Electrical
Damping Factor
01 — Definition
The ratio between the speaker's nominal impedance and the amplifier's output impedance. High damping (>200) and the amplifier holds the cone firmly: tight, accurate bass. Low damping (<10) and the cone carries on moving after the signal stops: loose bass. Watch the cable resistance, which crushes effective damping — 10 m of 1.5 mm² cable can drop the damping factor from 1000 to 20.
02 — In the field
Start at 2.5 mm² cable minimum for any speaker run over 5 m. Over long distances, work out the cable resistance and fold it into your damping figure.