https://www.audioholics.comWhere audio and video equipment undergoes rigorous objective and subjective tests by our staff, ensuring that marketing slogans aren't the only guidelines for your home theater choices.Wed, 30 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0000https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/ftc-final-amplifier-rule-2024This petition urges the FTC to reconsider its August 2024 Final Amplifier Ruling (16 CFR Part 432), which expands regulation of power output claims to ALL audio products, including powered speakers, soundbars, and subwoofers. The ruling aims to standardize comparisons for consumers but diverges from prior guidelines by including closed systems and not mandating testing for multi-channel outputs or 4-ohm ratings. It applies retroactively to products made before the ruling, which could significantly impact manufacturers. This broader scope and lack of specific testing standards could create severe complications for the electronics industry, potentially disrupting manufacturing processes and leading to widespread compliance challenges.Wed, 30 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0000 https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/ftc-final-amplifier-rule-2024Audio Amplifiershttps://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/ftc-amplifier-rule-help-protect-home-audio-consumers-todayAttention citizens of these great United States of America! Your country needs YOU to speak out on behalf of consumers and the future of hi-fi audio. The Federal Trade Commission is presently reviewing its amplifier power ratings regulation, or "Amplifier Rule", and we need YOU to participate in the review with citizen public comment by February 16th, 2021 or we may lose this ruling forever. In this article we show you how you can tell the FTC to maintain and modernize stringent standards in manufacturer's published power ratings to keep false claims and dishonest marketing away from our beloved audio gear. You're just a click away from being one of the great Americans taking action on behalf of your great republic.Tue, 09 Feb 2021 06:00:00 -0000 https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/ftc-amplifier-rule-help-protect-home-audio-consumers-todayAudio Amplifiershttps://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/receiver-back-panel-power-ratingsEver wonder how your favorite manufacturer rates power consumption on their AV receivers and how it relates to maximum available output power to your speakers? This article explores the topic of power consumption ratings in AV receivers and gives examples of power calculations for real products. Unless the product states "maximum power consumption" on the back panel, don't assume that it is. Read on to learn more about what that back panel rating really means.Mon, 09 Nov 2020 11:00:00 -0000 https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/receiver-back-panel-power-ratingsAudio Amplifiershttps://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/amp-myths-negative-feedbackFeedback is an ubiquitous and unavoidable basic technique that keeps the world running. It is only controversial in audio, and then only specifically in power amplifiers. As more respected manufacturers are coming out of the closet concerning their heavy and happy use of feedback, the myth is increasingly on the back foot. Here we present a pseudo-interview to help answer questions about feedback which is a fascinating and complex topic that lies at the core of successful design. Sat, 18 Jul 2020 06:00:00 -0000 https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/amp-myths-negative-feedbackAudio Amplifiershttps://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/amplifier-negative-feedbackFeedback is an ubiquitous and unavoidable basic technique that keeps the world running. It is only controversial in consumer audio, and then only specifically in power amplifiers. Some audiophiles believe too much negative feedback will diminish sound quality in amplifiers while others believe no feedback is even better. Is any of this true or is it just another audiophile myth needing to be busted? Tue, 05 May 2020 14:00:00 -0000 https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/amplifier-negative-feedbackAudio Amplifiershttps://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/sound-united-receiver-power-ratingsIn this editorial, we make a call to action to Sound United, the largest entity of AV receiver manufacturers, to lead the industry in specifying amplifier power more honestly. We suggest a method of rating multi-ch AV receivers to give consumers a better idea of actual product performance. Truth has become a marketable commodity in an era of fake news. We’re calling this the Truth in Power (TiP) movement. And that movement is going to need our readers’ signatures and voices too. Tell us what you think and sign our petition today!Wed, 05 Jun 2019 17:00:00 -0000 https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/sound-united-receiver-power-ratingsAudio Amplifiershttps://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/amplifier-classesConfused by the alphabet soup of amplifier classes? Do you wonder what terms like Class A or Class D mean? Long story short, these aren't grading systems with which to judge amplifier quality, but are in fact descriptions of an amplifier's topology. Understandably, each class brings something a bit different to the table, but the end goal is always the same: amplifying the input signal