Jaimo
Active Member
There’s a fascinating discussion going on in the Hypex discussion thread about embracing FTC standards for amplifier testing. This includes warming up an amp for something like 30 mins at a reduced load before taking rated output distortion measurements. The only issue is that the test is done into a resistive load and even then, there’s opposition to running this test.
To me it seems that the industry opted for convenience rather than attempting to do a proper test and there’s no easy way to determine from the specs how an amplifier will measure or perform when driving a real loudspeaker. To make matters worse, there are loads of poorly designed “audiophile” speakers in the market that present awful loads to amplifiers and the unsuspecting public is trapped into the never ending upgrade cycle. Naturally this serves a somewhat unethical hi-if business well and leaves people frustrated with trying to get good sound.
My solution has been to use active speakers from reputable (science based) manufacturers. This deals with one aspect of system matching.
In truth, after messing with audio for close to thirty years, I am finally satisfied with my current system and confident that my next upgrade will produce real improvements over what I currently have.
To me it seems that the industry opted for convenience rather than attempting to do a proper test and there’s no easy way to determine from the specs how an amplifier will measure or perform when driving a real loudspeaker. To make matters worse, there are loads of poorly designed “audiophile” speakers in the market that present awful loads to amplifiers and the unsuspecting public is trapped into the never ending upgrade cycle. Naturally this serves a somewhat unethical hi-if business well and leaves people frustrated with trying to get good sound.
My solution has been to use active speakers from reputable (science based) manufacturers. This deals with one aspect of system matching.
In truth, after messing with audio for close to thirty years, I am finally satisfied with my current system and confident that my next upgrade will produce real improvements over what I currently have.