2. amps-preamps
  3. 1335725164

I think my speakers are killing my amps.

I have VMPS FF3 SRE bi-amped w outboard crossover, I have upgraded from the original single panel to the multi planar driver option.
I ran 300w Classe amp on panels but at around 95db it would go into protection. I changed to Aragon 4004 MKII 2 yrs ago that gave 400w and thought I was good till yesterday but while playing pretty loud maybe 100db the amp started making these loud clicking sounds the one channel was just dead. Now I wonder if a mistake was made in planar drivers wiring or in updated crossover. Its possible amp finally bit it after some years of great service but its always the same speaker and it has sent multiple amps into fits. I think maybe its down to 1ohm brutal swing or something but am not smart in that area of electronics. Any ideas would be great, thanks. BTW Classe is in service now but not at loud levels.
chadnliz

Showing 1 response by bombaywalla

bombaywalla's avatar
bombaywalla
1,958 posts
 
you know, planar speakers (electro-static or true ribbon or quasi ribbon) could be a very capacitative load to the power amp. This means that, due to this highly capacitative load, the power amp could break out into ultrasonic oscillations. As a side note: Very recently I contributed to a thread that discussed ultrasonic oscillations - the OP had posted that his Odyssey Audio gear was frying his Green Mtn Audio speakers time & again - you might want to read that thread as well if there is any info worthwhile for you.
The ultrasonic oscillations could have sufficient amplitude thus generate sufficient heat energy to kill your power amp over time.
There's a good reason that InnerSound/Sanders Sound Systems makes their own power amp for their speakers. Not all power amps, no matter how bulky they look, can effectively drive a planar loudspeaker.
Maybe this is not the issue but it's something to keep in mind.....
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