Amplifier Input Impedance


Why are so many high-power solid state amps designed with such low input impedances. Doesn't that really low input impedance limit the range of pre amps that can be used? Are there technical reasons why designers make these impedances so low? Why not design your muscle amp with a really high input impedance so it will potentially work well with all pre amps?
stickman451

Showing 1 response by turnbowm

I have an analog FM tuner that's very sensitive to output loading, requiring an input impedance of 47Kohms (min.) on the connecting equipment. Unfortunately, it seems that newer preamps and integrated amps have input impedances much lower than that which really limits my choices.

Another problem area is for those with equipment that have output coupling capacitors connected to equipment with low input impedances. This could result in reduced bass performance.

Designers could easily achieve higher input impedances in their designs IF the requirement existed.