Aman
Are you in the market for a new stereo amplifier? Shopping for the top amplifier can be a bit of an involved process thanks to all the various features available. It can be rather hard to wade through all the options and figure out what you truly need and what you could without. Here’s a look at the top features that you will want to look for when purchasing a new amplifier.
How Much Power does it Have?
Because your speakers are all about sound, you need an amplifier that generates plenty of power – which equals sound. The larger the room, the more power you will need for an even sound. So how much power do you need? Generally, the only reason you’d need something as high as 100W is if you’re planning to provide music for the whole neighborhood. Otherwise, 10W tends to be enough for most people.
How Many Inputs does it Have?
You will also want to give thought as to how many inputs you will need. People tend to plug in all manner of things, such as their computer/laptop, smartphone, a MP3-style player, turntables, and much more. You don’t want to run out of inputs before you even get hooked up.
How Many Channels does it Have?
This is a really important feature. The number of channels an amplifier has will determine how many speakers you can connect to it. If you are planning to use your amplifier with a home theatre-style system, then you need to be sure all your speakers will work with the amplifier.
Additional Features to Consider
Some additional features and factors to consider include such things as:
- Signal to Noise Ratio: This refers to how crisp the sound is and how background noise sounds. While this may not be as important when you are listening to music, it’s very important if you’re watching movies and television shows.
- Distortion: Again, this will determine the overall sound that you’ll be able to enjoy. Look for an amplifier that offers low Total Harmonic Distortion (THD). This doesn’t have anything to do with the power, as you can have low THD with a low or high-power amplifier. Ideally, you want to find an amplifier that offers less than 1% distortion. If it’s higher than 1% it will start to sound distorted when you have the volume turned up. This will affect the music listening and movie-watching experience.
Make Use of Expert Reviews
If you’re looking for additional information to help you in the shopping experience, be sure to check out online resources: Speakerxpert review the top amplifiers out there, so this may assist. This can help you narrow down the options further, as they take a look at some of the top-selling amplifiers on the market and their pros and cons.
Because everyone has their own list of “must have” features, it’s a good idea to get as much information as possible before you make your purchase decision.
Mckay Jonson