without introducing distortion. Curious to find out the real differences among the different classes? Keep reading to find out and be sure to watch our recently added YouTube video discussion!Fri, 14 Sep 2018 05:00:00 -0000 https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/amplifier-classesAudio Amplifiershttps://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/ac-power-home-theater-systemWe often get asked how much AC wall power is needed to run a typical home theater system. There are lots of factors that determine this such as the number of AV components you have plugged into the same outlet and their associated power consumption, and whether or not that outlet is shared with other appliances or lighting on the same circuit. This article and related YouTube video discussion provides guidance on helping you decide whether you need dedicate 20A outlets for your home theater to deliver 1.21 Gigawatts!Thu, 23 Aug 2018 04:00:00 -0000 https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/ac-power-home-theater-systemAudio Amplifiershttps://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/thx-standard-websiteTHX Standard Website was recently launched to "objectively" compare products for various categories, including HDTVs, Amplifiers, and Powered Speakers. On the surface, this seems like a great idea. But are their measurements accurate and is their scorecard truly objective? We take a closer look at their new website and procedure on evaluating amplifier products to get the answer. Is their new website the real deal or fake news? Read on to find out.Mon, 07 May 2018 11:00:00 -0000 https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/thx-standard-websiteAudio Amplifiershttps://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/favorite-av-receivers-of-all-timeLately I've been reminiscing about my favorite AV receivers I've either owned, reviewed or had personal experiences with throughout the years. This includes some of the super receivers back in the golden age long gone never to be seen again. From a technology standpoint, these products are now obsolete, but the fidelity they offered is still notable, and in some models, absolutely legendary. Warning, reading this article may create a sudden urge for you to pick up one of these models second hand and bypass the video section to enjoy a modern home theater with old school quality audio. Check out our recently added YouTube discussion.Wed, 25 Apr 2018 04:00:00 -0000 https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/favorite-av-receivers-of-all-timeAudio Amplifiershttps://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/ftc-consumer-audioThe Federal Trade Commission (FTC) purpose is to investigate and prevent deceptive trade practices. In 1974, the FTC instituted its Amplifier Rule to combat the unrealistic power claims made by many hi-fi amplifier manufacturers. However, we've noticed a trend of grossly inflated power ratings lately with many Atmos AV receivers and Class D amplifiers. Has the FTC become too complacent with validating and enforcing amplifier power claims since their efforts to rule on multi-channel power amplifiers ceased over a decade ago? And, are manufacturers taking advantage of this? Read on to find out. Mon, 02 Apr 2018 05:00:00 -0000 https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/ftc-consumer-audioAudio Amplifiershttps://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/power-manipulation-in-av-receiversWe've noticed a recent trend with the latest Dolby Atmos/DTS:X AV Receiver releases. Instead of publishing unclipped full bandwidth power with at least 2CH driven into 8 ohm loads per FTC mandate, many of the major AV receiver manufacturers are now touting power with only one-channel driven, at 1kHz, into a 6 ohm load at up to 10% distortion. What does this mean? Are you really getting more power with these new receivers or more clever specsmanship? Read on to find out and be sure to watch our related YouTube video discussion for further insights.Wed, 12 Oct 2016 20:00:00 -0000 https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/power-manipulation-in-av-receiversAudio Amplifiershttps://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/tradingWith new A/V receiver models being released by the major manufacturers every 8 months or so, consumers flock to them for promised improved performance and features. But are you really getting better performance with the newer models? Or are you trading amplifier quality for features? Stop and think if the model you currently have meets the performance vs feature balance that is right for your needs and how the newer so called “improved” model fits into that equation. All the features in the world can’t replace clean undistorted dynamics which we believe makes up most of the WOW and magic in the newer HD audio formats. We added a recent YouTube Video discussing the latest trends in the AV receiver power rating game. This is a must watch!Sat, 18 Jul 2015 12:00:00 -0000 https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/tradingAudio Amplifiershttps://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/product-managing-receiver-platforms-power-ratingsOver the years, AV receiver manufacturers found ways to rate power less conservatively to give the illusion of more. Stereo reproduction in the fifties morphed from separates built by small high-end manufacturers like Saul Marantz to entrepreneurs like Sidney Harman who is credited with marketing the first receiver. Throughout