Hi Guys, so I have a question. What is the difference between a higher gain on a weaker amp, and a lower gain on a stronger amp. I ask this because im not sure which is better. I know everyone says you need a lot of current for planar cans due to the technology. But now my queation lays.
The LS for example has 1.3W at 32ohm, the Archel 2.5 has 1W at 16ohm which will make it even less at 32ohm. But the gain on the Archel 2.5 is a lot more than on the LS.
What is the difference between gain volume, vs power volume. Will a higher Wattage amp drive planar cans better as the same volume than a lower wattage amp.
In the Fiio M15 review Z spoke about high current mode which had the same volume but just sounded better. Is that the case between higher and lower wattage amps?
I hope this makes sence, its hard to put in words whats going on in this head of mine.
Gain refers to voltage. A higher voltage will enable more movement (distance wise) of the diaphragm causing more volume.
“Power” in this context should be more current (= ampereage), so the push the diaphragm can excert on the air.
Higher wattage for planar is important as you need the current to get meaningful movement in the first place. The voltage is more of a “end stop” to the movement.
TODO: Add graph for visualization.
Higher gain is fairly simple, double the voltage and you get double the power. Power is the product of Current and Voltage, so 1W = 1A * 1V.
As said above, power dependant on two factors. To get 2.5W for example you can do 2.5A at 1V or 1A at 2.5V (or any value in between). The exact figures for an amplifier depend on the specific components used, but you get the idea.
