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Product category

Power amplifiers

A power amplifier takes a line-level audio signal from a preamp or suitable source and supplies the power to drive passive speakers.

It sits near the end of the system: source, volume control, power amplifier, speakers. Line-level signals connect audio components; they cannot drive passive speakers directly. If the amplifier has no listening-volume control, use a preamp or a source with a suitable variable output. A fixed output alone does not provide that control.

What to check

  • Channels. Ordinary two-speaker stereo needs two amplifier channels: one stereo amplifier or two mono units. Multichannel amplifiers can serve larger systems.
  • Speaker load. Check the speaker impedance, measured in ohms, against the amplifier’s supported load. Use bridge mode only if the manual permits it, following its connection and load limits.
  • Power ratings. Compare watts at the same speaker load, number of channels driven, frequency range and distortion limit. Keep continuous ratings separate from short-term output figures: the largest headline number may describe different conditions.

Required capabilities

Other catalogue tags

These tags occur on some products in this category. They do not confirm built-in features or compatibility.

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  • Digital-to-analogue conversion
  • Network streaming
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Specifications

This list covers specifications tracked for the category. A specification may describe several functions; follow the capability label that matches your use. A listing does not confirm a feature on an individual product.

Sources