the early sixties Harman-Kardon was joined by other American companies like H.H. Scott, Lafayette and Fisher until, toward the end of the decade, the Japanese joined the receiver category with lower cost receivers touting "innovations" like my (first receiver) JVC with a 5-band equalizer built-in. A recent YouTube Video discussion has been added and is a must watch for anyone on the market buying a new Dolby Atmos / DTS:X AV Receiver!Sat, 11 Jul 2015 12:00:00 -0000 https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/product-managing-receiver-platforms-power-ratingsAudio Amplifiershttps://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/impedance-selector-switch-1This article explores why the impedance switch exists on some A/V receivers and its intended purpose, including tradeoffs when following the manufacturers recommended settings. Know the facts when purchasing and setting up home theater equipment. Most importantly, step back and evaluate how you are using your system and make adjustments accordingly to avoid robbing your speakers of power. Check out our recently added YouTube Video on how you should set the switch to get the best performance.Sun, 21 Jun 2015 12:00:00 -0000 https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/impedance-selector-switch-1Audio Amplifiershttps://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/amplifier-and-cableWe uncovered an audio myth on our YouTube channel I didn’t even know was being perpetuated by some esoteric amplifier companies. Apparently there is a belief that designing an amplifier to be too stable and protected to prevent damage or fire during misuse or short circuiting will result in sound degradation. Really? And how will designing an amp to allow RF ingress or oscillation not do the same or worse? Read on to find out.Thu, 04 Jun 2015 04:00:00 -0000 https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/amplifier-and-cableAudio Amplifiershttps://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/audio-amplifiers-soundAmplifier "sound" is a divisive topic in the audiophile community. Some would claim that amplifiers have a sonic signature, while others state that all "well designed" amplifiers will sound the same when operating within their limits. However, even within the latter camp, it is accepted that amplifiers *can* sound different from one another. Why might that be the case? We've gotten some thoughts from Paul Ceurvels, Senior Electrical Engineer at Atlantic Technology. Be sure to check out our YouTube discussion on this topic as well and let us know what you think in our forum.Tue, 10 Mar 2015 12:00:00 -0000 https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/audio-amplifiers-soundAudio Amplifiershttps://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/the-most-memorable-audio-receivers-of-all-timeIn this editorial we examine 10 of the most memorable audio receivers from the last 50 years. We cover everything from vintage two-channel to the more recent multi-channel surround AV receivers. We discuss the evolution from tubes to transistors, power ratings and the FTC, social, economic, and demographic changes that have occurred in America since the 1960’s and how this has impacted the receiver market. Our listing doesn’t necessarily reflect the “best” of the best but there is no arguing these selections certainly left a lasting impression. We look forward to hearing your comments and alternatives that you feel should have been included.Fri, 20 Feb 2015 13:00:00 -0000 https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/the-most-memorable-audio-receivers-of-all-timeAudio Amplifiershttps://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/the-sound-of-an-amplifierWhether or not amplifiers sound different is a subject of ongoing controversy. There are sensible, well-informed enthusiasts and magazine reviewers who will swear to their many, obvious differences, differences that are—to them, anyway—almost as obvious and important as the differences between speakers. There are also just as many well-informed enthusiasts and reviewers who say that there are no meaningful differences in the sound of two properly-functioning, properly-performing amplifiers operating within their undistorted performance envelope. And there is a third contingent that opines that the in-situ application of different amplifiers with different speakers and other associated equipment and connectors can produce differences in the sound even though nothing in the system is misbehaving per se. We explore the technical reasons with Rod Elliot of ESP and also debate this topic on our YouTube channel as to why amplifiers can sound different. We’ll open up the discussion, put forward some factual information, relate a few anecdotal experiences and look forward to your responses.Wed, 18 Feb 2015 13:00:00 -0000 https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/the-sound-of-an-amplifierAudio Amplifiershttps://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/basic-amplifier-measurement-techniquesThere has been much discussion on the major audio forums lately regarding A/V receivers and multi channel amplifier power output capabilities as well as their abilities to drive low impedance loads. Much of the controversy steams around the infamous "All Channels Driven Test" which simulates a best case test load in a worst case environment and by all intents and purposes an unrealistic real world scenario. As a result, we have come up with a standard for measuring amplifier performance