Damping Factor - Interesting article


Benchmark Media published interesting article on Damping Factor.  I already knew that it does not make much difference for the damping of the membrane, but low output impedance is necessary to drive changing impedance ot the speaker (ideal voltage source).  According to this article DF=100 produces about 0.5dB variations typically, while DF=200 reduces it to 0.1dB.  DF above 200 is inaudible.

https://benchmarkmedia.com/blogs/application_notes/audio-myth-damping-factor-isnt-much-of-a-factor?omnisendAttributionID=email_campaign_5eda3b728a48f72deaf34bf2&omnisendContactID=5cf9266b15b61cc5a2a4dee7&utm_campaign=campaign%3A+AUDIO+MYTH+-+%22DAMPING+FACTOR+ISN%27T+MUCH+OF+A+FACTOR%22+%285eda3b728a48f72deaf34bf2%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=omnisend

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Showing 2 responses by turnbowm

The problem I have is that even when Damping Factor is specified for an amp, the conditions are usually not indicated. Does it apply at 8 ohms or some other value? Also, the DF spec usually doesn't list the frequency. The DF at 20Hz may be significantly different at 20KHz.

djones51
2,195 posts
06-06-2020 8:41am
"What amplifer are you talking about turnbrown?...."

Marantz Integated Amps are a good example of DF specs with no load or frequency specified. Hegel, who prides themselves on very high DFs, list no load or frequency in their specifications.