Amplifiers: Reality Under Load

This article is the sixth installment in a series exploring why acoustic systems with good measured specifications can sound poor. The author shifts focus from speakers to amplifiers, which were previously treated as neutral system components. The text addresses the fundamental question: do all amplifiers sound the same? The author recounts their journey in identifying sound distortions, noting that the search for truth was complicated by the need to distinguish between the influence of the amplifier and the signal source. The article covers technical nuances such as Class B output stages and current control issues, emphasizing that standard measurements on resistive loads do not always reflect real-world behavior when driving speakers. This piece serves as an introduction to a deeper analysis of how amplifiers interact with loads, preparing the reader for a subsequent discussion on the impact of signal sources on final audio quality.