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Power Amps

Behringer NX6000D
2x 3000 Watt / 4 Ohm
$ 429.00
To Product
Fame PA Patch Panel
4x Speakon I/O, 2x XLR I/O
$ 49.00
To Product

Power amplifiers are the heart of any PA system: they deliver the energy and volume needed for live events. Here’s what to consider before buying.

1. Power amplifiers – general info

Fame Audio 4-channel power amplifier
Fame Audio 4-channel power amplifier

For smaller setups, active speakers with built-in amps are common. But when it comes to larger events, dedicated power amps are the better choice.

Benefits of separate power amps:

  • Maximum performance
  • Flexible pairing with speakers and system components

Most units are 2-channel or 4-channel models. Some include built-in DSP (EQ, delay, crossover, limiter). Typical connections are SpeakON for outputs and XLR, 1/4" jack or RCA for inputs.

Top brands: Behringer, Crown, Dynacord, Fame Audio, Monacor, Yamaha

Behringer KM 750 stereo amplifier
Behringer KM 750 stereo amplifier with multiple connections

2. Amplifier classes

Amplifiers are divided into classes. In pro audio, Class AB, Class H, and Class D are most relevant.

Class A: top sound, low efficiency. Class B: efficient, but distortion-prone. Class AB: balanced mix of sound and efficiency. Class H: refined version of AB. Class D: digital, ultra-efficient, compact, lightweight – now the industry standard for touring rigs.

Yamaha PX3 Class-D amplifier
Yamaha PX3 with Class-D technology

3. Output power

The classic question: how many watts do you need? It depends on venue size and style of music. Better too much power than not enough: you can always turn it down, but you can’t push an underpowered amp harder without distortion or damage.

Guidelines:

  • Small gigs: 100–200 W
  • Bands: several hundred watts per channel
  • Clubs and big stages: 1000 W or more

Tip: Match amp power to your speakers. A 2000 W amp is pointless if the speakers can’t handle it.

4. Switch-mode vs. linear power supplies

Switch-mode power supplies (SMPS) are lighter, smaller, and more efficient – the go-to choice for modern pro amps. Linear supplies are cheaper but heavier and less practical for touring rigs.

5. Cooling

QSC PLD 4.2 rear panel with fan
Rear panel of QSC PLD 4.2 with cooling fan

Amps produce heat. To ensure long-term reliability, proper cooling is crucial:

  • Active cooling with fans
  • Passive cooling with air circulation

Active cooling is the pro standard, especially for touring and club installs.

Tip: Clean dust filters regularly to keep airflow strong.

6. Protection features

Good power amps come with safety circuits to prevent damage:

  • Overheating protection
  • Limiter
  • DC protection circuit
  • Overload protection