An audio power amplifier amplifies low-power electronic audio signals, such as the signal from a radio receiver or an electric guitar pickup, to a level that is high enough for driving loudspeakers or headphones. Audio power amplifiers are found in all manner of sound systems including sound reinforcement, public address, home audio systems and musical instrument amplifiers like guitar amplifiers. It is the final electronic stage in a typical audio playback chain before the signal is sent to the loudspeakers.
Audio stereo power amplifier made by McIntosh
The internal view of a Mission Cyrus 1 Hi Fi integrated audio amplifier (1984)
De Forest's prototype audio amplifier of 1914.
McIntosh MC240 from 1961 with exposed vacuum tubes
An amplifier, electronic amplifier or (informally) amp is an electronic device that can increase the magnitude of a signal. It is a two-port electronic circuit that uses electric power from a power supply to increase the amplitude of a signal applied to its input terminals, producing a proportionally greater amplitude signal at its output. The amount of amplification provided by an amplifier is measured by its gain: the ratio of output voltage, current, or power to input. An amplifier is defined as a circuit that has a power gain greater than one.
A McIntosh stereo audio amplifier with output power of 50 watts per channel used in home component audio systems in the 1970s.
De Forest's prototype audio amplifier of 1914. The Audion (triode) vacuum tube had a voltage gain of about 5, providing a total gain of approximately 125 for this three-stage amplifier.
Power amplifier by Skyworks Solutions in a Smartphone.
An LM741 general purpose op-amp