Guide to Amplifiers

A power amplifier can be vital to a business. If you're in charge of any off-hours business functions, like meet-and-greet events or special employee days, you may find yourself hunting for an amp as part of a sound system solution to make sure speakers are heard by the entire gathering. Some businesses also use amplifiers onsite for PA systems to release necessary information to work crews. Some of these are similar to home audio amplifier models.

Amplifiers come in all sizes and types. Amplifier distributors sell digital amplifiers, home audio amplifier models, stereo or Hi-Fi models or tube amplifiers. Different amps provide support for different uses. Business managers look for amplifiers in these situations:

1. For outdoor use at special events like barbecues or summer parties.

2. For use in banquet halls, conference rooms or auditoriums for a wide range of events including trainings, parties or client gatherings.

3. For use in large buildings to relay voice or music for adding ambiance to a room.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose musical or event amplifiers

As noted above, most businesses will not be looking for musical amplifiers (or preamplifiers for recording). Amps that musicians use often have settings for special effects like gain or reverb to enhance musical instrument sounds. If you are looking for event models, buying these options will be a waste. Look for amps tailored to providing crisp, clear sounds to gatherings, not amps made for crunchy guitar sounds.

I recommend: The Peavey CS2000 is an example of a professional use amp without instrument effect features. The Peavey PVJD 115P is a good tool for public events, a speaker-type amplifier. Peavey products represent a leader in audio technology, on the music side, and the business side as well. Find these and other models on Planet DJ, a site for professional sound solutions.

Find amplifiers for sale on e-tail sites

You can find good audio amplifier prices on sites that bring together deals on amp models for online consumers. Shopping these pages gives you an idea of how affordable audio amplifiers can be.

I recommend: Best Buy gives deals on various amp models and makers.

Get portable PA system amps

In addition to traditional audio amplifiers and preamplifiers, some sites offer more versatile means of relaying your voice or sounds to a crowd. Portable PA systems are amplifiers that suppliers craft for ultimate ease in setup. These systems fit neatly in a vehicle or closet and you can carry them to your event. Figure out if a smaller portable amp system will serve your event and skip the heavy lifting.

I recommend: Sound Kingdom lists portable PA system models, featuring a simple mic and amp combo, for sale at competitive prices. Look for more smaller amps and systems at Yamaha Pro Audio.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Get a price range. While shopping, it helps to know roughly what kind of budget you have. Amps can vary widely in cost. Doing a little cost analysis will help you make a better purchase.

The official source of Amplifiers is the Amplifiers page at Business.com