that deals with various types of power tests as well as other metrics that directly affect sonic performance and how the amplifier can sound powering various types of speaker loads. Check out our new Youtube Video Amplifier Interview for some great insights!Thu, 05 Jun 2014 19:00:00 -0000 https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/basic-amplifier-measurement-techniquesAudio Amplifiershttps://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/amplifier-voltage-gainIf you've ever glanced at the specifications sheet of an external amplifier, you may have noticed the term "voltage gain". In short, it is the degree to which an amplifier actually amplifies the input from the preamplifier/processor. Often overlooked by those unaware of its importance, this one parameter can have significant implications on actual performance when an amplifier is introduced into an AV system. Understanding the impact that different levels of voltage gain can have in your system can very well be the difference between poor sound and getting the most out of an external amplifier. Read more about amplifier voltage gain to ensure you properly match your amp and preamp to achieve maximum performance.Mon, 29 Apr 2013 22:30:00 -0000 https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/amplifier-voltage-gainAudio Amplifiershttps://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/amplifier-slew-rateEver wonder what slew rate was all about? No, it has nothing to do with how a drunk person slurs their speech. When reviewing the spec sheet of an amplifier, one potentially unfamiliar term you may run into is slew rate. There are a lot of gobbledygook explanations floating around the web which seem to misunderstand the basic premise, so we at Audioholics are here to clear the air. In short, slew rate has little to do with how an amplifier produces dynamics so much as its ability to effectively maintain output into higher frequencies. It is the rate of how quickly an amplifier can respond to a rapid change of input level. This is measured as a change in voltage with respect to time as can be seen in the main image of this article. We discuss how to calculate slew rate based on amplifier bandwidth and power and also discuss real world implications of the spec.Fri, 08 Feb 2013 17:00:00 -0000 https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/amplifier-slew-rateAudio Amplifiershttps://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/the-high-instantaneous-current-specWe've all seen amplifier companies tout that their amps are "high instantaneous current". Using the very basic principle governing electricity called Ohm's Law (V=I*R), how could it be possible that 100 watt amp has "higher current" than another 100 watt rated amplifier? This very subject has come up on numerous audio forums including the Audioholics forum, and this article explores that topic as well as the history of how the term "high current" became popularized by some manufacturers. We do some basic calculations to illustrate just how nebulous this specification often really is.Tue, 18 Oct 2011 18:00:00 -0000 https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/the-high-instantaneous-current-specAudio Amplifiershttps://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/class-d-digital-amplifierEver wonder how an amplifier works at a very fundamental level? Alan Lofft, Resident Expert of Axiom Audio takes us on a tour of traditional linear amplifiers as well as the newer more sleek Class D designs. Various types of Class D design approaches are discussed including feedback topologies and their implications on audio performance and efficiency. The similarities and differences of traditional Class D amplifiers compared to Axioms new A1400-8 multi channel amplifier is reviewed. Learn what makes these amplifiers tick and why it’s cool in more ways than one to get your hands on the future of high end audio amplification that is powerful, efficient, and lightweight compared to their analog predecessors. Fri, 08 May 2009 03:05:00 -0000 https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/class-d-digital-amplifierAudio Amplifiershttps://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/clone-amplifiersIt’s been a few years since our controversial release of “Attack of the Clone Processors” and we felt it was time for a sequel to our blockbuster hit editorial. Engineering a product from the ground up, especially one as complex as a switching amp, takes time and money with the end result often not being as good or cost effective as what can be bought off the shelf like these ICE modules from Bang & Olufsen. I can count the number of manufacturers producing their very own Class D designs and still have a finger left to point at all the copycats. Overall this seems to be a good design approach for manufacturers unwilling or unable to do their own developmental work if cost and full disclosure of performance is kept in check. It’s up to you the consumer to decide if paying a premium price for name brand, exotic accessory parts and cosmetics is worth the investment. Just don’t let anyone tell you that regardless of price, you are buying anything other than a clone amplifier, albeit a reasonably well engineered one. Wed, 29 Apr 2009 01:15:00 -0000 https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/clone-amplifiersAudio Amplifiershttps://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/amplifier-power-ratingsEver wonder why the boom box you bought at Best Buy has a higher