Convention Paper
New Methods of Amplifier Performance Evaluation
AES Convention 62 · Paper 1440 · March 1979
Abstract
In this paper, we will introduce two new methods of evaluating amplifier performance. One of these consists of a three-dimensional graphic representation (called 3-dimensional analysis) of all significant relationships between the three most relevant measurable factors (distortion, frequency, and dynamic range) of amplifier performance. Data obtained by spectrum analysis is correlated and analyzed by a computer. The 3DA profile thus obtained gives a comprehensive overview from which one can easily grasp an amplifier's performance characteristics at a single glance. The other new method makes possible real-time analysis of distortion components generated using a music input signal. This I/O (input/output) distortion analyzer system allows one to investigate the degree of similarity between an amp's input and output waveforms, and to extract the difference signal (i.e., distortion components) alone.
