Amplifiers: High Current? High Voltage?


I've seen alot of mention about current-based and voltage-based amplifiers, and I am confused. I thought all amplifiers recreated the wave form by varying voltage, and their interaction with the speaker (and the impedence characteristics between the two) dictate what current is drawn. I understand that the power supply of some amplifiers is less current restricted than others, but my (current) understanding also says that all amplifiers work by controlling voltage. Is there really such a thing as an amplifier that controls current rather than voltage?
peter_s

Showing 1 response by atmasphere

Gs5556- Nice to see your post. The seemingly 'simple' fact that you outlined seems to be missed by many in the audio community- the current in a speaker is the same for a given amount of power regardless of the technology that created the power- Ohm's Law cannot be denied.

In reality all power amps are in fact that: *power* amplifiers, and are incapable of producing current without voltage, or voltage without current. I wish the industry would get this fact straight (and get right with the Law :)

Peter_s, Additional filter caps with help smooth out a power supply of noise created by the operation of the amp. The less noise, to a certain extent, the less distortion. The result is smoother sound with greater authority.