Note that I said that "high dynamic headroom CAN also be an indication that the amplifier's power supply and/or its thermal design are 'weak.'" I did NOT mean to imply that a high dynamic headroom figure NECESSARILY means that the amplifier is deficient in terms of its power supply design or its thermal design.
For instance, an el cheapo mid-fi receiver with a poorly regulated power supply, minimal storage capacitance, and marginally adequate heat sinking may very conceivably provide more dynamic headroom, relative to its continuous power rating, than a 200 pound $20K class A monster.
Keep in mind also that besides being a function of design, the dynamic headroom numbers are functions of specmanship. The more conservative the continuous power rating is, the greater the dynamic headroom number will be.
Regards,
-- Al
For instance, an el cheapo mid-fi receiver with a poorly regulated power supply, minimal storage capacitance, and marginally adequate heat sinking may very conceivably provide more dynamic headroom, relative to its continuous power rating, than a 200 pound $20K class A monster.
Keep in mind also that besides being a function of design, the dynamic headroom numbers are functions of specmanship. The more conservative the continuous power rating is, the greater the dynamic headroom number will be.
Regards,
-- Al