When it comes to music, the definition of “loud” should still not cross the threshold of noise. If you are broadcasting music across a wide area or for a lot of people to hear, then it should be perceptible yet without static, cracking, and noise.
A power amplifier allows you to reproduce a weak audio signal by passing it through an electronic system that fine-tunes and regulates it before amplifying the sound level. It is essential in speakers, television, and other devices that process and outputs sound.
Meanwhile, if you are building a home theater system or a home audio system, then a power amplifier is a must-have standalone equipment. The amplifier drives your speakers and “cleans” the sound by clearing noise and modulating some dynamics.
An audio amplifier works by increasing the magnitude of the audio input signal. The resulting output signal contains the same sound dynamics and all other characteristics only.
A power amp is unarguably an essential part of any audio setup. And the market is teeming with different brands and models that also involve a lot of technical terminologies which may confuse non-audiophiles. Like, can you differentiate a stereo amplifier from a mono?
To help you pick the best power amplifier without getting tangled in a sea of jargon, our team researched for you. Each power amplifier is tested and rated based on build, performance, features, and reliability. Here’s our best list for 2021.
| Name | Key Feature | |
|---|---|---|
| Behringer Power Amplifier (NX4-6000) Home Theater Amplifier– Editor’s Choice | Four-channel power amplifier equipped with SmartSense loudspeaker impedance compensation | Check Price |
| Crown XLS1502 Two-channel, 525-Watt at 4Ω Power Amplifier | Two-channel amplifier equipped with a class-D amplifier and Crown’s patented DriveCore technology | Check Price |
| Rockville RPA14 7000 Watt Peak / 2000w RMS 2 Channel Power Amplifier Pro | Two-channel, three-mode power amplifier – bridged, stereo, and parallel | Check Price |
Behringer Power Amplifier (NX4-6000) Home Theater Amplifier – Editor’s Choice
This power amplifier utilizes the best-in-class, Class D amplifier technology. A class D amplifier is generally more efficient, dissipates less heat, and is lighter than its counterparts. With this, these amplifiers are most employed in mobile and portable devices. They are also effective on home theater systems.
The Behringer home theater amplifier omits the need for massive heat sinks and huge power supplies. It is energy-efficient, consumes less power to drive the operation, and provides exceptional amplification performance. Instead, it uses a switch-mode power supply which is also known for its power efficiency. It is smaller, more lightweight, and produces less noise as well. All of these contribute to shrinking the power amplifier’s size, making it more portable and fitting to tighter areas. It also looks great in minimalist setups with its less chunky build.
This 4-channel powerbass amp offers 6000 watts’ total power (4 x 1600 Watts at 2 Ohms; 2 x 3000 Watts at 4 Ohms). You’ll be surprised that this 6-kilogram power amplifier can output this much power.
Another advantage you can get from an energy-efficient power amplifier is its ability to pull long hours without overheating. If you are hosting a party, then you do not need to worry about the people enjoying the music and staying for an extended time. Just keep the food and booze coming, and your audio system will take care of the entertainment.
Meanwhile, this sound amplifier is also equipped with SmartSense loudspeaker impedance compensation which makes it more adaptable to any speaker load impedance. This also helps the power amplifier to withstand long hours of use.
The Behringer Power Amplifier (NX4-6000) Home Theater Amplifier is equipped with a stereo crossover that lets you choose between modes – low-cut, high-cut, and full-range.
This power amplifier also features intuitive operation and plain-in-sight controls. There are also signal LEDs so you’ll know if it is working and how much it outputs.
Also, this power amplifier is compatible with unbalanced and balanced sources. It also features twist-lock sockets for a secure connection so that you get maximized output and clear sound quality.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Utilizes a class-D amplifier known for its low heat dissipation, improved energy efficiency, and lightweight | No volume level indicator |
| Equipped with SmartSense loudspeaker impedance compensation | |
| 4-channel power amplifier; 6000 watts’ total power (4 x 1600 Watts at 2 Ohms; 2 x 3000 Watts at 4 Ohms) | |
| With stereo crossover with low-cut, high-cut, and full-range modes |
Conclusion
The Behringer Power Amplifier (NX4-6000) Home Theater Amplifier is great for home theater systems that provide ample inputs for all of your audio devices. This power amplifier is also energy efficient, less bulky, and provides reliable performance.
Crown XLS1502 Two-channel, 525-Watt at 4Ω Power Amplifier
This 2 channel amplifier also packs a powerful Class-D amplifier that boasts of its energy efficiency, low heat dissipation, and effective drive technology.
