Selecting The Perfect Audio Amplifier For Your Speakers

Picking the right audio amplifier can be daunting given the huge number of diverse models and technologies. Regardless of your use, I will describe some basic amplifiers language which will be helpful when picking the perfect model.

An audio amplifier will connect your audio source with your speakers by converting the relatively weak source signal into a strong sufficient signal to drive your loudspeakers.

Depending on your application, you may want to go with a source that already has a built-in amplifier. However, using a separate amplifier will give you more versatility in choosing the type that best complements your speakers. There are some mini amplifier models available. These types are small enough to conceal almost anywhere.

When choosing an amplifier, your primary consideration perhaps is the amplifier output wattage. You will need a high wattage if you are driving loudspeakers with a low sensitivity (expressed in dB/W), for driving speakers in large rooms or for outdoor speakers. Don’t overdrive your speakers though because this may irreparably harm your speakers.

Yet, a 20 to 50 Watt amplifier will give you more than enough power in many situations so don’t be overly concerned about the rated amplifier wattage.

There are two conventions for specifying amplifier wattage. The first one specifies how much power the amplifier is capable to deliver continuously. That number is often named rms or continuous power. The second number is referred to as peak or maximum power and tells how much the amp can deliver for short bursts. You should select an amplifier that has adequate rms power, though 10 to 30 Watts should be plenty for most uses but has adequate headroom for peaks that happen in music signals.

Though, audio quality is just as imperative as having sufficient audio power. Therefore be certain to also take a look at factors related to the quality of the amplifier. One of these parameters is referred to as total harmonic distortion or THD. No amplifier is ideal. There will be some level of signal distortion which is created by the amplifier. The level of distortion is expressed in percent or dB. The amount of distortion varies between amplifier types. A smaller distortion means higher audio quality. Audiophile amplifiers will have distortion numbers of normally less than 0.05%. Consumer-grade amplifiers will have distortion figures of up to 10%.

Signal-to-noise ratio is another amplifier characteristic. This number describes the amount of noise which the amplified will add to the audio. The figure is expressed in dB. Audiophile-grade amps will have an SNR of 100 dB or higher. Consumer-grade amps will have at least 80 dB signal-to-noise ratio.

There are a number of amplifier technologies available. Today’s amplifiers are mostly Class-D amplifiers. Class-D amplifiers have a high power efficiency and waste little energy as heat. Class-A and Class-AB amplifiers demand a fair amount of heat sinking and for that reason are generally fairly large and heavy. In contrast, amplifiers based on the Class-D technology are small and lightweight. Some of today’s smallest mini amplifiers are no bigger than a deck of cards. Class-D type amplifiers frequently have higher distortion and a lower signal-to-noise ratio than Class-A or Class-AB amplifiers. Some latest digital amplifier models, however, come very close to the audio quality of analog amps. Make sure that the amp has low distortion and a high SNR if you pick a Class-D amp.

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