Importance Of Power Supply : Transformer Ratings


It is to my impression that the power supply plays a vital role as the source of energy for power amplifier selection. May I know how does the power supply contribute to the quality and/or sonics of the amp?

How does a 500VA power transformer hold an advantage over a 400VA power transformer, and how do we deduce the power transformer ratings of amplifiers if the figures are not shown in the user manual or specifications ?

Any advice would be most appreciated.
ryder

Showing 3 responses by ryder

Thanks for the responses. I do know that the general rule of thumb in selecting an amp with a good power supply is by the weight of it. I am just not too sure if we can judge the quality of power supply through the numbers which most amp manufacturers do not publish in the specifications. My integrated amp is not too heavy weighing in at approximately 20 lbs. but it seems to possess ample power in reserve for transients and dynamic swings in music during loud passages.
Thanks for the informative link. It appears that peak voltage of power supplies is important in reproducing large transients with a recommended 120V. I suppose we can't check this as most amp manufacturers don't publish this figure in the specs.

In the article:
"Using the B&W 805 speaker, with 87.5dB/W/m sensitivity, and the powerful Music Fidelity amplifier, Howard did a number of measurements of produced peak SPL from a few recorded classical pieces. He found that peak SPL can be as high as 120dB at 10 feet from the speakers."
I didn't expect the small 805's can achieve a peak of 120dB at 10 feet away. That would translate to about 110dB at 1m. I am surprised the speakers can take up to that max. SPL without going into distortion.