2. amps-preamps
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Please explain amplifier output impedance

I have recently read a few loudspeaker reviews which mention that the speakers would likely work best with low output impedance (or high output impedance) amplifiers.

So, what measurement defines low output impedance (or high output impedance) on an amplifier? What's the numerical value of low and high output impedance, and what is "average"?

Also, what specification of a loudspeaker provides info that would indicate using an amplifier with particular output impedance?

Thanks in advance for explaining this in laymen’s terms. :)
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Showing 2 responses by gregm

gregm
3,395 posts
 
Duke notes:
It took me a very long time to get the impedance curves smooth enough that there wasn't a significant tonal balance difference depending on which amp I used. Easy to smooth the impedance curves, but hard to do so without screwing something else up
Indeed it is! How did you go about it --if I'm not asking a sensitive question? Cheers
gregm
3,395 posts
 
Thank you, Duke.
The 27 ohm maximum was at about 3 kHz, which is not a good place to have a response anomaly
Indeed, although rather benign compared to a (expensive) branded speaker I onced measured with a friend...! And you had few components in the signal path messing things up, which is a bonus. After all, a push-pull (or an OTL?) amp may work wonderfully with that... who knows...
Mr Berning sez
By the way, (Sean,) what (..you..) would think of an amplifier with negative output impedance
Not to hi-jack the conversation -- but hasn't Mr Pass tried/experimented with something like that?
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