Crown power amplifiers are known for their DriveCore technology, and this power amplifier is not spared from it. This patented technology is faithful to the class-D amp’s high-efficiency element and works with it to deliver excellent performance while still being energy efficient.
The Crown XLS1502 Two-channel, 525-Watt at 4Ω Power Amplifier provides more control for the user. It has high DSP capabilities with a bandpass filter on each channel. Meanwhile, this power amplifier allows you to adjust the input sensitivity. Choose between 1.4 VRMS and 0.775 VRMS that allow you to drive the amplifier using full power.
This amplifier Crown is equipped with Peak Limiters that protect your speakers as you drive them to maximum output. Meanwhile, in the aspect of protection, this power amplifier allows you to lock the settings when you enable the security feature. This disables the menu buttons and can only do so or unlock it with the right combination that you can set yourself.
The Crown amp comes with a sleep mode after a certain period you set it with. It also comes with a remote power trigger for convenience. You also have the option to restore it to its original factory settings if needed.
This power amplifier comes with XLR, ¼-inch, RCA inputs for source flexibility. The hardware is assisted with forced-air fans to prevent overheating and thermal buildup. It is also integrated with the Pureband crossover system. Meanwhile, its LED system is flexible and can be turned off not to cause distractions in your home or dark locations.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Two-channel amplifier equipped with a class-D amplifier | Short power cord |
| Equipped with Crown’s patented DriveCore technology | |
| Adjustable input sensitivity (1.4 VRMS and 0.775 VRMS) | |
| Sleep mode | |
| Remote power trigger | |
| With XLR, ¼-inch, RCA inputs | |
| The LED system can be turned off/on | |
| Assisted with forced-air fans | |
| You can lock/unlock control settings | |
| Integrated with the Pureband crossover system |
Conclusion
If you are looking for performance and features, a Crown XLS1502 Two-channel, 525-Watt at 4Ω Power Amplifier is a great investment.
Rockville RPA14 7000 Watt Peak / 2000w RMS 2 Channel Power Amplifier Pro
What makes this power amplifier a standout on this list is its parallel mode. This allows it to output dual mono signals and has them both go through together in each of the speakers rather than in a left or right configuration. Yet, of course, this modern-looking power amplifier packs plenty of features that every audiophile will surely appreciate.
Aside from the parallel mode, the Rockville amp also provides you with the bridged mode and the stereo mode. The former allows you to combine the power from both channels so it can run a subwoofer more effectively. Meanwhile, the latter works best with either 2 speakers or 4 speakers in a left/right configuration.
Meanwhile, this power amplifier is integrated with a crossover switch, perfect to run PA speakers or subwoofers.
This 2 channel amp is also equipped with a limiter to prevent your speakers from experiencing sound distortion and clipping. Overall, it helps amplify the right signals while keeping them clean.
The Rockville RPA14 7000 Watt Peak / 2000w RMS 2 Channel Power Amplifier Pro looks modern and professional with its LCD views and various level controls. This home audio amplifier can show volume per channel in dB as well as the current operating temperature. It can also display the power, signal, clipping with LED indicators.
And also, this power amplifier is equipped with protection features that secure the circuitry in the event of short circuits, overheating, or DC overload.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Two-channel, three-mode power amplifier – bridged, stereo, and parallel | Some users notice that the fans work less quietly than other brands |
| Integrated with a crossover switch | |
| Equipped with a limiter | |
| With LCD views and various level controls | |
| Short circuit, overheating, or DC overload protection |
Conclusion
The Rockville RPA14 7000 Watt Peak / 2000w RMS 2 Channel Power Amplifier Pro is true to its professionalism with its modern features and functionality.
Final Verdict
I admit that searching for the best amplifier that is an obvious standout is challenging. Many have similar features and use the same technology making it harder to spot the deciding factor.
A home amplifier may have a different set of standards than a professional one, but ultimately, regardless, both have to be capable and powerful to run different output sources without breaking.
With that, a standout power amplifier on this list is the Behringer Power Amplifier (NX4-6000) Home Theater Amplifier.
The Behringer Power Amplifier (NX4-6000) Home Theater Amplifier enriches the whole audio experience with its 4-channel capacity, high-density class D amplification technology, and SmartSense loudspeaker impedance. Its energy efficiency and low heat dissipation make it more effective in delivering its best performance even in long hours. This power amplifier works with your whole audio or home theater system setup by amplifying the right signals and omitting the rest.