Power specifications in the 21st century
In the last century, pro power amps were big, heavy, hot, power sucking brutes. But for all that weight it was hard to get more than 1000 watts per channel. The power amp was a linear or stepped linear design with 30% efficiency massive heat sinks and fans. The power supply was a 40 pound lump of iron and copper. Power was specified with continuous sine waves and amps would generally provide full power until thermal protections kicked in.
Modern amplifiers use switching power supplies and amplifiers run by microcontrollers. They can provide high power for short periods of time then smartly turn down the power to levels they can hold until thermal. An amp rated for 2000 watts might have a power supply capable of only 500 watts for more than a few seconds. This is a valid design approach for small full range speakers because of the dynamic nature of music. However the assumption of a 6db or higher ratio of short term to long term powers does not hold up for subs. Modern dance music and movie soundtracks can have very low frequency sustained sounds that will put a light duty cycle amplifier in constant protection. So how do you tell if an amp is right for the job? Unfortunately, the way power is specified has not changed since the days of big iron. Most amp manufacturers will not tell you if that 1000 watts is for 4 seconds or 40 milliseconds, a 20db difference. Or what the long term power is. At SpeakerPower we have published the short and long term powers and the times so you can make an informed decision about which amp is right for the job. And we are unique in that we make purpose built sub amps that can provide full power for a musically significant length of time. The long term power we cut back to is closer to 3 db down rather than 6 or 10db like many flyweight amps claiming huge power for cheap. We have tested some competitor products and put the results on our web site so you can see the difference.
In the last century, pro power amps were big, heavy, hot, power sucking brutes. But for all that weight it was hard to get more than 1000 watts per channel. The power amp was a linear or stepped linear design with 30% efficiency massive heat sinks and fans. The power supply was a 40 pound lump of iron and copper. Power was specified with continuous sine waves and amps would generally provide full power until thermal protections kicked in.
Modern amplifiers use switching power supplies and amplifiers run by microcontrollers. They can provide high power for short periods of time then smartly turn down the power to levels they can hold until thermal. An amp rated for 2000 watts might have a power supply capable of only 500 watts for more than a few seconds. This is a valid design approach for small full range speakers because of the dynamic nature of music. However the assumption of a 6db or higher ratio of short term to long term powers does not hold up for subs. Modern dance music and movie soundtracks can have very low frequency sustained sounds that will put a light duty cycle amplifier in constant protection. So how do you tell if an amp is right for the job? Unfortunately, the way power is specified has not changed since the days of big iron. Most amp manufacturers will not tell you if that 1000 watts is for 4 seconds or 40 milliseconds, a 20db difference. Or what the long term power is. At SpeakerPower we have published the short and long term powers and the times so you can make an informed decision about which amp is right for the job. And we are unique in that we make purpose built sub amps that can provide full power for a musically significant length of time. The long term power we cut back to is closer to 3 db down rather than 6 or 10db like many flyweight amps claiming huge power for cheap. We have tested some competitor products and put the results on our web site so you can see the difference.
What Makes Our Sub Amp Unique?
Unlike any other amplifier on the market, this amplifier was designed without compromise to power the latest and greatest super subs on the market.
- Innovative post-filter feedback class-D topology, achieves ruler-flat frequency response, low distortion and very high damping across the whole audio band.
- Uses latest generation power MOSFET transistors and highly optimized output stage for up to 95% efficiency, allowing quiet fan-less operation up to unprecedented power levels.
- Full featured protection: DC, overload, low impedances, shorts, under/over-voltage, overheating, etc. Engineered to last.
- Very low idle power consumption (<20W typ.), saves electricity in comparison with most pro-audio and class AB amps.
- Includes gentle soft-start and long-term power limiter to reduce the chances of tripping breakers.
- Can do well in excess of 1/3 power with no time limit (convection cooling).
- Unprecedented light weight and small size in its power class, saves time, effort and money dramatically in setups that have to be moved often.
Facts about UL CSA approval
A popular misconception is that if you buy UL Recognized components, wire, power supply, amplifier and connectors, and assemble them into a product then you have a UL approved device. This is not true. There is a saying in the electronics manufacturing industry, UL plus UL does not equal UL. The entire system of recognized components has to be investigated to earn a UL Listing. There are quarterly inspections to make sure that the product manufactured is safe.
Why do we need UL approval? First reason is to get the sale. While there is no national requirement for ul approval, many city and state inspectors will not permit an installation with unListed electronics. Sometimes this is discovered the hard way after the installation. Second reason is liability. If there is a shock or smoke or a fire from a ac mains connected device you want to be able to show that you took precautions and were not negligent. UL is like a an insurance policy.
While UL approval is not easy or cheap, at SpeakerPower we have made the investment for the benefit of our customers.
A popular misconception is that if you buy UL Recognized components, wire, power supply, amplifier and connectors, and assemble them into a product then you have a UL approved device. This is not true. There is a saying in the electronics manufacturing industry, UL plus UL does not equal UL. The entire system of recognized components has to be investigated to earn a UL Listing. There are quarterly inspections to make sure that the product manufactured is safe.
Why do we need UL approval? First reason is to get the sale. While there is no national requirement for ul approval, many city and state inspectors will not permit an installation with unListed electronics. Sometimes this is discovered the hard way after the installation. Second reason is liability. If there is a shock or smoke or a fire from a ac mains connected device you want to be able to show that you took precautions and were not negligent. UL is like a an insurance policy.
While UL approval is not easy or cheap, at SpeakerPower we have made the investment for the benefit of our customers.
