Welcome to Acoustic Frontiers Blog

Creating a system you love shouldn't be difficult. The Acoustic Frontiers blog is here to help.

What is AC waveform distortion?

by Nyal Mellor April 08, 2013

  The power supplies in electronics, both linear and switching, draw current only at the peaks of the AC voltage creating a characteristic 'flat topped' waveform. /> The amount of distortion of a waveform can be quantified by its Total Harmonic Distortion (THD). Ideally, for high performance audio, studio and home theater systems, THD would be under 2%. In some locations measured THD has been 10 times higher than this! All amplifiers, except Class A devices, draw current in response to the music waveform. 'Flat topping' restricts current delivery, leading to reduced dynamics, loss of articulation, bass extension and an anemic, uninvolving overall presentation.

Nyal Mellor
Nyal Mellor

Author


Also in Power Quality

What are sags and brownouts?

by Nyal Mellor April 08, 2013 0 Comments

Continue Reading

What are swells and overvoltages?

by Nyal Mellor April 08, 2013 0 Comments

Continue Reading

What is DC on the powerline?

by Nyal Mellor April 08, 2013 0 Comments

Continue Reading

Subscribe To Newsletter

Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more …

Categories

    Contact Us About This Product

    video-design

    Nyal Mellor, Founder, Acoustic Frontiers

    • (415) 524-8741
    • Serving USA & Canada
    • Fairfax, Northern California, USA

    ask us a question about this product