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Reading Spec Sheets

I often look at watts, but what about current. Is there a way to tell if an amp is high current or not. The reason why I ask is I have had amps that list more watts into 8ohms or 4 ohms, but did not sound as powerful as amps with less watts. I suspect the reason is current. So is there anything in a spec sheet that would tell current capablities.
kclone

Showing 2 responses by jtcf

jtcf's avatar
jtcf
1,620 posts
 
An amp will sound more powerful if it can double it's output into a 4ohm load or triple into a 2 ohm load.For instance the spec. sheet may read:40 watts into 8 ohms,80 watts into 4ohms,120 watts into 2 ohms.Many spec. sheets don't include that info. but a call or email to the manufacturer will provide you with that spec.
jtcf's avatar
jtcf
1,620 posts
 
You guys are right,I way oversimplified!Was refering to class A/B amps.Class D and tube amps certainly are different animals.My experience has been that if a class A/B amp can't nearly double it's power it has no dynamics to speak of.They don't need to use excessive neg. feedback to accomplish that,though some still do.I agree high feedback = lower distortion spec.= bad sound.
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