This article will appeal to people who like to listen to music and watch videos with high-quality sound. It will also help beginners make the right choice when choosing an amplifier.
Amplifier is a device for increasing voltage (power) or current (signal). They can be used in wireless broadcasting and in various audio devices (equipment).
A sound amplifier is a device aimed at amplifying electrical vibrations that can be heard by the human ear. It is possible to amplify from 16 Hz to 200 kHz (specialized equipment).
What is an amplifier for?
When buying acoustics, people expect excellent sound (music, video, games). It is the audio amplifier that will help you get high-quality sound from any device, be it a TV or a car radio. After purchasing this device, you will be able to configure high-quality, unified sound from all devices in the room.
What types of amplifiers are there?
- Preliminary. It is able to bring together sound from several different sources and make it better. It is possible to listen to the sound and immediately record. Some models have a special connector (XLR port) for connecting equipment wirelessly (remotely).
- Powerful. Designed to improve the signal from the original source. This happens thanks to built-in powerful transformers and capacitors. Most often, there are several input/output connectors on the rear panel, and only volume control on the front panel. They are usually used for domestic purposes (stationary), as they are heavy and bulky.
- Integrated. This is an amplifier that combines the two previous types. It allows you to improve the sound and record the necessary elements. In such models, some manufacturers add karaoke, the ability to connect to the Internet, and a radio tuner. An amplifier with such functions is called a receiver.
Conclusion
If you are just starting your journey in car audio, I would recommend stopping at the Kicx SP 4.80AB, or for a little more money buy a SWAT for growth. This will be enough for you and believe me, the bass and volume will turn out good.
What else do you need
Along with the amplifier, you will have to buy a set of wires - approximately 2 thousand rubles. Because the system needs to be connected to the radio, speaker and subwoofer. If your radio is initially 2-channel, then you will need splitters or so-called games.
The sound level of your audio system also depends on the quality of the radio, but we know from our own experience how not to spend money on it and not spoil the sound with a cheap head unit. Read: how to use an amplifier without a radio.
How to make your choice correctly.
- Purpose of use (where it will work, how many devices will be connected at a time).
- Number of channels. There are mono blocks, two-, three-, four- and five-channel amplifiers.
- Rated power. It should be slightly less (or equal) than the power of the connected device.
- Additional functions. The number of connectors (inputs), is there a crossover, is there remote bass control, does it work at 1 and 2 ohms, a sound processor.
- Amplifier class. There are AB and D. The second class includes digital amplifiers. In such devices, the quality of the sound produced will depend on the internals. Most often, the higher the price, the better the sound quality.
- Reviews. Before purchasing, it is important to familiarize yourself with the functions of the amplifier and find reviews for this particular model.
At the moment, the audio equipment market is huge and the main thing is to make the right choice. After all, shopping should bring pleasure, and not remind you of wasted money.
What details should you keep in mind so as not to make a mistake when choosing a model?
When studying the primitive catalog of an online store, where this equipment is described, it becomes clear that it is presented in different types. Thus, you can notice a different number of channels, differences in power, minimum permissible load and distortion factor. In addition, different reinforcing elements are used:
- Tube. At first glance, this seems like a paradox, because television technology has long advanced in this regard, but outdated spare parts are used here. But in this case everything is a little different. When it comes to acoustics, especially when it comes to amplifiers, tube instruments are a timeless classic. True audiophiles are confident that only this kind of device can convey clear and true sound. However, tube amplifiers are often in demand exclusively among this group of people. They are distinguished by their high cost, large dimensions and original design. Due to the small audience of consumers, they are produced in small batches.
- Transistor. Such units are simple and have high power. The equipment is still quite popular among all segments of the population.
- Integral. This type is called the most popular. The structure of such structures is usually different, and they work in different classes. The main advantage is the minimum number of constituent elements, which leads to miniature dimensions.
- Hybrid. Already from the name you can understand that the devices are a mixture of systems.
When choosing a model, you should pay the most attention to the power indicator. Moreover, the purchase must be made after purchasing a specific acoustic system. This is due to the fact that the power of the amplifier should be slightly higher than that of the acoustics. The best option would be if this excess does not exceed one and a half to two times. It is also worth clarifying about distortion, because this significantly affects the quality of the played compositions.
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Sound amplifiers in 2021
E4Life Advent 80
This is a representative of budget amplifiers. The power declared by the manufacturer is 110 W. Has 2 channels. It is small in size and light in weight. But it has a very original design. Through the transparent top of the case you can view the entire “filling”, which is highlighted in red. Made in gray color, adjustment knobs are made in gold color.
You can connect it to a laptop, music center, player, or computer. The output sound will be much cleaner with excellent bass.
