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Description

In an audio system, the damping factor gives the ratio of the rated impedance of the loudspeaker to the source impedance. Only the magnitude of the loudspeaker impedance is used. The amplifier output impedance is also assumed to be totally resistive.

Damping Factor

In reference to power amplifiers, the damping specification is the ability of the amplifier to control speaker motion once signal has stopped. The effects of damping are most apparent at low frequencies - an amplifier with a high damping factor will make a speaker sound "tighter" in the low end, while low damping factors result in indistinct bass.