High-Fidelity Power Amplifiers

A power amplifier must be capable of delivering sufficient power to your speakers while maintaining high sound quality. Power is expressed in RMS watts per channel. It is important to choose an amp with power suited to the speakers, taking into account their sensitivity and impedance (usually 4, 6, or 8 ohms).

Beyond power, several criteria impact sound quality. The total harmonic distortion (THD) should be as low as possible for pure, unaltered sound. A high signal-to-noise ratio ensures sound free from hiss and background noise. A wide bandwidth and extended frequency response guarantee faithful reproduction of the entire audio spectrum.

Different amplification technologies exist, each with its advantages. Class A offers great musicality but modest efficiency. Class AB represents a good compromise between quality and efficiency. The more recent Class D combines compactness, power, and energy efficiency, with increasingly musical sound.

Power amplifiers are available in stereo (2 channels) for traditional hi-fi setups, or in mono versions for bi-amplifying speakers (separate bass and treble for greater precision). Bi-amplification requires a preamplifier upstream to manage source selection and volume control.

Other features to consider include filtering capacity for better dynamics, a cooling system to prevent overheating, and connectivity (inputs/outputs) for optimal integration into your system.

A good power amplifier stands out for its versatility and ability to enhance all your favorite musical styles. It should deliver warm or incisive sound depending on the character of the recording, while preserving neutrality and transparency. Paired with quality speakers, it will let you rediscover your favorite tracks with an unexpected level of detail and emotion. Ready to step up to the next level of power?