Across
- 2. Stereo manufacturers often display this as their power ratings on the face of their products. This power rating tells you the maximum wattage an amplifier can deliver as a brief burst, like a dramatic drum accent. The RMS figure is more significant.
- 4. This class of amplifiers is desirable for the high quality of their sound, but, because of the configuration of its transistors, a pure class amplifier of this class is inefficient and runs very hot.
- 5. If an amp generates a large amount of heat, this cooling device can regulate the temperature to prevent the amp from overheating.
- 6. A feature that senses signal coming from the receiver which then turns on the amp. This is used in place of a remote turn on lead.
- 9. Number of RCA outputs. An RCA output lets you pass the preamp signal to additional amps, and in some cases the internal crossover from the first amp can send a filtered signal, eliminating the need for an additional crossover.
- 10. The amount of change in harmonic content of the signal as it is amplified. A lower figure indicates less change and a more accurate amp. As long as this spec is below 0.10% the distortion will be inaudible.
- 11. This class of amplifier is extremely efficient but suffers from a lot of distortion.
- 13. The act of combining two channels on an amp into a single connection for higher output.
- 14. This class of amp is usually used to power subwoofers. It boasts higher efficiency, produce less heat, and draw less current than Class AB amps. These amps produce higher distortion, but this distortion occurs at high frequencies that are typically removed by a low-pass filter and is therefore inaudible.
Down
- 1. This class of amplifier runs cooler, and therefore, more efficiently than a class A, with low distortion and high reliability.
- 3. Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors have a higher switching speed than bipolar transistors and generate very little heat. They offer fast response and high efficiency.
- 6. Measured in decibels (dB), this spec compares the strength of the source in relation to the extra noise that is not part of the original signal. A higher value indicates less background noise.
- 7. Useful if you're adding an amp to a factory radio, or don't have enough preamp outputs on your aftermarket receiver.
- 8. The amount of continuous power, measured in watts, that an amplifier produces.The higher the number, the louder and cleaner your music sounds.
- 12. Some amps include circuitry that allows you to increase the bass output. In some cases it is simply a knob or button that provides a set amount of gain, and in some cases it may be a built-in parametric equalizer with many possible configurations and adjustments.