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Best High Current amplifiers stable into low impedances

Seems like all I hear when reading Stereophile’s measurements when it comes to speakers: must be used with a High current amplifier stable at 2 Ohm. Most amplifiers rarely give specs related to 2 ohm loads. Most amplifiers are only stable into 8 and 4 ohm loads, and if they mention 2 ohm it seems they aren’t saying continuous, but peak, short term power.
With speakers becoming more complex and harder to drive, what are some high current amplifiers that have no problem with these 2 ohm or lower impedance speakers?

hiendmmoe

Showing 2 responses by markusthenaimnut

markusthenaimnut's avatar
markusthenaimnut
376 posts
 

On the used market, Innersound Electrostatic amplifier. Or Sanders or Coda.

These amplifiers share a common design approach - numerous transistors that can dump gigantic amounts of current into any load. Here’s something I clipped from the enjoy the music review of the Innersound amp:

The InnerSound Electrostatic Amplifier ("ESL amp") solves this problem by using a massive output stage. Each output transistor is capable of delivering 250 watts -- and there are eighteen of these per channel. As a result, it can deliver a staggering 135 amps of current with a combined power rating of 4,500 watts per channel! The output impedance of an amplifier must be lower than the impedance of the speaker, or current clipping will result. With so many output devices, the output impedance of the ESL amplifier is virtually zero. Current clipping simply is no longer an issue.

This amp does not sound dry. It sounds beautiful. Like music. I’ve emphasized it here because I’ve owned one. A tremendous piece of gear. A tremendous value. The Sanders amplifiers are evolutions of this design and are extremely good value. Same with Coda. Mind-boggling approach. Totally cool.

markusthenaimnut's avatar
markusthenaimnut
376 posts
 

Just a quick note. The above technical comments are a useful reminder of what the OP was really asking about. And there are many solid suggestions for fine products, too.

So, IMHO this becomes a question of value. Bang for the buck. "We know what we want. Now, where to get it at the best possible price."

Which brings me back to the Innersound Electrostatic amp. Or one of Roger Sanders fine amplifiers. Reviews of theses amplifiers consistently refer to their beautiful sound, rivaling in many ways the finest tube amplifiers, but with tremendous, prodigious, useful power. Hence, my ongoing praise of these products. 

Of course you can also get very nice amplifiers with excellent performance like we are discussing if you are willing to spend a ton of money. Lots of money makes it easier to solve many problems. But as my mother used to say, "what's the fun in that?" 

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