Current Questions

Think of it in terms of plumbing.
Water pressure is equivalent to voltage. Resistance/impedance is analogous to a valve which controls the flow. The water flow is the current. The more the water flow, the better your shower. The more current into your speaker, the better your sound.

Back in the late 70’s I read a review on a power amp made by (I forget) stating that the amp was capable of 35 amps of power per channel. This sort of talk lasted for a bit longer and constant current, power envelope, and other sorts of talk too.

It is pointed out in a previous post to sell the high points of a product within the confines of its capabilities. So, if there is a scratch on the hood, make sure and open it quickly and talk about the engine.

we start with the speaker, and determine which amplifiers will work and which will not, and then go from there.

We can talk about current in isolation, but it seems easier if we started with an example of what speakers you wanted to consider running.

Not to get too technical but in terms of current, since the speaker is a "load" can we not say that the speaker will have a certain current "draw" in order to reproduce the signal being sent? If the amp does not have the capability of providing that draw, is that what leads to the amp clipping? In other words, the question isn't so much amp output current but, as some have been saying, the amount of current draw by the speaker. One must understand that and choose an amp that will meet that requirement. I have never seen specs. for either but I have experienced it.
 

Not to get too technical but in terms of current, since the speaker is a "load" can we not say that the speaker will have a certain current "draw" in order to reproduce the signal being sent?

At a specific voltage and frequency, then yes. The draw is linear with voltage in the equation V=IR or I=V/R.

If the amp does not have the capability of providing that draw, is that what leads to the amp clipping?

There is clipping as in trying to reach a voltage that is too high to achieve as it is beyond the rails.

And there is inability to provide the current. When the current cannot be provided, then the desired voltage will not be achieved. This would be more of a distortion than clipping. (Almost like compression).

In other words, the question isn't so much amp output current but, as some have been saying, the amount of current draw by the speaker. One must understand that and choose an amp that will meet that requirement.

If the speakers draw less, or equal, to what the amp can provide, then all is well.

I have never seen specs. for either but I have experienced it.

The specs for impedance is common for most decent speakers, and maybe half of the speakers show it.