Amplifier - All Our Models |Audiohum

Amplifiers

An audio amplifier is a device that contains electronic circuits whose function is to increase the power (voltage and intensity) of the audio signal, doing so with the least possible distortion to offer a high-fidelity quality output signal.

To listen to your music in the best possible way, a correct choice in your sound amplifier is essential so that the speakers or speakers achieve the best performance. Audio amplifiers can be integrated (the function of preamplification and power in a single device), or separated into preamplifier and power stage. In addition, the way to amplify these devices can be of different technologies. We refer to tube and digital amplifiers. There are also loudspeakers or speakers with internal amplification on the market, in which case the use of an amplifier would not be necessary.

Current amplifiers can be connected and used through a smartphone, tablet, music applications such as iTunes or spotify, internet platforms, etc; all this, including the possibility of expanding the audio to different areas of your home.

Active filters

  • Brand: ProJect

What is an amplifier?

An audio amplifier is a device that contains electronic circuits that allow to increase or amplify audio signals and deliver the necessary power to the speakers or speakers.

Amplifiers allow the user to enjoy quality sound. The current ones can even be connected and used through a smartphone, tablet, music applications such as iTunes or spotify, internet platforms, etc; all this, including the possibility of expanding the audio to different areas of your home.

Guide to buying an amplifier

The technical characteristics to take into account when choosing a good amplifier are the following:

Power

Gain

Distortion (0.5%THD)

Dynamic range of the amplifier

Bandwidth

Power: Too much amp power can break your speaker's midrange or bass drivers. For this to happen, you usually have to go to double or more power than the recommended speaker power. If the volume is set too high by pushing it all the way up, the amp will clip and generate distortion that can damage your speaker drivers. It is high frequency distortion.

Small amps working close to their limit are the ones that can damage your speakers whereas it is rare for a quality powerful amp to do so.

Distortion (0.5%THD): There are two types of distortion to consider in an amplifier, Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)¹ and InterModulation Distortion (IM)¹, a good value is less than 0.1%.

Signal/noise ratio: Ratio between the maximum undistorted signal level and the background noise generated by the amplifier: In Hi-End values ​​of up to 115 or 120 dB are given.

Damping factor: This factor indicates the ability of the amplifier to slow down the loudspeaker when the applied signal ceases, so that it does not remain vibrating at its resonant frequency. This makes the sound cleaner, leaving temporary spaces free of sound.

Frequent questions

How does an amplifier work?

An amplifier is a device that receives the audio signal from the source, Hi-Res player, CD player, etc. and increases its power. Thanks to this increase in power, the audio signal will be heard with a better volume and with a better quality to later be emitted to passive speakers or headphones with medium or high impedances.

What are the differences between a DAC and an amplifier?

The fundamental difference between a DAC and an amplifier is that the DAC is the device that in your audio equipment will be in charge of converting the signal from digital to analog, determining the quality of the signal and with the amplifier what we will achieve is to amplify said signal and lead it to passive speakers or high impedance headphones. Combining both devices will get your device to play your favorite tracks with better audio quality.

Frequent uses of an amplifier?

One of the most frequent situations in which we are going to need an amplifier is to use medium or high impedance headphones. With an amplifier we will perceive a greater volume and enjoy better nuances in the bass or a better separation between frequencies.

Another ideal situation to use an amplifier is when our sound source has a low volume. Those sources, although using very low impedance headphones, if the sound source has a low volume, we will not achieve an adequate result. With an amplifier we will solve this problem.

Another case in which using an amplifier is essential is if we include passive speakers in our audio equipment. Unlike the active ones, since they do not have an integrated amplifier included, an amplifier is necessary to make them sound at a good volume.

Does an amplifier improve the audio quality of any source?

No. If we connect a very good amplifier to a bad audio source, what we will get is a mediocre sound amplified at high volume. What is recommended in these situations is to change the sound source or include a DAC that allows us to improve the quality of the source.