Nissan 370Z Forum - View Single Post - SNR vs THD, which is more important (or more noticeable) for amplifiers

'10Anamoly · 11-16-2010, 03:35 PM

Ok, so trying to pick out an upgraded amp for next year and I am kind of stuck on something.

On Crutchfield.com, their amps typically fall into one of two categories for the higher end items:

1. Amps with high Signal to Noise Ratio (100 or above, which is good) but higher Total Harmonic Distortion around 1% (which is not so good).

2. Amps with lower Signal to Noise Ratio (85-90, which is not as good) but lower Total Harmonic Distortion around 0.05% or less (which is better).

The question is, why dont they sell amps with 100+ SNR and less than 0.05% THD?

Even the $900 Focal has a THD of 1% and 92db SNR. Is there more to it that I am missing?

11-16-2010, 03:35 PM	#1 (permalink)
'10Anamoly Track Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: GA Posts: 882 Drives: 2010 370Z BS M6 Rep Power: 16	SNR vs THD, which is more important (or more noticeable) for amplifiers Ok, so trying to pick out an upgraded amp for next year and I am kind of stuck on something. On Crutchfield.com, their amps typically fall into one of two categories for the higher end items: 1. Amps with high Signal to Noise Ratio (100 or above, which is good) but higher Total Harmonic Distortion around 1% (which is not so good). 2. Amps with lower Signal to Noise Ratio (85-90, which is not as good) but lower Total Harmonic Distortion around 0.05% or less (which is better). The question is, why dont they sell amps with 100+ SNR and less than 0.05% THD? Even the $900 Focal has a THD of 1% and 92db SNR. Is there more to it that I am missing? __________________ 2013 Ford Mustang GT 374rwhp, 360rwtq SAE / GT500 Axle-Backs / Brembo Pack / Track Pack / Recaros / 6spd