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Re: Damping factor

"However, these data do not support the assertion often made for the advantages of extremely high damping factors. Even given, again, the very conservative argument that ±0.1 dB deviation in frequency response is audible, that still suggests that damping factors in excess of 50 will not lead to audible improvements, all else being equal. And, as before, these deviations must be considered in the context of normal response variations due to manufacturing tolerances and environmental changes."

Interesting stuff, Dan. I guess that one argument for using large amounts of negative feedback is effectively debunked...by you!

"There may be audible differences that are caused by non-zero source resistance. However, this analysis and any mode of measurement and listening demonstrates conclusively that it is not due to the changes in damping the motion of the cone at the point where it's at it's most uncontrolled: system resonances. Even considering the substantially larger response variations resulting from the non-flat impedance vs. frequency function of most loudspeakers, the magnitude of the problem simply is not what is claimed.

Rather, the people advocating the importance of high damping factors must look elsewhere for a culprit: motion control at resonance, or damping, simply fails to explain the claimed differences."

So what would your explanation of that be?


Also explain to me the behavior feedback amps are exhibiting when their damping factor drops like a stone over 1Khz. It is nearly always accompanied by a rise in high frequency distortion. Like here:
http://www.soundstagemagazine.com/measurements/nad_c372/
http://www.soundstagemagazine.com/measurements/anthem_statement_p2/
http://www.soundstagemagazine.com/measurements/classe_ca2200/
http://www.soundstagemagazine.com/measurements/accustic_arts_amp_iiac_high_performance/
http://www.soundstagemagazine.com/measurements/odyssey_khartago/
http://www.soundstagemagazine.com/measurements/threshold_s5000e/
http://www.soundstagemagazine.com/measurements/krell_fpb300c/
http://www.soundstagemagazine.com/measurements/anthem_pva2/
http://www.soundstagemagazine.com/measurements/bryston_4b_sst/

Notice the drop in damping factor and the rise in high frequency distortion. This cannot be good for sound.


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