Are amplifiers and power amplifiers the same thing?

In professional audio terminology, "amplifier" is a broad term that can refer to any device that increases signal level, including preamplifiers, integrated amplifiers and power amplifiers. A power amplifier specifically refers to the final amplification stage that drives loudspeakers, converting line-level signals into high-current output. In event technology, "power amplifier" and "endstufe" are used interchangeably to describe rack-mount units that power passive PA speakers. Integrated amplifiers combine preamplification and power amplification in one unit, while power amplifiers focus solely on delivering maximum output power with minimal distortion.

What exactly does a power amplifier do?

A power amplifier takes the low-voltage, low-current line-level signal from a mixing desk or DSP processor (typically 1–2 volts) and amplifies it to the high-voltage, high-current levels required to drive passive loudspeakers (often 20–100 volts or more). The amplifier's output stage uses transistors or MOSFETs to control large amounts of electrical power, converting it into the electromagnetic force that moves the loudspeaker's voice coil and cone. Professional power amplifiers also incorporate protection circuits, cooling systems and often DSP processing to ensure reliable, distortion-free performance. Without a power amplifier, passive loudspeakers cannot produce sound.

Which power amplifier is the best?

The "best" power amplifier depends entirely on your application, loudspeaker system and budget. For mobile PA applications, lightweight Class-D amplifiers from manufacturers such as LD Systems, DAP Audio or Skytec offer excellent power-to-weight ratios and efficiency. For fixed installations, models with DSP integration and network control from RCF, dB Technologies or JBL provide superior system management. For high-end touring, heavy-duty Class-AB or Class-H amplifiers deliver maximum sound quality and reliability. Always match amplifier power to your loudspeaker's RMS rating (aim for 1.5–2× speaker power), verify impedance compatibility and ensure the amplifier's feature set meets your operational requirements.

How much power should my amplifier have?

Professional power amplifiers should deliver 1.5 to 2 times the continuous (RMS) power rating of your loudspeakers at the specified impedance. For example, if your passive tops are rated at 500 watts RMS at 8 ohms, choose an amplifier that delivers 750–1000 watts per channel at 8 ohms. This headroom ensures clean, dynamic sound without clipping, particularly during transient peaks. Under-powering speakers can actually cause more damage than over-powering, as clipped signals from a struggling amplifier contain high-frequency distortion that can destroy tweeters. Always verify both the amplifier's power output and the loudspeaker's impedance to ensure safe, optimal matching.

What's the difference between stereo, parallel and bridged mode?

Stereo mode uses both channels of a 2-channel amplifier independently, typically driving left and right loudspeakers or separate tops and monitors. Parallel mode connects both channels to the same input signal, driving two identical loudspeakers with the same mono signal — useful for powering multiple stage monitors from one amplifier. Bridged mode (also called mono mode) combines both channels to drive a single loudspeaker with significantly higher power, typically doubling the output compared to stereo mode. Bridge mode is ideal for subwoofers or high-power tops, but requires a higher minimum impedance (usually 8 ohms) and may reduce damping factor. Always consult the amplifier's manual before using bridge mode.

What are good power amplifier brands?

Leading professional power amplifier brands include RCF, dB Technologies, JBL, LD Systems, DAP Audio, PSSO, Omnitronic, Monacor and Ram Audio. RCF and dB Technologies are renowned for high-end touring amplifiers with advanced DSP and network control. LD Systems offers excellent value for mobile applications, combining Class-D efficiency with robust construction. DAP Audio and PSSO provide reliable, cost-effective solutions for installations and rental companies. JBL and Omnitronic are trusted names with decades of experience in professional audio. At LTT, we stock amplifiers from all these manufacturers, ensuring you can find the perfect match for your system and budget.

Do I need a power amplifier if I have active speakers?

No — active speakers (also called powered speakers) have built-in amplifiers and do not require external power amplifiers. Active speakers receive line-level signals directly from a mixing desk and amplify them internally. Passive speakers, on the other hand, require an external power amplifier to function. The choice between active and passive systems depends on your application: active speakers are simpler to set up and ideal for mobile use, while passive systems with external amplifiers offer greater flexibility, easier maintenance and often superior sound quality in large installations. If you already own passive loudspeakers, you will need a dedicated power amplifier to drive them.

What cable do I need to connect a power amplifier to loudspeakers?

