgealum

Showing 2 responses by eldartford

What do you mean by "high current"?

An amplifier's power output can be limited by: (1) the maximum voltage it can produce, or (2) it's ability to deliver current to the speaker so that the output voltage can be maintained.

Musical signals are characterized by infrequent "spikes" of high voltage. These only require high current for a brief time interval. For music reproduction it is better to run out of current than voltage. The "continuous" power rating that FCC specs require are actually less sensible than the scorned "music" power specs that the industry dreamed up some years ago.

I am all in favor of a "robust" power supply, but I don't need a welding supply.
Peter_s...The "Double down" criteria is a good test of a decent power supply.
Another criteria which might be more appropriate for music is "headroom". I think this word describes the ability to deliver an undistorted waveform when the peak (brief duration) voltage is well above what the amp can deliver continuously. In practice this would mean high "rail" voltages that will "sag" if a correspondingly high output voltage is required continuously. Don't like that "sag"? No problem. Just give me another $1000 for a bigger power supply,and more output transistors, but if you don't listen to continuous ear-splitting sine waves it will gain you nothing (except audiophile bragging rights).