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Draft:Jan Lohstroh

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  • Comment: So you moved one period and then you resubmitted it. Drmies (talk) 23:08, 20 October 2024 (UTC)
  • Comment: Biographies need secondary sources. Drmies (talk) 22:32, 20 October 2024 (UTC)


Jan Lohstroh is a Dutch engineer and researcher known for his significant contributions to audio amplifier design, particularly in the field of Transient Intermodulation (TIM) distortion reduction. His work, in collaboration with Finnish researcher Dr. Matti Otala, led to the development of groundbreaking amplifier designs that were later implemented by the Norwegian audio company Electrocompaniet [1] [2] [3].

Early Career and Research

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Lohstroh worked at the Philips Natuurkundig Laboratorium in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, where he conducted research on audio amplifier design[4]. In 1973, he and Dr. Matti Otala presented a paper at an Audio Engineering Society conference, describing the design of an amplifier that eliminated the problem of Transient Intermodulation distortion[5].

The Lohstroh-Otala Amplifier

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Based on the theories presented by Lohstroh and Otala, Norwegian audio enthusiasts Per Abrahamsen and Svein Erik Børja approached Electrocompaniet with the idea of building a transistor amplifier. This led to the development of the first prototype, initially named the "Otala-Lohstroh amplifier"[6].

The amplifier design was revolutionary for its time, featuring:

  • Low Transient Intermodulation distortion
  • High feedback (30dB)
  • Impressive transient speed and bass control

Impact on the Audio Industry

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The Lohstroh-Otala amplifier design had a significant impact on the audio industry:

  1. Electrocompaniet's Success: The design formed the basis for Electrocompaniet's line of amplifiers, which gained popularity among audiophiles and music professionals[6]
  1. Michael Jackson's Productions: The Electrocompaniet amplifiers, based on Lohstroh's design, were favored by Bruce Swedien, Michael Jackson's sound engineer. Swedien used these amplifiers for mixing Jackson's albums, including the iconic HIStory in 1994.[6]
  1. Influence on Other Manufacturers: The theories and designs of Lohstroh and Otala influenced other high-end audio manufacturers, including Harman Kardon's Citation XX series[7]

Legacy

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Jan Lohstroh's work continues to be recognized in the audio community. The "Lohstroh-Otala amplifier" is considered a landmark design that helped shape modern high-fidelity audio amplification. Although less well-known to the general public, Lohstroh's contributions to audio engineering have had a lasting impact on the quality of sound reproduction in both professional and consumer audio equipment.[8]

References

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  1. ^ Harris, Steve (January 2012). "Electrocompaniet 'Electro'" (PDF). Vingage Hi-Fi. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  2. ^ "Electrocompaniet". Audio Elation. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  3. ^ Didden, Jan. "An Afternoon with Jan Lohstroh" (PDF). Linear Audio. Multi Media Manufacturer. Retrieved 20 October 2024.
  4. ^ Lohstroh, Jan (1973). "An audio power amplifier for ultimate quality requirements". IEEE Transactions on Audio and Electroacoustics. 21 (6): 545–551. doi:10.1109/TAU.1973.1162523.
  5. ^ Otala, M.; Leinonen, E. (February 1977). "The theory of transient intermodulation distortion". IEEE Transactions on Acoustics, Speech, and Signal Processing. 25 (1): 2–8. doi:10.1109/TASSP.1977.1162904.
  6. ^ a b c Omdahl, Jan. "How a Small Norwegian Hi-fi Brand Ended Up With Credits on Michael Jackson's Album Covers". Tracking Triangle. Retrieved 20 October 2024.
  7. ^ "Harman Kardon Citation XX". hifiengine.com. Retrieved 20 October 2024.
  8. ^ Pännäri, Mauri. "The legendary Lohstroh-Otala Amplifier revisited". Inner Magazine: Audiophilia – Culture – Music. Retrieved 20 October 2024.