Use professional speaker cable with a minimum cross-sectional area of 2.5 mm² for cable runs up to 10 metres, and 4 mm² or larger for longer distances. The cable should be terminated with Speakon connectors (NL4 or NL2) for professional PA systems, as these provide secure, locking connections rated for high current. Alternatively, use heavy-duty binding posts or banana plugs for installation speakers. Never use standard instrument cables or microphone cables to connect amplifiers to loudspeakers — they are not designed for high current and will cause power loss, overheating and poor damping factor. Always match cable gauge to amplifier power and cable length to ensure optimal performance.

Amplifiers

Power Dynamics PBA60 100V-Verstärker 60W

Power Dynamics PBA60 100V Amplifier 60W

This amplifier with excellent performance and reliability is particularly suitable for a wide range of small and medium-sized installations. The amplifier is equipped with USB / SD ports for MP3...

€219.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Power Dynamics PBA120 100V-Verstärker 120W

Power Dynamics PBA120 100V Amplifier 120W

This amplifier with excellent performance and reliability is particularly suitable for a wide range of small and medium-sized installations. The amplifier is equipped with USB / SD ports for MP3...

€269.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Power Dynamics PRM60 100V 6-CH Mixer-Verstärker 60W

Power Dynamics PRM60 100V 6-CH Mixer-Amplifier 60W

The PRM series is a series rack-mountable amplifiers that can either be used as 100V amplifier or as a standard low-impedance amplifier. These amplifiers are equipped with BT receiver and USB/SD...

€199.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Power Dynamics PRM120 100V 6-CH Mixer-Verstärker 120W

Power Dynamics PRM120 100V 6-CH Mixer-Amplifier 120W

The PRM series is a series rack-mountable amplifiers that can either be used as 100V amplifier or as a standard low-impedance amplifier. These amplifiers are equipped with BT receiver and USB/SD...

€239.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Power Dynamics PRM240 100V 6-CH Mixer-Verstärker 4-Zonen 240W

Power Dynamics PRM240 100V 6-CH Mixer-Amplifier 4-Zone 240W

The PRM series is a series rack-mountable amplifiers that can either be used as 100V amplifier or as a standard low-impedance amplifier. These amplifiers are equipped with BT receiver and USB/SD...

Express delivery possible

€289.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Power Dynamics PRM360 100V 6-CH Mixer-Verstärker 4-Zonen 360W

Power Dynamics PRM360 100V 6-CH Mixer-Amplifier 4-Zone 360W

The PRM series is a series rack-mountable amplifiers that can either be used as 100V amplifier or as a standard low-impedance amplifier. These amplifiers are equipped with BT receiver and USB/SD...

Express delivery possible

€349.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Power Dynamics PRM606 100V 6-Zonen Matrix-Verstärker 6x 60W

Power Dynamics PRM606 100V 6-Zone Matrix-Amplifier 6x 60W

The PRM606 is a rack-mountable amplifier that can either be used as 100V amplifier or as a standard low-impedance amplifier. This 6 zone amplifier is designed for multi-room systems requiring...

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€549.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Power Dynamics PRS120 100V Slave-Verstärker 120W

Power Dynamics PRS120 100V Slave Amplifier 120W

A boost amplifier for use with the Power Dynamics PRM-series amplifiers providing additional power if desired. Comes with unbalanced inputs as well as 8 ohms and 100V output options. 120W Boost...

€195.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Power Dynamics PRS240 100V Slave-Verstärker 240W

Power Dynamics PRS240 100V Slave Amplifier 240W

A boost amplifier for use with the Power Dynamics PRM-series amplifiers providing additional power if desired. Comes with unbalanced inputs as well as 8 ohms and 100V output options. 240W Boost...

€249.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Power Dynamics PRS360 100V Slave-Verstärker 360W

Power Dynamics PRS360 100V Slave Amplifier 360W

A boost amplifier for use with the Power Dynamics PRM-series amplifiers providing additional power if desired. Comes with unbalanced inputs as well as 8 ohms and 100V output options. 360W Boost...

€299.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Power Dynamics PV240BT 4-Zonen-Audio-Verstärkersystem 400W

Power Dynamics PV240BT 4-Zone Audio Amplifier System 400W

The PV2 series is a series of intelligent stereo multi-channel amplifiers equipped with advanced wireless 4.2 BT technology and works with all latest devices including smartphones, tablets, laptops...

Express delivery possible

€139.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Power Dynamics PV260BT 6-Zonen-Audio-Verstärkersystem 600W

Power Dynamics PV260BT 6-Zone Audio Amplifier System 600W

The PV2 series is a series of intelligent stereo multi-channel amplifiers equipped with advanced wireless 4.2 BT technology and works with all latest devices including smartphones, tablets, laptops...

