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Thread: Ideal amp Damping Factor

  1. #1
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    Default Ideal amp Damping Factor

    I'm looking at replacing my Cambridge CXA81 integrated for a more higher end amp. I've noticed that some amps, like McIntosh, have lower damping factor ~40. Where some other amps have a damping factor 400-500. Is there an ideal or a minimum damping factors for the ELX towers? I see some people say that any damping factors over 40 won't make a different, while some amp companies tout their very high damping factors. does it make a difference and will a higher damping factor better control the speakers?

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Ideal amp Damping Factor

    Well, supposedly, the higher the better.

    Personally, I have never done a comparison.
    -curtis
    main/living room (5.1):
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  3. #3
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    Default Re: Ideal amp Damping Factor

    Quote Originally Posted by wtrimble View Post
    I'm looking at replacing my Cambridge CXA81 integrated for a more higher end amp.
    Why? That is, what is the CXA81 not doing well enough for you that you're looking to replace it?

    I see some people say that any damping factors over 40 won't make a different
    To a first order of approximation, this is basically correct.

    There may be some edge cases where if your high-frequency hearing is really good that you might notice the frequency dependence on something with lower damping, but I'd bet money most people couldn't hear this in a blind test for a damping factor above 40.

    Really low damping factor can easily result in audible coloration. Many tube amps have very low damping, which is one of the reasons I don't understand people's fascination with tube amps for hifi. (Guitar amps are a different story.) But most solid state amps have high enough damping that's it not a big issue.
    Last edited by SunByrne; 01-27-2025 at 05:41 PM.
    Titan Horizon V2, 4x S1V2, and Rythmik L22 & L12 in HT1; Sierra-LXs in study; S-2EXs and Duo V2 C&S in bedroom; S-1s at work; HTM-200s in kitchen. Brother owns CMT-340s and dad has a pair of CBM-170s.

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Ideal amp Damping Factor

    Quote Originally Posted by SunByrne View Post
    Why? That is, what is the CXA81 not doing well enough for you that you're looking to replace it?



    To a first order of approximation, this is basically correct.

    There may be some edge cases where if your high-frequency hearing is really good that you might notice the frequency dependence on something with lower damping, but I'd bet money most people couldn't hear this in a blind test for a damping factor above 40.

    Really low damping factor can easily result in audible coloration. Many tube amps have very low damping, which is one of the reasons I don't understand people's fascination with tube amps for hifi. (Guitar amps are a different story.) But most solid state amps have high enough damping that's it not a big issue.
    I'm looking for more power to drive my speakers to greater volume. I'm looking for a big upgrade to be my forever amp. Such as the Mcintosh MC312.

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Ideal amp Damping Factor

    So..you like those blue lights...lol.
    May not be of importance but iirc...b o s e bought Mcintosh...kinda like the Mercedes owner telling the Audi owner who's bragging...And who owns Audi
    Media Room 5.1.2: TitanTowers v2 & STC(RAAL v2), Monitor Audio CP-WT & CT 260s
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  6. #6
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    Default Re: Ideal amp Damping Factor

    Just looking for lots of good clean power from a well known company with awesome resale ability. They measure well and put out a lot of juice!

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Ideal amp Damping Factor

    Quote Originally Posted by wtrimble View Post
    I'm looking for more power to drive my speakers to greater volume.
    The single best reason to get a different amp. Rock on!
    Titan Horizon V2, 4x S1V2, and Rythmik L22 & L12 in HT1; Sierra-LXs in study; S-2EXs and Duo V2 C&S in bedroom; S-1s at work; HTM-200s in kitchen. Brother owns CMT-340s and dad has a pair of CBM-170s.

  8. #8
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    Default Re: Ideal amp Damping Factor

    Quote Originally Posted by wtrimble View Post
    Just looking for lots of good clean power from a well known company with awesome resale ability. They measure well and put out a lot of juice!
    How loud do you listen? How far away are the speakers from the listening position?
    -curtis
    main/living room (5.1):
    - LG OLED 77" C3
    - Anthem AVM70, VTV AMPLIFIER 5 Channel 3+2 Purifi + Hypex
    - Sierra LX for LCR, HTM-200SE for surrounds, Rythmik F15HP
    - Eversolo DMP-A6, Oppo 205, AppleTV
    bedroom (2.1):
    - Vizio 65" P9
    - WiiM Ultra, Fosi V3 Mono x 2
    - Sierra Luna v2, RSL-10e sub
    - AppleTV
    I use Roon to manage the music streaming.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2024
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    19

    Default Re: Ideal amp Damping Factor

    I’m driving my ELX Ribbon towers with a 250w/ch Parasound A21 amp .
    It’s enough , but I personally wouldn’t go with less ….
    Just my opinion .. more is always better than less .
    As a matter of fact , at times , I could use more , but I have a fairly large room.

    Bk

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