The power supply
“Rhythm … is fundamental to the spirit”
(lyrics from tribal house. ‘U-dig’)
6.1 Mains frequency (50/60Hz) supplies
All power amplifiers require a suitable power source. As all earthly amplifiers are less than 100% efficient, the amount of power (in kW) required to be ‘on tap’ is more than will be delivered to the speakers.
The historic perspective
The first, primitive audio amplifiers were powered from batteries (lead-acid accumulators). Around 1928, indirectly heated valves, the heaters of which could be operated directly from the by then quite widespread public AC mains supply, were pioneered. At this time, the conventional AC to DC (HT) supply topology was established, comprising:
(i) An isolating transformer. This ...
Get High Performance Audio Power Amplifiers now with the O’Reilly learning platform.
O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.
