Here is a summary of how the type of speakers connected to an amplifier can affect its sound quality:
- Speaker efficiency – More efficient speakers require less power so the amp doesn’t have to work as hard. This reduces distortion. Less efficient speakers make the amp work harder.
- Impedance – Speakers with impedance lower than the amp’s rating draw more current, which can strain the amp and cause distortion at high volumes. Proper impedance matching prevents this.
- Power handling – Speakers rated for power handling less than the amp’s output may get overdriven and damaged. Match power ratings to prevent blowing speakers.
- Frequency response – Speakers with limited frequency response may not take full advantage of the amp’s capabilities in those ranges.
- Dispersion – Narrow dispersion speakers require more precise positioning to sound best. Wide dispersion speakers are more forgiving.
- Driver size – Larger woofers and tweeters can move more air and take advantage of the amp’s power. Smaller drivers have limits.
- Crossover network – Simple crossovers may not optimize the amp’s interaction with the drivers. Complex crossovers integrate better.
- Impedance dips – Variations in impedance over frequency affect how much current is drawn from the amp, potentially causing distortion.
- Reactive loads – The reactive nature of speakers causes phase shifts that may interact with the amp’s stability and damping factor.
In summary, properly matching the speakers and amplifier based on efficiency, power handling, impedance and other factors results in optimal performance. The speaker design greatly impacts the demands placed on the amplifier.
Citations:
[1] https://hificentre.com/blogs/news/does-an-amplifier-improve-sound-quality-an-in-depth-analysis
[2] https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/the-sound-of-an-amplifier
[3] https://www.thesoundadvocate.com/2023/05/improving-loudspeaker-sound-quality-by-upgrading-your-amplifier/
[4] https://mynewmicrophone.com/do-amplifiers-improve-sound-quality/
[5] https://youtube.com/watch?v=YbPKL8LDr64
[6] https://audiouniversityonline.com/choosing-an-amplifier/