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Simaudio Technical Education
Updated: August 27, 2008
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Simaudio Amplification Technologies
DC–Coupled Amplifier Design
Without the blocking capacitors at the amplifier’s input, sound quality is improved as the
phase-shift caused by these capacitors is eliminated. Frequency response in the bass
region approaches 0Hz. As well, by removing all capacitors from the direct audio signal path,
ultimate soundstage focus is attained with less "smear' or "blur".
Figure #1
Figure #2
The frequency response curve in figure 1 is virtually flat throughout, and beyond, the entire
audible range as a result of the DC-Coupled circuit employed on our MOON amplifiers. Conversely,
the frequency response curve of a traditional AC-Coupled amplifier design is far from perfect, as
seen in figure 2; both low and high frequencies in the audible range are noticeably diminished.
Deeper, more accurate and articulate bass ... You will clearly distinguish between a
double-bass and an electric bass in a heart-beat.
Toroidal Transformers with a Very Tight Regulation Factor
A power supply transformer with a tight regulation (low) factor assures that power into more difficult
speaker loads will be delivered closer to the theoretical ideal. These transformers are significantly
more expensive, but are the only way to assure stability and consequently excellent sound quality under
all conditions.
Figure #3
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The three response curves in figure 3 demonstrate (i) a theoretically perfect transformer regulation
factor of 0%
(green),
whereby voltage remains stable regardless of the current draw, (ii) a remarkably low
regulation factor of 3% (black),
found in MOON amplifiers, where the voltage drops slightly as the current
draw increases and (iii) a typical regulation factor of 10%
(red),
whereby, as the current draw
increases, power supply voltage drops significantly, as found in most competing amplifier designs.
Powerful musical passages are faithfully and
thoroughly reproduced in an effortless manner.
We encourage you to read the section entitled "VPI Process for Toroidal Transformers"
in the
Global Technologies Section
for more insight in to how we accomplish this.
High Damping Factor
This ensures an excellent “grip” on woofer cone motion, which reduces overshoot, and unwanted
oscillations. Also greatly improves immunity to variations in quality and length of speaker
cables used.
Figure #4
A great deal more energy from a power amplifier is required to reproduce musical information below
400Hz. Amplifiers with a low damping factor (and higher output impedance) have to work harder produce
this energy. The majority of available power amplifiers possess a damping factor in the range of 200
(red),
as shown on figure 4. Simaudio amplifiers operate with very low output impedances (typically <0.01 ohms),
therefore yielding a damping factor greater than 800 in the all-important sub-400Hz range.
Significantly better dynamics result in a much more powerful and authoritative bottom-end ... The immense energy
of a full symphony orchestra comes to life in your own home.
Advanced Renaissance Circuitry (Simaudio Ltd. Proprietary Technology)
Introduced in 1998 with the MOON W-5 Power Amplifier, this circuit topology features a no overall feedback
design, also known as "Zero Global Feedback". By eliminating the need for signal correction,
amplifier speed is greatly increased. Simaudio amplification designs allows for superb performance
into difficult loads, which further improves sound quality.
Figure #5
Power amplifiers employing feedback have additional circuitry
(feedback loop in red)
which takes a sample of the audio signal from the amplifier's output stage, applying
it as negative feedback to the gain stage of the amplifier as shown above in figure 5. The sole purpose being
to reduce the amount of Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) the more feedback used, the greater
the reduction in the amount of measurable distortion.
Benefits:
- real-time amplification.
- more accurate musical reproduction w.r.t tonality - no colorations.
- non-existent intermodulation distortion (IM).
- elimination of common phase errors
- With this circuit topology, the speaker cannot send back its counter-reaction
to the amplifier after a musical impulse. This normally leads to a reduction
in clarity of the music, a lack of tonal accuracy and the feeling of the live
performance being lost.
- Improved dynamic range.
- more dynamic and at ease with virtually any known speaker load,
short signal paths, very little signal resistance and degradation.
- An amplifier which is much less affected by a loudspeaker's non-linear
electro-mechanical properties.
Better transparency ... The realistic separation and space between instruments in complex
musical passages results in the recovery of the faintest of musical notes.
Lynx Circuitry (Simaudio Ltd. Proprietary Technology)
Introduced in 2005 in the MOON W-8, the main difference from the "Advanced Renaissance Circuit" is power
supply distribution; a more accurate delivery for the individual active devices in the
amplification circuit is realized. This improves signal reproduction in musical playback.
Benefits (vs. Advanced Renaissance):
- Even faster.
- More accurate reproduction.
- More dynamic.
- Larger output reserves.
- Shorter signal path.
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