Choosing Amplifiers to Power Your Home Theater System
A power amplifier boosts the sound by sending signals to attached speakers and subwoofers. You'll be able to play music loud or soft without experiencing sound distortions. Yamaha, Parasound, and Sony are some brands that produce multi-channel amplifiers so you can grow your system incrementally.
How Important Are Amplifier Channels to a Home Theater System?
Your goal when choosing an amplifier is to decide how many output channels you need to power subwoofers, speakers, or a combination of components. Two-channel stereo receivers have left and right stereo outputs you can bridge to increase power. A system with five-channel amplification, also referred to as an AV receiver, powers an entire system, takes up less space, and is easier to set up compared to two-channel amps. Moreover, selecting equipment by the number of total watts available helps you determine how much audio power you need. Additionally, you can make a decision based on room size and impedance of speakers measured in ohms.
What Is RMS power?
RMS ratings indicate the power amplifier's continuous power output. As a rule of thumb, RMS ratings for amps should exceed the wattage of attached speakers or subwoofers. For example, if the output for your speakers is 200 watts, then your amp wattage should be about 250 watts. Every time you add additional speakers, your amp or receiver needs to have enough power to handle the upgrade. When turning up the volume, the unit should have ample audio power so you don't hear garbled sounds.
What Features Should You Consider When Choosing an Amplifier?
- Channel Upgrades: At a minimum, you'll need a five-channel amplifier to support surround sound. Some amplifiers allow you to upgrade to a multi-zone system that has seven or more channels. With five channels dedicated to surround sound, use additional channels to place speakers in bedrooms or the front porch.
- Connectors: If you own a turntable, power amplifiers with a phono input means you can play vintage 45 and 33 vinyl records. To grow your audio system, use HDMI inputs to connect to TVs, gaming equipment, and media players. There are audio inputs to add subwoofers, DVD inputs for players, and connector ports to add a sound bar.
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi: Stream music wirelessly throughout your house using built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivities. You can connect to favorite social media and Internet sites or check email messages.
- Remote Control: Without getting up from your chair, you can adjust the treble and bass, switch between programmed presets, and control other functions.