To put it as simply as possible the amplifier takes the signal that comes in to it, which is a fluctuation of current, and amplifies that current whilst trying to maintain the same amount of fluctuation to represent the original signal. Different amp classes do this in different ways but they will use their power supply to convert the AC mains power in to DC.

It uses this current to push and pull the drivers making them vibrate which then causes the air particles to vibrate around them which we then hear as sound. Once you add a driver to a speaker cabinet it can effect the efficiency (usually for the better) and directivity of the sound coming from the amplifier. Different cabs will resonate at different frequencies and the drivers will need to be matched to a suitable cabinet to make the best out of both the cabinet, the driver and the particular signal/frequency that is sent through them.

The better the amp the more control it has over the movement of the driver under heavy operating loads creating the most accurate sound possible with the minimum of distortion. Plenty of other things come in to play like efficiency, impedance, signal to noise ratio, sensitivity etc etc, but that’s about the size of it. Hope that helps.

….oh and to answer your other question, hang around:

http://www.speakerplans.com <in the forum

&

http://www.prosoundweb.com

Also there is a good book by Yamaha on sound engineering, although I haven’t read it myself. See if you can track it down on amazon.

Cue NoNom with a 2000 word dissertation explaining the finer details in depth.

😉 😉

Fancy writting a sound system how to guide for the site?

I think NoNom would be better suited to writting it to be honest (if he was willing). I know a bit of stuff but he knows a lot more. I think if it did happen though it would have to be impartial. Eg: Nonom prefers direct radiators and seems to have a bad opinion of horn loaded cabinets but I don’t think this should be reflected in a “how to”

I’m sure once noname discovers this thread he will deffo post up a response… ???

Noname you about we await your answer with anticipation :weee:

I will advise him of the request – he is currently working on servicing my van for me so aint telling him till he is done :groucho:

Watch this space….

What the f**k was I calling him NoNom for. I came over all French for a minute there.

are we talking nonom as in the z-bop guys who do the radio show… they have access to knowledge about the finer points on speaker building for sure

or are we talking about noname?

Noname as he is famous for his dissertation style posts on soundsystems and free parties etc :groucho: