Do Internals matter in an amp?

photocrazy

I am trying to understand how two amps compare, when both output same watts but with different internals.

So if amp A outputs 200 watts with 1.2kVA and 60k output capacitance and amp B has the same output but with 2X1.2kVA and 180k output capacitance, what does the extra powersupply and capacitance offer?

F1nut

On the surface, amp #1 appears to be a stereo amp while amp #2 appears to be dual mono. Amp #2 is more likely able to double its power into a 4 ohm load and probably double again into a 2 ohm load.

If amp #2 is rated at only 200wpc, it's likely underrated.

Does any of that mean #2 sounds better than #1? No.

polkfarmboy

Do dual mono amps generally have double the caps of the average stereo amp? My electrostats dip really low so I may be served better by having an amp that doubles down evenly

photocrazy

F1nut wrote: »

On the surface, amp #1 appears to be a stereo amp while amp #2 appears to be dual mono.

Lets assume both are 5 channel amps with 200 watts per channel

F1nut

Doesn't change much, amp #2 has more balls, but that still doesn't mean it sounds better than amp #1.

gp4jesus

If those are ONLY differences, "B" would likely have better channel separation & should have more reserve power. In fact just having dedicated capacitor banks & rectification for each channel should improve channel separation. Those differences wont garentee improved low(er) impedence load stability.

Either way most any amp w/either PS should be quite stout!

Shalom, Tony

gp4jesus

If those are ONLY differences, "B" would likely have better channel separation & should have more reserve power.

In fact just having dedicated capacitor banks & rectification for each channel should improve channel separation. Look up the Hafler XL 280 schematic for example.

Those differences wont garentee improved low(er) impedence load stability.

Either way most any amp w/either PS should be quite stout!

Shalom, Tony

BlueFox

Do the internals matter? If not then why is there a difference in internals? Marketing? Is it the front panel design that makes one amp sound better than another amp? Do all amps sound the same, or operate the same, with the same set of speakers? If yes, all amps sound the same, then the internals do not matter. If no, and assuming it is not the front panel making the difference, then the internals do matter.

After thinking about this, I am going to upgrade my front panel.

cnh

Jesse's is absolutely right! You've heard the phrase "location, location, location" in Real Estate.

Well, here, it is "Design, design, design" and "Quality, quality, quality"! Big difference in how an amp is laid out and what kind of parts are in it, etc. And this, fortunately, or unfortunately, often correlates with "cost".

Capacitors and transformers are important but they are only a "part" of the story. Or in this case: parts!

cnh

photocrazy

gp4jesus wrote: »

If those are ONLY differences, "B" would likely have better channel separation & should have more reserve power.

In fact just having dedicated capacitor banks & rectification for each channel should improve channel separation. Look up the Hafler XL 280 schematic for example.

Those differences wont garentee improved low(er) impedence load stability.

Either way most any amp w/either PS should be quite stout!

Shalom, Tony

Thanks. but what do you mean by channel seperation? individual channels have seperate amplification right?

And given the fact that both have same 200w, wouldn't the reserve power/head room be the same?

photocrazy

cnh wrote: »

Capacitors and transformers are important but they are only a "part" of the story. Or in this case: parts!

cnh

But i guess amplifier = transformer +transistors+ capacitors. Lol...only that much I know about amplifiers.

Fongolio

photocrazy wrote: »

But i guess amplifier = transformer +tubes+ capacitors. Lol...only that much I know about amplifiers.

There, I fixed it for you.

tonyb

photocrazy wrote: »

But i guess amplifier = transformer +transistors+ capacitors. Lol...only that much I know about amplifiers.

You also have design and how that design is implemented. Quality of parts used, etc. They all do the same thing, but are not created equal. Think receivers, a collection of parts, all doing basically the same thing, yet sounding different. Same goes for anything I guess.

gp4jesus

photocrazy wrote: »

Thanks. but what do you mean by channel seperation? individual channels have seperate amplification right?

And given the fact that both have same 200w, wouldn't the reserve power/head room be the same?

The less shared PS components (capacitor banks [CB],rectifiers, transformers) should net less crosstalk between channels. Separate PS components including transformers prevents (this an extreme example) a big bass note in one channel from hogging all the available juice in the CB leaving little to nothing for the other(s*).
* in the case of a 5 or 7 chl amp/receiver

I have a 5 channel Rotel amp w/3 CB. 1 channel has its own set, but the left front & left surround share a set as do the right front & right surround. So I treat it as a 3 channel amp connecting to my LCR, using Haf 280s for sides & rears. See my sig in earlier reply.

Tony