Express delivery possible

€199.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

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Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Power Dynamics PV220BT Audio-Verstärker-System 100W

Power Dynamics PV220BT Audio Amplifier System 100W

The PV2 series is a series of intelligent amplifiers equipped with advanced wireless 4.2 BT technology and works with all latest devices including smartphones, tablets, laptops and computers. Enjoy...

Express delivery possible

€129.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

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Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

MONACOR PA-6010Z 10-Zonen-ELA-Mono-Mischverstärker

MONACOR PA-6010Z 10-zone mono PA mixing amplifier

10-zone mono PA mixing amplifier 1 x 600 W • 10 zones, can be controlled individually • 3 inputs microphone/line via comb. jacks • 2 inputs stereo line via RCA jacks...

€1,426.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

MONACOR MMA-130 ELA-Mono-Class-D-Mischverstärker

MONACOR MMA-130 Mono class D PA mixing amplifier

The MMA-130 is a mono class D mixing amplifier with 30 W (8 O). The device has been developed in-house according to the of a globally operating crane manufacturer and thus is perfectly matched to...

€177.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

MONACOR PA-803DAP ELA-Mono-Class-D-Mischverstärker, MP3, USB/SD, FM, DAB+, BT, 30 W

MONACOR PA-803DAP Mono class D PA mixing amplifier

Mono class D PA mixing amplifier, with integrated MP3 player, FM/DAB+ tuner and Bluetooth. 1 x 30 W • Class D concept with high efficiency to cut energy costs • Silent operation due to...

€296.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

MONACOR PA-806DAP ELA-Mono-Class-D-Mischverstärker, MP3, USB/SD, FM, DAB+, BT, 60 W

MONACOR PA-806DAP Mono class D PA mixing amplifier

Mono class D PA mixing amplifier, with integrated MP3 player, FM/DAB+ tuner and Bluetooth. 1 x 60 W • Class D concept with high efficiency to cut energy costs • Silent operation due to...

€355.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

MONACOR PA-812DAP ELA-Mono-Class-D-Mischverstärker, MP3, USB/SD, FM, DAB+, BT, 120 W

MONACOR PA-812DAP Mono class D PA mixing amplifier

Mono class D PA mixing amplifier, with integrated MP3 player, FM/DAB+ tuner and Bluetooth. 1 x 120 W • Class D concept with high efficiency to cut energy costs • Silent operation due to...

€349.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

MONACOR PA-9100D ELA-Mono-Class-D-Mischverstärker, 1000 W

MONACOR PA-9100D Mono class D PA mixing amplifier

Mono class D PA mixing amplifier 1 x 1,000 W • Class D concept with PASCAL amplifier module • Energy-efficient concept due to high efficiency • Lightweight design due to compact...

€712.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

MONACOR PA-928D ELA-Mono-Class-D-Mischverstärker, 280 W

MONACOR PA-928D Mono class D PA mixing amplifier

Mono class D PA mixing amplifier 1 x 280 W • Class D concept with PASCAL amplifier module • Energy-efficient concept due to high efficiency • Lightweight design due to compact...

€534.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Power Dynamics PRM1202 100V 2-Zonen Matrix-Verstärker 2x 120W

Power Dynamics PRM1202 100V 2-Zone Matrix Amplifier 2x 120W

The PRM1202 is a rack-mountable amplifier with 2 separate 120W outputs that can either be used as 100V amplifier or as a standard low-impedance amplifier. This 2 zone amplifier is designed for...

Express delivery possible

€399.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

DAP-Audio CA-4500 DSP 4 Kanal DSP gesteuerter Verstärker

DAP-Audio CA-4500 DSP Compact 4-channel amplifier (4x 500 W) - DSP driven

Suitable for the installation market (70/100 V) • Powerful digital DSP • Bridge and stereo mode • SMPS & Class D technology • OLED display and PC configurable • 1U...

€652.85 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

OMNITRONIC EP-220PS Vorverstärker mit MP3-Player, Bluetooth und FM-Radio 9.5"

OMNITRONIC EP-220PS Preamplifier with MP3 Player, Bluetooth and FM Radio 9.5"

The EP-220PS is particularly suitable for permanent installations in restaurants, gyms and retail locations which require quick-access music playback control. It features 2-way tone control and...

€124.63 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

OMNITRONIC MA-360P PA Mixing Amplifier

PA mixing amplifier with audio player,IR remote control and Bluetooth, 360 W RMS Stream music wirelessly from your mobile devices (e.g. smartphone, tablet) via Bluetooth • SD card slot and USB...

€409.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days