The manufacturer guarantees protection against overheating.
Main characteristics:
| Options | Characteristics |
| Frequency range | 10 to 22000 Hz |
| Speaker impedance | 4 to 8 ohms |
| Harmonic distortion | 0.01% |
| Input resistance | 1 kOhm |
E4Life Advent 80
Advantages:
- Light weight;
- Compact dimensions;
- Clear sound, no background;
- During long-term operation it hardly heats up.
Flaws:
- The connectors are difficult to access;
- The backlight blinks too brightly during operation.
The price must be checked in stores.
Parasound A 23
A popular model among connoisseurs of high-quality sound.
This model has 2 channels, power - 200 W.
The design is strict, made in black. Considers minimalism and modernity. Made from durable plastic and steel. The buttons are illuminated in a pleasant blue color.
There is built-in overheating protection.
The manufacturer has added wires to the components, the length of which allows the equipment to be installed at different distances.
You can connect the amplifier to various media. Sometimes does not connect to some low impedance speaker systems.
The output sound is clear, without background, bass without vibration.
Main characteristics:
| Options | Characteristics |
| Frequency range | From 5 to 100000 Hz |
| Speaker impedance | 4 ohm |
| Harmonic distortion | 0.03% |
| Damping coefficient | 800 units |
Parasound A 2
Advantages:
- Built-in power unit;
- Overheat protection;
- Long wires included;
- Great sound;
- Beautiful appearance.
Flaws:
- price.
You can buy this model for 95,000 rubles.
Astra Audio A10-SE
This amplifier is a budget model. It is single-contact and runs on special lamps. Refers to pre-amplifiers.
The design is very original. Combines elements of antiquity and modernity. Made of plastic, glass and steel. The color chosen is brown and black, the adjustment knobs are silver. Will fit perfectly into any interior.
Most often used for recording to media. You can connect to various sources (computer, music devices).
The sound is clear and pleasant to listen to. The sound depends on the style of music (softness, melody, bass, drums).
The power supply is built-in, which is very convenient. The dimensions are small, the amplifier is compact and lightweight.
Power 10 W per channel.
Astra Audio A10-SE
Advantages:
- Profitable price;
- Interesting design;
- Built-in power supply;
- Qualitatively assembled;
- Soft sound.
Flaws:
- May overheat during prolonged use.
The price ranges from 13 to 20 thousand rubles.
AVE PL 02
Refers to integrated (combined) type amplifiers. Powered by a 6SN7 tube and MOSFET transistors. Thanks to this, the output sound is clear, deep bass, and melodic. Buyers note the special melodiousness of the sound.
During prolonged operation, the fan automatically turns on to prevent overheating.
The design combines modern and retro elements. Made of steel, thick plastic and glass (lamp). The colors chosen were black, white, brown.
Main characteristics:
| Options | Characteristics |
| Frequency range | 10 to 50000 Hz |
| Signal to noise ratio | 90 dB |
| Front channel power | 50 W |
| Inputs | Two linear, PreAmp |
AVE PL 02
Advantages:
- Does not overheat during prolonged operation;
- Special sound;
- Good power;
- Suitable for many media.
Flaws:
- Low frequencies are sometimes not transmitted well.
Price: about 18 thousand rubles.
Fostex HP-A8C
Semiconductor headphone amplifier. Suitable for home use.
This model has two channels.
Made in black from aluminum and glass. The design combines rigor and conciseness. Will fit perfectly into any interior. There is a screen on the front panel that displays the operating mode.
During operation, it perfectly reproduces any purity; at any volume, there are no dips in the sound.
Manufacturers have taken care of the convenience of customers; the kit includes a remote control.
Main characteristics:
| Options | Characteristics |
| Power | 2 × 700 mW |
| Frequency range | 44 to 192 kHz |
| Connectors/Inputs | AES/EBU, USB, analog RCA, coaxial, optical and SD card slot |
| Harmonic distortion | 0.002% |
Fostex HP-A8C
Advantages:
- Stylish design;
- High-quality sound;
- Remote control;
- You can configure the necessary programs yourself;
- A large number of connectors.
Flaws:
- High frequencies are reproduced a bit harshly.
The price is approximately 56 thousand rubles.
Denon PMA-720AE
Integrated amplifier has two channels.
The design combines rigor and elegance. Made in black from shockproof plastic, and the front panel is made of aluminum. The design is stable and does not vibrate during operation, as it stands on four wide legs.
It is possible to independently adjust the sound (timbre and balance control, loudness compensation).
It is possible to connect headphones.
For convenience, there is a remote control.
Built-in power supply, declared power 200 W.
