Output impedance refers to the measure of a device’s opposition to alternating current (AC) at its output terminals. It essentially defines the internal resistance a device presents to any load connected to its output. A low value signifies that the device can deliver power efficiently without significant voltage drop under varying load conditions. For example, an amplifier with a low value will maintain a consistent output voltage regardless of the impedance of the connected speakers or other audio equipment.
A low value is crucial for optimal signal transfer and sonic performance. It allows the connected device to operate without being significantly influenced by the source’s internal resistance, ensuring accurate signal reproduction and minimizing distortion. Historically, audio equipment designers have strived to minimize this value to achieve higher fidelity and wider compatibility across various audio systems. The pursuit of minimizing this specification is a cornerstone of high-quality audio engineering.
