Looking for input on slew rates

[Robert Wollenberg]

I've read that an amplifier rated under 100 wrms per channel should have a slew rate of at least 10 to be considered decent and over 100 wrms should be upwards of 30 or more. Does anybody have anything to add to that? In a car audio environment, how important is slew rate? What should be a minimum to look for, if it's important at all? Why are things like damping factor, channel separation, current draw, slew rate, etc. so difficult to attain from the manufacturers?

I've requested info from several manufacturers who have yet to respond. I've been bored and nit picking amps just out of curiosity even though I'm pretty sure I already know what I'm going to go with. At any rate, so far what I've noticed is that Zed Audio amps look pretty damn good for the price. Next to them, JL Audio amps look pretty damn good. And not too expensive if you shop around.

What would be nice to know is, at what point do these things become audible? Understanding slew rate, it's obvious to see why a higher slew rate would be good. But, at what point does it become a mute point?

What damping factor should one shoot for? At what point does that become mute?

I know it's all going to be subjective. I work with a girl who didn't know she had her stereo faded all over to one side. I about died laughing when I rode in her car. She couldn't really hear a difference once I fixed it either. And others can pick out things most of us would never hear. But there has to be a point where these things would be noticeable and I think that would be a good starting place for people when shopping. If you considerer yourself to have a pretty good ear, you'd want better numbers than someone who's completely tone deaf. lol.

Just my morning thoughts. Any input is always appreciated.

[sinister audio]

i think 90% of all of the higher end asp say zapco arc DLS zed are pretty much on the level with most of the stuff you cant hear. the really high ends like mcintosh have a lower thd and a few other things but i doubt that it would be a very differnt in sound than the zed or the others. and i dont think alot of the companys test for half the stuff that home audio companys do because we all know how crazy some home audio audiophiles are. i would say if you get something out of the high end company list you should be perfectly fine just get them according to what you need and what price you want to spend.

[ridr4lif]

I have no idea what any of that stuff means, but i know that Kiki has done write ups on both slew rate and damping factor in the FAQ section.

[Robert Wollenberg]

I'm basically of the same mind, except, within some of those same companies you mentioned, some of the better numbers can come from the lower priced amps. So, you might not be doing yourself a favor spending 3k on amps just because you can afford it or are looking to spend it. You know what I mean? I'm just conversating. I'm not overly concerned about it really. I think the amps I'm looking at measure up just fine. Just seeing what other opinions are on the subject.

[sinister audio]

ya i know exactly what your talking about like a tru amp compared to a zed amp the price is like 4times for the same thing and i have read reviews on people using both and some couldnt notice a difference and some went with the zed had alot better sounding equipment. i feel that DLS and arc and Zapco well maybe a used zapco and zed are all amps i would probaly spend the money on but like the tru and some others icouldnt justify spending twice or more on the same thing.

[Justin from Detroit1]

Dammit sinister, use periods. It's hard as hell to read your posts, and you just started typing like that.

[Robert Wollenberg]

I was most supprised by the JLs. I remember when they first came out. There wasn't anything very impressive about them at all. They've come a long way.

[Robert Wollenberg]

Did I mention I used to edit newspapers for the Air Force? lol I still do on occasion if they ask me. Don't make me put the smack down Sinister.

[sinister audio]

sorry, i got caught up in what i was thinking about. im usually pretty decent about it.

[Robert Wollenberg]

You forgot to capitalize and an apostrophe. You're grounded. Back in your room young man.