BROWSE HOW TOs

How to Pick an Amp for a Home Audio System

By eHow Electronics Editor

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An amp, or amplifier, in audio systems is what controls a large amount of energy by using a smaller amount of energy. This function serves to increase the overall power signal. There are many different types of amps built for a wide array of equipment. To enhance your overall home audio system, pick the right amp for your specific sound and entertainment needs.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

IEC power rating
Power specifications for home audio system

Step1

Determine how many channels you have to power. For example, if you have 4 speakers and a subwoofer, then you need a 5-channel amp.

Step2

Pick the features you will need. This will vary, depending on whether you are trying to power a radio, subwoofer or a pair of speakers.

Step3

Pick an amp that can bring power that is equal to twice each speaker's IEC rating.

Step4

Choose an amp that has the right amount of headroom, which helps deliver undistorted power to your speakers.

Step5

Select an amp based on its subwoofer performance, especially if you want a unit that is capable of producing rich low tones.

Step6

Ask the salesperson or dealer about the return policy. Once you get the amp home, you may find it is too powerful (or not powerful enough) for your home audio system. Since many stores will not accept returns on opened electronics, it's best to get the return policy in writing before you purchase your amp.

Tips & Warnings

For smaller home audio systems, you can figure out the amp power you need by looking at the number of speakers you have. Systems with two speakers need a 2-channel amp for optimum sound.
There are amps built mainly to power subwoofers. These single-channel amps help with the low frequencies.
Do not forget to buy speaker wires to connect your amp to your speakers.
If you find yourself constantly turning the volume up for dialogue and down for music, check your amp. The less-expensive models lack the ability to make minute adjustments that stabilize volume control.
If your budget will only allow you to buy an older or lower-quality amp, realize that the amp may deliver a low amount of power, which could cause damage to the speakers or your entire home audio system.
Do get the best amp possible with your budget. Even if your other components are high quality, a poor amp can compromise the overall sound coming from your audio system.
A low-power amp may cause ear fatigue because of the "clipping" or disturbances that result.
Many people mistakenly think that the watts per channel rating, or WPC, on an amplifier are directly proportional to its volume or loudness. This is not necessarily true. Decibels, not watts, measure sound level.