Guide to Amplifiers

An amplifier is a basic signal processing unit that increases the power of an audio signal. In professional sound systems, the amplifier is the last active component in the signal chain. It accepts input from mixers or other signal processing units, increases the power of the signal, and sends the output to speakers. Amplifiers usually have two independent channels for stereo operation.

Pricing an Amplifier

The cost of an amplifier depends on the power handling, the features, the weight, and the brand:

• Amps with higher power output cost more then amps with lower power output.
• Amps with more features, like clip limiters, low cut filters, more inputs/outputs, switching power supplies, and digital signal processing cost more.
• Lighter amps are more expensive then heavier amps.
• Amps with more popular brand names like QSC and Crown cost more then other brands.