Stereo amps are amps that deliver the sounds to two or more speakers, sending different sounds to different speakers based on the music source. True stereophonic sound is when the music was captured using different microphones, and the music is then channeled to different speakers, where one speaker will deliver the sounds from one microphone, and the other speaker will deliver the second source of sound, this provides a ”real life” perception of the sound as if it were live.
A stereo amp is an amp that can split sound into two or more speakers, and the only difference between a stereo amp and a regular amp is the additional hardware or circuitry used to create Stereophonics. The amp itself performs the same duty that any amp does, it takes the weaker signal and amplifies it for louder speaker performance.
Stereophonic amps are always DC powered, so if you have an AC outlet, the amp will convert that first into DC.
Here are some tips on buying an amp.
There are three types of amps on the market; these include a tube, solid-state and digital. Tube amps are slowly dying out, where the old breed of musicians still stick to the “better and deeper” sounds of a tube, which is a load of hogwash since a tube is an electronic device that converts waveforms just as a solid state does. All you need is the right quality of solid state transistors, and you get much better performance, longer lasting, with more versatility than a tube. In fact, comparing a tube to a solid state is like comparing a Model A Ford to a Porsche Cayenne. The difference is that the tubes come with a Porsche price and are harder to find spare parts. On the flip side, the hybrids contend to provide the best performance from both worlds. Well, let me ask you this, of tubes are so god darned magnificent, why are we all clambering to buy the latest LED TV and not some oldie tube model?
The next issue to look at is power, and yes power is important here. Amps use watts, as do speakers, and you cannot hear any music without speakers. As such, the amps and speakers have to match or you either get a weak amplification system for strong speakers or get an overpowered amp system blowing away the speaker electronics.
Amps should be equal to but no more than double the wattage of the speakers.
In terms of power size, here too you want to go for lower than higher.
Cons
ider that a standard auditorium or club hall system uses 100-250 watts, you don’t need to blast the walls of your dorm or house with so much power. The average home amp system should be no more than 15 watts, and a 3-watt amp is more than enough for a bedroom practice system. 15 watts is great for garages and small outdoor jams. 25 to 30 watts is good for a small gig, and anything above 30 is going into large live performance application.
If you want to create a buzz, turn the gain all the way down and up the volume, and if you want the crunch, then is to dial a clean setting and then push the volume all the way up. Take heed that you need an amp that is equal to the speaker or double, and this means that speakers that are too weak (less than double the amp wattage) will blow, while speakers that are too powerful for the amp will just not perform.
Another issue with matching amps with speakers, especially for a stereo amp system, is making sure you have speakers with good cabinets and are high quality. Cheapo speakers will distort your sounds, and buying cheapo speakers is like making an F35 out of cardboard and duct tape, it might look like an F35, but it won’t fly.
Cons
ider getting a multi-channel amp, and make sure there are EQ’s for each channel.
Only buy an amp with a headphone jack for silent practice, and always try out the amp on your guitar before buying it. The only way you can successfully know if an amp suits you is by using your own instrument, whose sound you know perfectly well.
There is one more consideration to take into account; don’t buy an amp because everyone else has one like it, buy an amp because you like it and your instruments like it.
Now let’s take a look at the 5 best stereo amp models on the market today.
List of Top-Rated Stereo Amps
The Best Stereo Amps Reviews
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1. Pyle PTA4 Mini Stereo Power Amplifier – 2 x 120 Watt with AUX, CD & Mic Inputs
This is the Pyle PTA4 Home Amplifier, stereo performance with 2 x 120-watt peak.
Performance
The Pyle PTA4 Home Amplifier is a perfect solution for powering any stereo system. It comes with Complete with AUX/CD inputs, and 2 x 120 watts of power and is best used in combination with 4 Ohm speakers.
This model comes with bass and treble controls, a very modern and no-nonsense blue LED output level display, with L/R RCA inputs, and 4 speaker outputs.
This model comes with some interesting circuitry that is perfect for both instrumental requirements as well as paging systems too. The stereophonic controls come with extreme power and versatility built in and give you a switchable mixing system. You can combine any and all AUX1, AUX2, CD, & MIC at the same time, so you get to channel different sources for all applications.
The MC pager switch is an advantage when you need to talk over the system in the middle of a broadcast. This model gives you an RCA REC output with ¼” MIC input jack, a ¼” Headphone jack and a 3.5mm AUX CD/MP3 input jack.
Features
- 2 x 120 Watt Peak at 4-Ohm
- Blue LED Output Level Display
- Switchable MIC Pager with Mixing Modes
- Four Push Type Speaker L/R Terminals
- Switchable AUX1/AUX2/CD and RCA Input
- Bass, Treble, Balance, Master and Mic Volume Controls
Recommendations
This is a classic Pyle stereo system. Their amps are known for reliability and durability, and this solid-state stereo amp is no exception. Its great value for money.
2. Pyle PCAU46A Audio Speaker Power Amplifier – Digital Stereo Amp with Headphone Jack, MP3/USB/SD Readers, 2 x 15 Watt
This is the Pyle PCAU46A Digital Stereo Amp with 2 x 15-watt power for a home entertainment system using
Performance
When it comes to home entertainment, the Pyle PCAU46A is a perfect integration system that fits into any combination of devices to deliver a perfect controlled stereophonic environment.
