What do I need to pay attention to when purchasing a new amplifier?

The right amplifier for your project

Amplifiers are available in various types and sizes. The right choice of amplifier will differ per application. Because the amplifier is a critical part of the sound installation, it’s important to make the right decision. Tau helps you to find the right amplifier for your project.

Whatt?

Start at the beginning: what kind of amplification is needed for the loudspeakers? The type of loudspeaker determines the kind of amplifier that is required. For most of the systems the choice will be between a low-impedance or a 100 Volt amplifier. It’s also important to determine the power capacity of the amplifier. This indicates the amount of Watts with which the amplifier can be loaded. Generally speaking, this is a simple equation of the amount of loudspeakers times the load per loudspeaker. An example: someone needs an installation, existing of 5 loudspeakers that each form a load of 20 Watts at 100 Volt. The equation in that case, is 5×20 Watts: a total of 100 Watts. Some extra power capacity needs to be taken into account, making sure the amplifier isn’t overloaded. This will benefit the lifespan of the amplifier. A 120 Watts at 100 Volt amplifier would suffice in this instance. Pay attention to the impedance of the loudspeakers, making sure everything is compatible.

Size matters

Another factor that needs to be taken into account when purchasing a new amplifier, is its size. Most professional amplifiers have a 19 inch profile, making it easy to place them inside a 19 inch rack. If a larger size amplifier isn’t the right fit for the job, a compact amplifier can be chosen. This amplifier can drive one or two loudspeakers. Because of the compact size of the amplifier, it can be placed out of sight, effortlessly. This means it can be placed behind a TV or above the ceiling, for example.

Adding a preamplifier when necessary

The next step is to decide whether or not a preamplifier is needed. The deciding factor in this, is the amount of sources that will be connected to the sound installation. If a lot of sources will be connected, it´s a good idea to use a preamplifier or a matrix mixer, in combination with a power amplifier. The power amplifier will only amplify the incoming signal from the preamplifier or matrix mixer. When only a few sources will be connected, a mixer amplifier will usually suffice. With this amplifier, the signal can be mixed, if need be. Generally, a music player will be connected for background music, along with a public address microphone. The microphone can be given higher priority than the music, ensuring intelligibility of the message.

Precisely perfect for your project

The following specifications also play a part in choosing the right amplifier.

• High or low impedance: impedance indicates how high the resistance is,  nominal impedance being the resistance value in rest.
  -High impedance makes the amplifier suitable for use in 25 V, 70 V or 100 V installations. This is ideal for basic loudspeakers and situations with long cable runs, where multiple loudspeakers are used per speaker line.
  -Low impedance makes the amplifier suitable for use in Low-Z (8 Ω) installations. This is ideal for situations where more power capacity is needed from the amplifier, as is the case with powerful loudspeakers and situations with short cable runs.
• Amplifiers with or without DSP: DSP stands for Digital Sound Processor. This provides the possibility to manage sound. Effects like reverb, delay and chorus, help create the ideal listening experience. When the sound quality is not as important, an amplifier without DSP can be chosen.
• Size: the height of amplifiers is indicated in 1U/2U/3U. This describes the amount of spaces the amplifier will take in the rack. Also make sure the amplifier isn’t too deep for the rack. Of course size also matters when the amplifier isn’t installed in a rack, but is concealed in the interior. Of course the following applies here: the smaller the equipment, the easier it can be hidden away.
• Equalizing: with this, the ideal balance between high, middle and low tones is obtained. Mostly on simple amplifiers, this is controlled using rotary knobs or potentio meters. In more sophisticated systems, it’s regulated by the software itself.
• Active or passive cooling: this is the way in which overheating of the amplifier is prevented.
  -Passive cooling, also called convection cooling, is a silent manner of cooling. This produces no sound and often barely needs maintenance, because less dust is attracted by the cooling.
  -Active cooling is needed for a powerful amplifier . The more power capacity the amplifier has to deliver, the warmer it can become. Active cooling is better at preventing overheating.

Need help purchasing or installing an amplifier?

Tau gladly helps find a fitting amplifier for the project and has virtually all amplifiers available. Need advice purchasing or installing audio equipment? Or do you have a project that you would like to be carried out by one of the Tau dealers? Please contact us through contact form or 050 549 9090.