Damping Factor?

[45js45 10+ year member]

How important is the damping factor,what exactley does it measure,and what is a good #?I have seen Critical Mass have df #s in the 600s and other amps in the 100s?

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[ciaonzo 5,000+ posts]

The damping factor basically describes the amplifier's ability to resist the EMF back-current generated by the driver's voice coil as you throw power into it. I higher number might suggest greater ability to keep a good "grip" on the coil but it's debated that past a certain point (20 - 50, I believe) there's no difference to be perceived. The numbers get pretty ridiculous to suit the marketing standpoint.

 

[gunz4me2 10+ year member]

As ciaonzo said, damping factor is a useless spec, especially when it comes to car audio. Now, pro audio where speaker runs can be 50 feet or longer, damping factor is a HUGE concern!

As for being able to hear damping factor, think about the audiophiles who absolutely LOVE tube amplifiers and most of them have a damping factor of 1.

 

[nateberrier 10+ year member]

most of the amps i get say greater than 200 anyway so i dont think it matters.

 

[RAM_Designs 5,000+ posts]

Useless spec IMO.

 

[45js45 10+ year member]

thank you