2. amps-preamps
  3. 134989-1640

Would you change your amp selection knowing...?

OK - so this thread was promted by some comments on another thread - not wanting to hijack that thread I created this one...

ISSUE: some high current designed amps have an issue with speaker cables that have a high capacitance.
- the amp can be driven to self destruction because of internal oscilation caused by the high capacitance of the speaker cable
- this does NOT apply to Tube amps - i.e. to my knowledge

The amps I know of that are affected in this way are Ayre, Gryphon and NAIM
- only NAIM warns of this up front AND instruct their dealers to let customers know about it

So why don’t other brands warn about the possibility?

QUESTION:
- would it put you off?
- would you select a different amp if the manufacturer warned of this "issue" up front?

Cheers



williewonka

Showing 3 responses by kijanki

kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,453 posts
 
Oscillation can self destroy the amp and might damage tweeters. 

I assume that amplifier can safely drive all typical cables and speakers unless manufacturer specifies limitations - like maximum load capacitance.

Since preventing oscillation usually reduces bandwidth of the amp, either thru Zobel network, shallower negative feedback, limiting bandwidth at the input or frequency compensation, then amp that oscillates was likely designed with shortcuts to improve specifications (or poorly designed).
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,453 posts
 
Stereo5, I don't quite understand your post.  Do you mean that Odyssey amps tend to oscillate?
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,453 posts
 
So, if Odyssey amps don't oscillate, why you even mentioned them?

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