Main characteristics:
| Options | Characteristics |
| Frequency range | From 10 to 100000 Hz |
| Resistance | From 4 to 16 Ohms |
| Signal to noise ratio | 107 dB |
| Inputs/outputs | 6 line, Phono, PreAmp, headphones |
Denon PMA-720AE
Advantages:
- Compact;
- Stylish;
- Remote Control;
- Excellent at producing different frequencies;
- Can work for a long time without heating;
- Great price.
Flaws:
- The remote control operates at a certain directional angle.
Price for this model: approximately 23 thousand rubles.
Yamaha A-S801
An excellent representative of an integrated (stereo) amplifier. Has two channels.
Made of durable black plastic. The design is simple and minimalistic, perfect for any interior. Can be used both at home and for professional purposes.
Can produce music of various genres (pop, classical, country, rock, jazz). The sound is clear, without distortion or extraneous noise.
It is possible to listen in Direct mode and independently adjust the desired parameters (adjust balance and timbre, loudness).
You can perform digital audio processing (192 kHz/32 bit).
You can connect additional acoustics to the amplifier.
Main characteristics:
| Options | Characteristics |
| Frequency range | From 10 to 100000 Hz |
| Harmonic distortion | 0.019% |
| Signal to noise ratio | 104 dB |
| Exit/Input | 7 Linear, Coaxial, Optical, Phono, Subwoofer, Headphones |
Yamaha A-S801
Advantages:
- Light weight;
- Connecting additional acoustics;
- Strict design;
- Built-in power;
- Remote Control;
- Great sound.
Flaws:
- Sometimes the volume control doesn't work.
The price for this device ranges from 60 to 65 thousand rubles.
Pioneer GM-D8601
This amplifier is suitable for car use for those who love to drive and listen to great music.
It is single-channel, very compact. This is a significant plus, because there is not much free space in the car. Made of durable shockproof plastic and steel. This makes it resistant to unexpected impacts and shocks.
Belongs to D class.
The sound depends on the type of music being played. Reproduces bass best.
Works much better when connected to a subwoofer. You can connect from 1 to 4 subwoofers at the same time.
There is no option to customize the sound yourself.
Main characteristics:
| Options | Characteristics |
| Frequency range | 10 to 240 Hz |
| Harmonic distortion | 0.5% |
| Signal to noise ratio | 100 dB |
| Enter exit | RCA audio |
Pioneer GM-D860
Advantages:
- Small dimensions;
- High-quality reproduction of low frequencies;
- Lots of connectors;
- Excellent power;
- It is possible to connect several subwoofers.
Flaws:
- Cannot be configured;
- No overheat protection.
Price for this model: approximately 9,500 rubles.
Mystery MR-2.75
This two-channel amplifier is one of the frequently purchased models because it has a low price. Installed in cars.
The design is quite simple, combining minimalism and simplicity. The manufacturer preferred gray and black colors. The body is made of durable material to avoid external damage.
Belongs to class AB.
This model is not very powerful, but it easily produces bass and separates high frequencies.
The Mystery MR-2.75 has a very small size, which allows it to be placed anywhere in the car (trunk, under the seat, etc.).
It is possible to independently adjust the purity of the sound.
There is built-in protection against voltage drop (overload) and short circuit.
Main characteristics:
| Options | Characteristics |
| Frequency range | From 20 to 22000 Hz |
| Harmonic distortion | 0.03% |
| Signal to noise ratio | 95 dB |
| Input impedance | 20 kOhm |
Mystery MR-2.75
Advantages:
- Small size;
- Low cost;
- Excellent bass reproduction;
- Short circuit protection; Maximum power 225 W.
Flaws:
- Very few settings;
- At maximum sound level it consumes a lot of energy;
- The terminals are not very well located.
The price is about 4 thousand rubles.
Brief top
| Place | Model | Price | |
| 1 | ACV LX-4.100 | from 5,800 rub. | Look |
| 2 | SWAT M-4.100 | from 5,500 rub. | Look |
| 3 | Kicx SP 4.80AB | from 4,500 rub. | Look |
| 4 | Ural BV 4.70 | from 4,700 rub. | |
| 5 | SWAT M-4.65 | from 4,270 rub. | |
| 6 | ACV LX-4.60 | from 3,600 rub. |
Pivetta Opera One – $650,000
Yes, this is another Pivetta model. Its parameters are more modest - 1.8 meters in height, one ton of weight and 14,400 W of power. Therefore the price is much lower. Released in 1998, the Opera One was Andrea Pivetta's first fully handcrafted amplifier, marking the first step on his way to being a mastodon at number one. It has a similar cylindrical design, which also opens when turned on.
