Practically all people listen to music, that's a fact. However, many are accustomed to getting by with only players, music centers and built-in sound cards. At the same time, everyone expects almost perfect sound from new devices. Crystal sound is more than possible, but for this you will need to purchase a special device - a multi-channel sound amplifier.
What is an amplifier
Even from the name it is clear that all devices of this kind are designed to amplify sound. Any amplifier is a device that passes electrical vibrations through itself and amplifies them many times in the most comfortable frequency range for human perception.
Amplifiers are different. They differ in hardware, purpose and appearance, there are also whole classifications of such devices.
The first and most understandable classification for everyone is based on whichconditions of the amplifier being used. Some people prefer to listen to music at home, while others buy a multi-channel amplifier in the car and enjoy pure sound on the road.
Home or, as they are also called, household stationary amplifiers are used at home. Not indoors, but at home. Most often, such devices are only auxiliary home theater systems. An advanced audio system in the living room is rarely equipped with a separate amplifier. There is no need for that. The built-in one is often enough, but sometimes it comes bundled with the audio system as a separate device. Such home amplifiers are much better than built-in ones, but also much more expensive.
Three main types
Multichannel amplifiers can be very different from each other. However, despite all the variety and assortment, there are only three main types of amplifiers:
- Preliminary. Amplifiers of this type are most often required for phantom-powered condenser microphones. The device receives a weak and poor-quality signal. The device processes it, complements and significantly enhances it. This works especially well with microphones. First, over half of microphones don't work without a preamp at all. Secondly, the device minimizes interference, reduces noise and makes the sound much clearer.
- Terminal. Such amplifiers work exclusively with the power of the incoming signal. This type is rarely used in everyday life, because it is designed for audio systems. And mostly professional or studio.
- Integral. Almost all multichannel amplifiers on the world market are of this type. First of all, this is a combined device. It includes all other types. There is also a small device control unit, especially for those who need manual control. Despite the logical versatility, this type is the cheapest. Combining all types in himself, he cannot surpass each of them separately. A unified audio system with an integrated amplifier will always be inferior to the exact same system with separate amplifiers.
Certain types of device
Multichannel amplifiers have come a long way in their development. Not only the types have changed, but also the principle of operation of the devices. Outdated and irrelevant forever became part of history, but only the highest quality ones got to the world market:
Tube. The name and appearance will appeal to many people. Devices of this type are based on vacuum electron tubes. Most often, these amplifiers are studio, professional and semi-professional. Great for high frequency sound. However, tracks that have undergone numerous re-recordings or, even worse, remakes in a modern way, are played poorly on such devices. Such amplifiers are not afraid of significant overloads and even have good protection against short circuits. This device is definitely not suitable for lovers of loud bass. A tube amp will produce a smooth sound anyway, and often has an interesting look as well
- Transistor. A multi-channel audio amplifier will not necessarily be a tube amplifier. This type is based on bipolar transistors. The design of such devices is characterized by reliability and simplicity, and, consequently, the lowest price. Such devices cannot boast of excellent sounding, because this is already outdated technology. Keeps in the market only due to low cost. Displaced by another species.
- Amplifier based on integrated circuits. All devices of this type are compact. Microcircuits are small and allow you to place the device in miniature boxes. It is these amplifiers that are most often used in cars. The design is simple, but due to the fact that the sound is much better than that of transistors, they are more expensive.
- Hybrid amplifiers. This is the most expensive and demanding type. Yes, it gives a really good sound, but it is not able to boast of reliability. Such devices combine both tube, and transistor, and integrated amplifiers. It makes no sense to acquire this type for a home system. This is a professional studio tool.
Mono amplifiers
Multichannel power amplifiers, although used most often, are not always suitable. There are also so-called mono amplifiers. This is extremely rare in home systems. What are they for?
To amplify the power of only one speaker. Only one channel is used. Sound received inas a result of mono amplification, will be the purest and highest quality. In audio systems, you can use one amplifier for each speaker. What accounts for such high quality sound? By using only one channel. There is no noise or interference. An audio system built around mono amplifiers will be outstanding in every way.
More channels don't mean better
Digital multi-channel amplifiers have long been popular in the market. They are equipped with many home theaters. People buy them separately, in the hope of the highest quality sound. However, this is a hoax. Despite the attractive appearance, such devices will meet expectations only if the music lover does not save money. There are a lot of such devices on the world market, and the problem is that they are all very different in price. The best devices are really capable of producing an incredibly pleasant sound. However, they are expensive. They also provide a powerful cooling system for amplifier components and passive protection against power surges.
Multichannel mono
The most expensive home systems come with multiple multi-channels. They work in single channel mode. This is a very expensive solution, but worth it. The fact is that regardless of the room, the sound will be close to high-quality sound in cinemas. Watching movies with this sound system can be a really enjoyable experience.
Amplifier in the car
Car amplifiercan really improve the sound. However, he will never be able to compensate for cheap speakers. Expensive car audio systems will sound much nicer.
One of the best options
Portable amplifiers are a whole segment of the market, literally clogged with Chinese goods. However, one extremely successful model stands out among them, winning in terms of price and quality. This is a JBL GTO-3EZ car multichannel amplifier.
This device stands out among many. This is a 3-channel amplifier, but in fact there are only 2 channels. One channel is a D-class amplifier. Impressive power is concentrated in a small body. Many people use the device not only in the car, but also at home, because there is more than enough power. The firmware of the amplifier deserves special attention. She is able to configure all the important parameters in the car's electronic system herself. No manual configuration required.
Reviews
Reviews of the JBL GTO-3EZ car multi-channel amplifier are mostly positive. Negative responses are associated with the incompatibility of old columns. The fact is that connecting such serious equipment to very bad speakers is throwing money away. Not only will they not open the amplifier completely, but they will also not be able to work with it correctly. Bass will suffer the most. Many users admit that after installing the amplifier, they had to buy a good audio system for it.
For headphones
Multi-channel amplifier forheadphones is a rather specific thing. Basically, it is not required either in ordinary life or at work. The only area of application is recording studios and high-quality sound in computer games. Special amplifiers for headphones are practically not sold. There are only a couple of models, and they are quite expensive. It is much cheaper to buy a Chinese equivalent, but this will make even less sense.
