Slew Rate?


Can anyone explain what a 'slew rate' is and how it relates to a power amps performance? What to look for as a measurement? I notice Parasound publishes the slew rate of their amps, but haven't noticed many other manufacturers.

ALSO, I'm looking at purchasing a planar speaker -- I'm looking at Eminent Technology ---- and I believe someone once said or wrote that what one should look for in a power amp to power planars is a lot of "Volts" as opposed to "watts" --- any comments?

Thank You
sedona

Showing 1 response by gregadd

If you like cars you see engines have two ratings torque and horsepower. Sheer horsepower effects top end spped. torque effects low end power.

Similarly,amps have a power output and a current output. This is why when playing a tube amp and solid state amp of similar power the tube amp appears to have more power. Because it generaly puts out more current.
For some reason planar speakers seem to require more current to move thier large diaphrams. The ET is reknown for it's inefficiency. I have found the conrad johnson to be very good in this area. Early Krell and Levinson(company not the man) where also excellent.