Based on an analysis of the equivalent circuit of a multiway loudspeaker, the possibility of large drive currents is predicted for a class of non-sinusoidal band and amplitude-limited signals. The current builds up as coherent sum of two parts; charging of the driver reactances, and simultaneous current drain by several drivers. The input current of three commercial loudspeaker systems was measured using a signal derived from on the analysis. The results show that a loudspeaker may draw currents three to six times larger than those calculable from the rated speaker impedance. This indicates that certain generally accepted power amplifier design criteria should be reconsidered.

Authors: Martikainen, Ilpo; Varla, Ari; Otala, Matti
Affiliations: Genelec Oy, Iisalmi, Finland ; Technical Research Centre of Finland, Oulu, Finland(See document for exact affiliation information.)
AES Convention: 73 (March 1983) Paper Number: 1987
Publication Date: March 1, 1983

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