The Articulata speaks … “punching well above its modest price bracket”

As REDGUM’s largest Integrated at 200W/ch, this amplifier is a big “dog” as it wags its “tail”! This brings with it big expectations! And more metaphors.

So the idea of “punching above its weight”, as in this review, leads well to that perennial Audio metaphor that puts the question about Dog <–> Tail interaction …
which wags what?

We all know the answer if the question is asked about “just a dog”. “They” will work it out together because a dog is always in charge of wagging its tail!

Ask the same question in Audio, and it becomes a far more interesting discussion about “how much” the dog/(amplifier) is in charge of wagging its tail/(speakers). Because a range of responses are possible!

Dog to tail – “Stop when I say Stop!”
Optimal Audio behaviour occurs when “dog wags tail”. The amplifier fully controls the speakers’ response, as seen (and heard) by the amplifier’s control of the cones’ excursions.
(“Really tight bass!”, you say!)

Dog to tail – “Stop when I say Stop! I mean NOW! Could you at least try…?”
Sadly, if “tail wags dog”, that indicates the design of the amplifier/”dog” is not strong enough to control the movement of the speakers/”tail”, so they will sound soggy.
(“Sooo not tight bass.”)

This unfortunate result highlights the importance of a familiar Audio term – control. When describing the speaker’s excursion, good control means the amplifier is able to accurately control the acceleration and deceleration of the drivers. (“Tight” really is a great word-image!)

Another good term to use here is “High Damping Factor“.  What is actually the result of a calculation, it does give a good indication of how much control the “dog” has when wagging its “tail”.

Returning to the idea behind the first metaphor from the review… just  to “land a punch” requires accuracy from an amplifier, one that is fully in control of the speakers’ responses.

Even better, if an amplifier is to “punch above its weight” (relative to power rating and/or price point), it sure helps if it is a High Damping Factor design. Ah, which all REDGUM amplifiers are!

At REDGUM, we believe no amplifier should ever pull any punches, and especially not on your music!

Say “No more!” to soggy “doggies”.

Make your music articulate with the Articulata.