Some Useful Knowledge About Power Amplifier For You

What Is The Power Amplifier?

The power amplifier (aka “the amp”) takes the low-level audio signal and amplifies it to a high level. The power amp boosts the signal from your source units, such as a CD player or turntable, and sends it along to your speakers where it will be turned into sound waves.

The difference between a low-level audio signal and the high-level signal:

The audio signal at the beginning of this chain is very small, so it cannot make much sound on its own. In other words, it has little power. The amplifier increases this power by using an active device called a FET (field effect transistor) to amplify the audio signal. This FET works just like any other transistor except that it’s designed for audio applications instead of electronic applications.

Common types of Power Amplifiers:

There are many types of these devices, and they can be divided into 4 types according to the way of conduction:

Class A:

In this type, the output current flows continuously. The efficiency is very high, but there are limitations in terms of stability. There are some disadvantages with this type of amplifier because it has low efficiency (less than 50%), so it needs a large amount of power. It needs to be operated at high temperatures for it to work properly.

Class B:

In this type, half of the output current is flowing continuously and half of the output current is alternating between two states (on-off). This means that only one tube conducts current at a time and then stops conducting when it reaches its limit. This type offers better stability than class A, but its efficiency is still low compared to class AB or D amplifiers.

Class AB:

Class AB amplifiers are used in high-end audio equipment and can provide a high power output with good efficiency. They are suitable for use in high-performance systems, such as home theater systems, where there is a need for large amounts of power. The disadvantage of this type of amplifier is that it produces significant heat when delivering its maximum output power, so it must be cooled by fans or other means.

Class D:

Class D amplifiers are more efficient than class A or B amplifiers and do not require cooling fans. This makes them useful in portable applications where space is limited and weight is important. In addition, they have faster switching speeds than other types of amplifiers; this is beneficial because it results in less distortion during reproduction.

For people with different needs, the differences between these types are not very large. However, for those who need high-output power, I believe that you should choose a class D amplifier.

Can An Amplifier Improve Sound Quality?

The answer is YES! Amplifiers are the key component in sound systems that make the sound louder. The more power an amplifier has, the louder it can make your speakers play.

However, amplifiers aren’t just about volume. They are also responsible for improving sound quality. Here’s how they do it:

Dynamics:

Amplifiers can improve dynamics by boosting low-level signals, which is especially useful when you’re listening to music or watching movies that have quiet passages. This helps you hear subtle details in the mix without having to turn up the volume and risk distorting your speakers.

S/N Ratio (Signal-to-Noise Ratio):

The Signal-to-Noise ratio determines how much background noise there is in a piece of equipment compared to its signal output level. Amplifiers with higher S/N ratios let you hear your music better because they reduce background noise while increasing overall volume levels. 

The products of many companies can achieve higher S/N ratios, making music and human voices sound more pleasant. For example, GEDI-G’s GD-108 power amplifier has an S/N ratio of more than 80DB. This makes it even more powerful.

Frequency Response:

Amplifiers also affect the frequency response of your audio system. The frequency response is the range of sounds that can be produced by your audio system. A power amplifier can improve the frequency response of your audio system by boosting the bass, midrange, and treble frequencies that were previously limited by your source components (CD player, MP3 player, etc.).

Should An Amplifier Be More Powerful Than Speakers?

When people talk about power, they usually refer to the amplifier’s wattage. The size of your speakers also plays a big role in determining how much power you need. You should also keep in mind that larger speakers need more power than smaller ones. With that being said, it’s important not to confuse these terms with each other.

The speaker’s size determines its sensitivity and efficiency, which determines how much power it needs for optimum performance. Amplifiers have a maximum output capacity and can’t be exceeded no matter what type of speaker you use with them. The most important difference between these two values is that the amplifier’s output capacity is fixed while the speaker’s sensitivity can vary from one model to another – and even from one driver to another within the same model.

So yes, it’s possible for your amplifier to provide more wattage than your speaker needs. But this doesn’t mean that it will sound better or perform better than if you match them properly. In fact, matching your equipment properly is key when it comes down to getting the most out of each component.

Here’s an example: If you have a 5-inch loudspeaker and you want to buy an amplifier for it, then get one with at least 300 watts of RMS power or more. You don’t need anything less than that because 300 watts RMS is enough for almost any 5-inch speaker out there as long as its impedance isn’t too high (more on this later). 

If you are still not sure how to configure it, you can find a reliable company (such as a professional GEDI-G) and ask a professional person.

How Many Watts Of Power Amplifier Is Good?

For different usage scenarios, the wattage you need is also different. Common places of use are introduced below:

For home use:

Home theater: 30W-150W

If you want to watch movies with your family at home, then the power amplifier should be enough to support two or three people watching at one time. The basic requirement is about 30W/channel (60W/channel for 5.1 channels). For larger rooms, it is recommended to increase this value by about 50%.

For example, for a room with a size of 40 square meters and a height of 3 meters, the total requirement is about 150W/channel (300W/channel for 5.1 channels).

Enjoy music: 20-30W

For those who like to enjoy music at home on weekends or holidays, a 20-30W amplifier can meet their needs. This type of equipment provides enough power for listening pleasure without causing damage to hear organs due to excessive volume levels.

Car stereo: 50-100 watts

A car stereo system with a power amplifier of 50 to 100 watts is usually sufficient for most people. If you have a large subwoofer or multiple subwoofers, then you need more power. You can use these amplifiers for your home audio system if you have multiple speakers that require more power.

Live performance for 100 people: 50-200 watts (the most common)

For a live performance that uses a small speaker with low sensitivity, you may need to increase the power to get a good sound effect. For example, if you use a 100W amplifier for a live performance for 100 people, you only need to turn up the volume by about 3 or 4 notches. This can greatly reduce the sound distortion caused by over-amplification. If you use an amplifier with more than 100W power, it is easy to cause over-amplification and cause distortion in the sound.

How to Make Your Mix Sound Bigger?

If you have a better amp, you can more easily make your mix sound better. Here are some steps to make a bigger mix:

• – Use a compressor to add more low-end power to your mix.
• – Add a limiter, which will make your mix louder and bigger.
• – Use a de-esser on vocals or other parts that need to be brightened up.
• – Use an EQ to cut out any unwanted frequencies or boost the ones you want.
• – Use a gate or expander to remove unwanted noise from instruments like basses, guitars, violins, etc.

Conclusion:

An amplifier is a powerful device that makes your music or sound heard by as many people as possible without distorting it. But at the same time, it is more difficult to choose a better amplifier. GEDI-G is recommended here, it can provide you with better products.