This model comes with a small remote, and the system is highly versatile yet simple and effective. This model comes with USB/SD memory readers, a set of CD, and AUX inputs and has clear blue LED display. There are also L/R RCA inputs and 4 push type speaker terminal.
The memory card allows this amp to read and transmit MP3 and WMA files, as well as connect to most mobile devices such as iPod’s iPhones and Android phones, amplifying their transmission.
Features
- Double Decoder Digital Media Function with Remote Control
- Built-in USB/SD Memory Card Readers
- Compatible with MP3/WMA Files
- Power On/Off Switch LED Indicator
- Treble, Bass, and Master Volume Controls
- 3.5mm/1/8” AUX Input Jack for iPod/iPhone/iPad/CD/MP3 Players
- Four Push Type Speaker L/R Terminals
- RCA Cable L/R Input
Recommendations
This is a great compact home entertainment stereo amp unit that also provides extra connectivity from USB and SD sources.
3. Crown XLi1500 Two-channel, 450W at 4Ω Power Amplifier
This is the Crown XLi1500 Two-channel, 450W stereo amp
Performance
This is a professional model, not a home entertainment system. When it comes to power and performance as well as reliability, the Crown Xli 1500 is a beast of an amp. This monster comes with a selectable input sensitivity of 0.755V or 1.4V and includes RCA and XLR inputs. There are a number of modes to choose from including stereo, mono, and bridge-mono.
The Xli 1500 comes within a sleek box design and has power, fault, signal presence, and clip indicators as well as binding post outputs. The circuitry is cooled by a forced air cooling unit, and there is circuit protection from no-load, on and off thumps and radio frequency interference.
Features
- Stereo, parallel, and bridged-mono modes
- User selectable input sensitivity – 0.775V and 1.4V
- Efficient forced-air cooling
- RCA & XLR inputs; binding post and Speakon ® outputs
- Two level controls, power switch, power LED
- 6 LEDs indicate signal presence, clip, and fault per channel
- Protection against shorts, no-load, on/off thumps and radio-frequency interference
Recommendations
For high output, this is one stereo speaker that meets the mark on all fronts, and the price is great for its level of quality and confidence.
4. Pyle PT1100 4-Ch. Home Theater Power Amplifier System, Hybrid Stereo Receiver with Audio Speaker Selector (1000 Watt)
This is the Pyle PT1100 Multi-Zone 4-Ch. Audio Source Amplifier
Performance
For the ultimate in home entertainment, in both design and performance, the Pyle PT1100 is an exceptional box of fun.
To start off with you get a 4 channel system with a classic sleek front panel. This system is designed to work with up to 4 large speakers and provides a 1000 watt power punch. So if you want to shake the house down literally, this model will give the power of the Jericho Horns.
The PT1100 comes with an Illuminated Digital LCD Display; it gives you RCA (L/R) Audio Inputs and RCA (L/R) Audio Output with 2 x ¼”’ Microphones Input Jacks. There are also Screw-Type Speaker Terminals with an A/B Speaker Selector and Independent Audio Source Input Selectors.
This model also integrates a Configurable Audio Control Setting for Bass, Treble, Balance, Echo, and Master Volume, and has built-in Overload and Short Circuitry Safety Protection.
The output of this beast is maxed 2 x 450 watts at 2 ohms (or total 1000 watts peak boost)
Features
- 4-Ch. Audio Source Amplifier
- A/B Speaker Selector
- Independent Audio Source Input Selectors
- Configurable Audio Control Settings
- Bass, Treble, Balance, Echo, Master Volume Controls
Recommendations
If its high power home performance with the output you will never use (believe me) then this is the model to beat all models. Just make sure you connect powerful speakers, or you will blow the small ones away (literally).
5. Pyle PT720A 1000 Watts AM/FM Tuner Hybrid Amplifier W/ 70V Output
This is the combo Pyle PT720A 1000 watt system
Performance
If a basic amp is not enough for you and you want a complete system ready to rock out sounds at any time, then you need the PT720A, which combines a radio FM/AM system with a 1000 watt stereo amp. This model churns out 450watts at 2 ohms, and in stereo mode, when boosted up to max will reach 1000 watts. Although I doubt you will ever want that level of sound, if you do, this is the beast that will give it to you.
This model is perfect for any sized room from a large lounge to a large auditorium.
What you get with this model are two 1/4” mic inputs and a 3.55m jack. It can power speakers at 4, 8, and 16 ohms, and if you happen to have a PA system, then you can connect a 70 V PA system to this amp.
Features
- Home/Auditorium Theater Receiver System
- iPod/MP3 Input with 3.5MM Cable
- AM/FM Quartz Synthesized Tuner
- Auto Scan, PRE/NEXT/MEMORY/STORE stores up to 50 Stations
Recommendations
This Radio/PA combo amp is perfect for more than just home use and is a great solution for bars, clubs, and auditoriums.
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