V=IR, Db=20 log V1/V2 , Bat 51SE


I am considering mating a Bat 51Se with Pass X350.5. Input impedance of the pass is 20K ohms balanced. Bat output impedance was specified at 200 ohms. If data is true, than the match should be great at least on paper.

According to stereophile measurements, the output impedance of the Bat rose to 4.7K ohm at 20Hz. Assuming this is true, I am interested in calculating the roll off I'd experience.

R1 output imped of preamp
R2 input resistance of amp

assuming preamp does not increase current to maintain constant output voltage, the drop in voltage should be proportion to the drop in resistance ( V=IR).

Ideally: R2>>R1 so R=R1 (1/R=1/R1+ 1/R2) or R=R1R2/(R1+R2)

My situation: R2=4.26 R1
so: R = 0.81 R1

therefore voltage drop is 19% at 20Hz

Using the conversion to decibel

drop in Db= 20 log V2/V1 with V1 (ideal voltage), V2 (actual output)

= 20 log 0.81
= -1.83 Db

If sterophile measurements and the calculations are correct, I would experience a 1.8 Db drop at 20Hz.

1) I have not done this stuff for a long time, please verify whether I am right or wrong.

2) If I amp calculating system gain in Db, it should be

db= 10 log (X1/X2) , should the loss be 0.9db instead of 1.8db?

3) Does preamp increase current to maintain constant voltage?

Thanks in advance.
=

glai

Showing 1 response by dan_ed

I think you are correct. Since we're talking power it should be 20 log V/V, but it's been a long time for me as well. :)

I would say that 1.8 dB down at 20Hz is pretty damn good. Can your speakers even go to 20Hz? The more important question is can the amp put out the current to satisfy the speaker load at 20Hz. I am familiar with Pass only by reputation but I would suspect that you will have no problems. Whatever amp you choose, as long as it can really double down you should be fine. I did own a VK 50SE for a while with classe amps and Aerial 10t's. Bass roll off was NOT an issue at all, but then the Aerials can punch out the bass.