Getting The Most From Your System Requires The RIGHT Home Theater Amplifier

Acoustic Frontiers has the expertise to help you select the best amplifier for your home theater.

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Home Theater Amplifiers

Functions Of Home Theater Amplifiers

Home theater power amplifiers act as the interface between sources and speakers - they take the low voltage at the output of the source and amplify it to the levels required to drive speakers.

One amplifier channel is required per speaker, so a common 9.1.6 setup with 15 speakers would require 15 amplifier channels. Subwoofers are generally powered via their own internal amplifiers. 

Most Audio Video Receivers (AVRs) include at least 7 internal channels of amplification, so less amplifier channels are required than in systems with a pre-processor, where power amplifiers are needed for all channels.

What We Look For In Home Theater Amplifiers

Enough power to drive moderate sensitivity speakers (90dB / 2.83v@1m) to cinematic sound pressure levels. We've found that 80W/Ch for LCRs / surrounds and 50W/Ch for tops are sufficient for our typical home theaters. Lower sensitivity speakers and/or large home theaters will require more amplifier power.

Great sound quality. We prefer amps that offer a clean window to the sound and a neutral to slightly warm sonic signature. There are many poor-quality amplifiers that don’t meet their power specifications and reduce resolution because of poor signal-to-noise performance.

A form factor that works in equipment racks. The amplifier should have dedicated rack mounts and should not be more than ~20" deep to fit in a standard 24" deep rack while allowing cable clearance to rear.

WE HAVE

  • Extensive knowledge of what home theater amplifiers are available on the market 
  • Knowledge of the measured performance and operational / installation quirks of the amplifiers we sell

WE KNOW

Our Home Theater Amplifier Recommendations

audiocontrol G4

AudioControl's G4 (Generation 4) Class-H amplifiers are our go-to for high performance home theater. There are three models - the Avalon (4 channels), Pantages (5 channels) and Savoy (7 channels) all with 230W/8 ohms and 300W/4 ohms all channels driven. Class-H is a great sounding amplification topology that sounds like high-bias class AB but has efficiency near to class D.

ATI N-CORE SERIES

Good value, superb sounding amplification from ATI based on Hypex N-Core Class D technology. Built-to-order, these amplifiers offer a configurable number of output channels at two power levels: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 channels at 200W or 2, 3, or 4 channels at 500W. The amp offers balanced inputs, runs cool, and is easily rack-mountable. What's not to like?

Our Recommended Home Theater Amplifiers  Brands

AudioControl

ATI

JBL Synthesis

Creating A System You Love Shouldn't Be Difficult

With Acoustic Frontiers, all it takes is 4 simple steps.

1

CONSULTATION

We'll take the time to understand your unique needs and goals to customize our approach to designing the best experience for you.

2

SYSTEM DESIGN

This is where the magic happens and what really makes Acoustic Frontiers stand out. Every room is different, and we’ll account for all the elements that impact performance in your space to ensure you get the best system for your budget.

3

INSTALLATION & CALIBRATION

We’ll make the installation process as painless as possible and carefully calibrate your system to optimize performance.

4

ENJOY YOUR EXPERIENCE

You deserve the best, and now you’ve got it. Put on your favorite movie or album, or create your next track because the system you wanted is yours to enjoy.

Free eBook

THE ACOUSTIC FRONTIERS GUIDE TO BASS OPTIMIZATION

This guide teaches you everything you need to know to get the
best bass possible from your system.

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What Do Our Clients Think?

Acoustic Frontiers were very patient and helpful when it came to selecting speakers and equipment for the room. As a vendor for a multitude of companies, I really felt that I was getting objective advice. They helped me select everything from the speakers, AVR, to even the projector and screen! The end result was nothing short of amazing, and my family, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. Acoustic Frontiers receives my highest recommendation. We can’t thank you all enough!”

L.O., NY. 

Case Study

“One of Acoustic Frontiers’ strengths was their willingness to work flexibly with us from both a budget and design perspective. Although they are, of course well prepared to make equipment suggestions, they are also willing to work with whatever equipment is already in place to create the best system possible. We ended up with a mix of gear, but it all works together seamlessly. Post-installation and calibration, the system looks and sounds phenomenal!”

Dr. Rosenbaum.

Case Study

“Acoustic Frontiers started with a design review (since the room work had already begun), and after a couple of interactions, I was comfortable enough to let them plan/guide the rest of the build and purchase the AV equipment from them. They took the time to understand our requirements, discuss equipment options and budget considerations, and were able to provide recommendations without any over-selling. The room has turned out beyond our expectations, and it would not have been possible without Acoustic Frontiers’ home theater products & services.”

Mr. Parvathaneni, North Carolina, USA.

Case Study

Contact Us About This Product

video-design

Nyal Mellor, Founder, Acoustic Frontiers

  • (415) 524-8741
  • Serving USA & Canada
  • Fairfax, Northern California, USA

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