Integrated amplifiers receive audio signal from music and video players, turntables, external streamers, and other analog output devices, and then amplify it for standard speaker-assisted playback. In addition, select models have a built-in digital-to-analog converter and digital inputs, so you can easily hook them up to a modern TV, PC, or a Blu-ray player.
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Amp Performance
For normal playback at home, you only need about 40W RMS per channel. Amps with higher performance (generally more expensive models) are usually better designed, so they play better even at the same volume and also work well with high-end speakers. High-performers sporting 100W RMS per channel cover the extreme dynamic ranges of classical music and provide great audio in really large rooms (over 30m2). If you need high acoustic pressure (high volume),we recommend choosing speakers with a higher SPL [dB/W/m] sensitivity (typically column type).
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You will find a more detailed explanation of amplifier performance, sound pressure, speaker sensitivity and the importance of maintaining the minimum speaker impedance in our dictionary.
Amp Inputs
- Analog line input (RCA L/R) - used to connect all analog audio sources except for turntables (CD, DVD, MP3, line-in, etc.). Some amps have one 3.5mm jack input right on the front panel to enable easy connection of smartphones and MP3 players.
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Analog turntable input (Phono) - is additionally equipped with a preamp to work with a turntable. Budget amplifiers can only work with MM portable devices, while more expensive ones also support the MC type (they have a Phono MM/MC input).
- Digital input (coaxial, TosLink optical) - amplifiers with a built-in digital-to-analog converter (DAC) have coaxial and optical inputs to connect modern TVs, computers, multimedia centers and various audio/video players.
- Main-in - this allows you to operate your integrated amplifier in power amplifier mode. Simply connect the output of a stand-alone preamp or the pre-out output of your AV receiver and you can link an integrated amplifier into your home theater system for better stereo audio without switching cables.
You can easily expand the capabilities of simple integrated amplifiers with a stand-alone digital-to-analog converter (DAC) or turntable preamp.
Amp Outputs
- Speaker terminals - screw terminals are more reliable than spring terminals and you can attach cables with a thicker cross-section, banana connectors, and usually even fork plugs. Some amplifiers even have two pairs of terminals, so you can easily switch between a pair of speakers and, in selected cases, play both pairs at the same time (A + B configuration).
- Headphones - usually a large plug for connecting a pair of 6.3mm headphones.
- Subwoofer pre-out - preamplified output for an active subwoofer.
- L/R pre-out - allows you to connect the device to a separate power amplifier or active speakers. If the amplifier or subwoofer supports channel merging, you can also use this output for an active subwoofer.
- Line-out/rec-out - for fixed line level output devices such as CD players. It is mainly used to connect recording devices.
Extension Functions
- Loudness - a button enabling fixed emphasis on bass and treble, which compensates for the attenuation of the human ear during quiet audio playback.
- Direct - a signal path that bridges (bypasses) bass and treble corrections. Just press a single button and turn off corrections without having to tweak the potentiometers.
- Bass/Treble - buttons or potentiometers for continuous emphasis/suppression of bass and treble in the range of approximately ± 10 dB (each manufacturer has corrections at a slightly different frequency and with a different range).
- Balance - to adjust the channel balance when you are not in the centre of the listening triangle.