power rating than your dedicated two-channel power amplifier? Amplifier power ratings are usually honest in Hi-Fi equipment, but become very silly when it comes to the 'mass market' systems and even some of the latest Class D amplifier offerings. Few amps have a dynamic headroom of better than 1 or 2dB, and the greater the headroom, usually the cheaper the power supply for the rated power. This article explores the history of power ratings for consumer audio and also busts the myth about 'RMS' power.Tue, 28 Apr 2009 03:06:36 -0000 https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/amplifier-power-ratingsAudio Amplifiershttps://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/10-things-about-audio-amplifiersAlan Lofft, Axiom Audio's Resident Expert, took a series of the most commonly asked questions he received about amplifiers, and transformed his answers into an informative editorial. In this article you will find answers to the importance of amplifier weight and how it relates to quality, how an amplifier works, what the different classes of amplifiers are (ie. class A, A/B, D, etc), and the most important attributes of amplifiers that govern their real world performance. Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:40:00 -0000 https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/10-things-about-audio-amplifiersAudio Amplifiershttps://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/the-all-channels-driven-acd-amplifier-testCan Your Amp Truly Deliver What It Claims? Just how valid is the All Channels Drive (ACD) power test that many home theater publications use to measure amplifier power? This article cuts through the nonsense of this hotly debated (and often misunderstood) topic. We explore exactly how print magazines and manufacturers are rating their amplifiers power output with all channels driven, the relevancy of these tests and how it impacts real world performance. Mon, 17 Jul 2006 23:00:00 -0000 https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/the-all-channels-driven-acd-amplifier-testAudio Amplifiershttps://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/switching-amplifiers-the-technology-and-the-issuesThis article started because a good friend of mine dropped a Panasonic SA-XR50 switch-mode amplifier to me for some basic bench test. This article will NOT be a review of that unit, but an investigation into some of the issues that are happening with this technology.Mon, 10 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0000 https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/switching-amplifiers-the-technology-and-the-issuesAudio Amplifiershttps://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/switching-amplifier-class-d-basics Just today I read on an internet forum a post by a "hot" new manufacturer of class D amplifiers saying that "the only way to solve the interference problem is to put the amplifier in a completely sealed metal enclosure". Apparently they were trying to excuse the fact that their product renders any nearby tuners useless. This begs the question: why didn't they do so then? Answer: because it doesn't help.Thu, 02 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0000 https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/switching-amplifier-class-d-basicsAudio Amplifiershttps://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/the-all-channels-driven-amplifier-test-controversy There has been a lot of controversy on many of the Internet forums regarding power capability of receivers when driving multi-channel speaker systems. Some argue that when a receiver is rated at 100wpc x 7, it should be able to deliver this power to all channels simultaneously. But is this a realistic test condition and requirement to place on such a product whose aim is to provide the highest price/performance in a compact box for the typical consumer?Mon, 20 Sep 2004 23:00:00 -0000 https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/the-all-channels-driven-amplifier-test-controversyAudio Amplifiershttps://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/damping-factor-effects-on-system-responseMuch ballyhoo surrounds the concept of "damping factor." It's been suggested that it accounts for the alleged "dramatic differences" in sound between tube and solid state amplifiers. The claim is made (and partially cloaked in some physical reality) that a low source resistance aids in controlling the motion of the cone at resonance and elsewhere.Mon, 30 Aug 2004 04:00:00 -0000 https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/damping-factor-effects-on-system-responseAudio Amplifiershttps://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/the-truth-about-digital-class-d-amplifiers Firstly I'd like to point out that "digital amps" is a misnomer. There are two categories: Analog-controlled class D. Switching amplifiers…Mon, 30 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0000 https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/the-truth-about-digital-class-d-amplifiersAudio Amplifiershttps://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/audio-amplifier-classesThere are several basic classes of amplifiers in use today. Three of the more "audiophile of these are Class A, Class B, and Class AB. With the advent of additional digital amplifier technology this section will continue to be updated. Please stay tuned...Sun, 29 Aug 2004 23:00:00 -0000 https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/audio-amplifier-classesAudio Amplifiers