Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Headphone Amps (full-size) › How does an amplifier work? does it just boost the signal and route more power?
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

How does an amplifier work? does it just boost the signal and route more power?

post #1 of 4
1/11/12 at 3:07pm
Thread Starter 

I just had the idea of using my stereo as an amplifier, and WOW what a difference compared to no amplifier! I can play my music about twice as loud with better bass response! Im pretty sure that it is a terrible amplifier, but wow, what a difference xD

 

How exactly does an amp work? In laymans terms at first, and then in detail if you want to show off and fill a gap in my knowlege :)

 

Thanks guys :) 

Reply
post #2 of 4
1/11/12 at 3:21pm

How an (ideal) amplifier works: Output = Input * Gain

Reply
post #3 of 4
1/11/12 at 3:37pm

An amplifier DOES NOT create anything.  It is simply analogus to a resistor controlling a larger voltage/current source.  Picture a variable resistance throttling the power supply reserve developed from the AC mains.  The tube or transistor is switched on off or varying a large reservoir developed by the power supply.  Of course there is more detail to it but always remember, the amp is not magically creating anything not already there. 

Reply
post #4 of 4
1/11/12 at 3:56pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by amham View Post

An amplifier DOES NOT create anything.  It is simply analogus to a resistor controlling a larger voltage/current source.  Picture a variable resistance throttling the power supply reserve developed from the AC mains.  The tube or transistor is switched on off or varying a large reservoir developed by the power supply.  Of course there is more detail to it but always remember, the amp is not magically creating anything not already there. 



a rubbish amp can take quality away though cant it? For example when i used my sterio as an amp it made everything louder but there was a decrease in bass even at the volumes i used the phones at before i used the stereo as an amp. (it is a pile of crap though, panasonic mini system using a music port and a headphone port, totally maxed out with the bass cranked up.) the whole system only cost £150 and this is just a side function... so you can probably imagine lol

Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Headphone Amps (full-size)
Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Headphone Amps (full-size) › How does an amplifier work? does it just boost the signal and route more power?