Output Impedance

Output Impedance — Equalizer

For an equalizer, output impedance describes the analogue stage driving the next component and interconnect. The receiving input and cable loading affect the complete connection.

Compare the specified output path and frequency condition. A recommended minimum load is not the equalizer’s own output impedance, and maximum output voltage is a different rating.

Output Impedance — Power Regenerator

For a power regenerator, output impedance describes the electrical behaviour of its AC supply output under the stated conditions. It is a power-supply property rather than an audio line-output rating.

Compare the measurement frequency and method. Keep the value separate from maximum load current and voltage regulation; a single impedance figure does not describe every transient or load condition.

Output Impedance — Power Amp

For a power amplifier, output impedance describes the source seen by the loudspeaker. Together with the speaker’s impedance, it affects the electrical interaction between amplifier and load.

Compare frequency and operating conditions. Supported speaker impedance and transformer-tap labels describe the intended load, not the amplifier’s own output impedance. Damping factor is related but needs its reference load.

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Output Impedance — Headphone Amp

For a headphone amplifier, output impedance describes the source driving the headphones. Its interaction with the headphone’s frequency-dependent impedance can affect the delivered response.

Compare the actual headphone socket and operating mode. A recommended headphone-impedance range is a load specification, not this source value. Keep output power and gain separate.

Output Impedance — Tuner

For a tuner, output impedance describes the analogue audio source feeding a preamplifier or other receiving input. Fixed and variable outputs can need separate conditions.

Compare the selected output and level-control arrangement. Do not substitute an antenna-input impedance, headphone load range or reference output voltage for the audio source impedance.

Output Impedance — MC Head Amp

For a phono head amp, output impedance describes the source presented to the following MM phono input. This is the outgoing side of the cartridge-amplification stage.

Compare the following input’s loading requirements and cable conditions. Keep cartridge input loading and recommended cartridge impedance separate from the head amp’s own output impedance.

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Output Impedance — Digital Audio Player

For a portable player, output impedance describes the specified headphone or analogue output. Different balanced and single-ended sockets can have different values.

Compare the same output and any frequency condition with the intended headphone load. Do not read a supported headphone range as source impedance or apply a line-output value to a headphone socket.

Output Impedance — Phono Preamp

For a phono preamplifier, output impedance describes its line-level output feeding the next component. It is separate from the load presented to the cartridge.

Compare the output connector and frequency condition with the following input and interconnect. A cartridge-loading resistance is not the output impedance, and a recommended minimum line load is a different quantity.

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Output Impedance — Reel-to-Reel

For a reel-to-reel machine, output impedance describes the specified analogue output driving other equipment. Line and headphone outputs can have different characteristics.

Compare the actual output connection with the receiving load and retain any frequency condition. A recommended load or nominal line level is not itself the machine’s source impedance.

Output Impedance — Optical Equalizer

For an optical-cartridge equalizer, output impedance describes the analogue output driving the following line input. The cartridge interface has a different role and specification.

Compare the actual RCA or XLR output and retain any test-frequency condition. Keep input compatibility with the optical cartridge and maximum output voltage separate from source impedance.

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Output Impedance — Crossover

For an active crossover, output impedance describes the source driving each downstream amplifier input. It is separate from the crossover’s own input loading.

Compare the relevant band output and receiving input requirements. A recommended amplifier load is not the crossover’s source impedance, and a stated maximum output level describes another property.