watts/channel into 8 ohm speaker load

watts/channel into 4 ohm speaker load

watts/channel into 2 ohm speaker load

watts/channel into 1 ohm speaker load

Amplifier power output uses vacuum tube

Single-ended triode tube amplifier. Otherwise, if not SET, tube amps will likely be push-pull.

Input gain stage uses vacuum tube output stage does not

Input gain stage uses vacuum tube output stage does not

Also known as Unity Gain or processor bypass. Input allows home theater preamp to send front 2 channel signal through audio preamp, bypassing the audio preamp volume control, to the main speakers. This way only the HT volume control controls the volume of the entire HT system as well as preserving the quality of the HT signal by not having it have to go through the audio preamp's gain stage

number of headphone jacks of any kind

Also known as a tape in/out loop. A combination output and input that allows a processor, like an equalizer, to processes the signal between the source, like a CD player, and the volume control.

Output allows recording or equalization of source before it gets to the volume control

Output allows recording or equalization of source before it gets to the volume control

number of phono XLR inputs of any kind (mm or mc)

number of phono XLR inputs of any kind (mm or mc)

Number of USB A inputs suporting iPods, iPhones and some memory sticks.

number of mm (moving magnet) phono inputs

number of mc (moving coil) phono inputs

Balanced architecture internally

Power supply for amplifier comes in a seperate chassis (box)

Wall power consumed when on standby

Wall power consumed when on but not playing music

number of channels; i.e. 1 for monoblocks, 2 for stereo and 3 or more for home theater

Switchable or permanent low gain. Useful for horn speaker systems, for example. Normal gain preamps make these systems very loud even when the volume is turned to 1.

Single-ended input impedance. Double this for balanced inputs

Total weight of all boxes required to make a stereo amplifier

the basic design of the circuit. Class A is simplest and runs the hotest. Class D is a relatively new design that is efficient but is only now becoming perfected for audio

Changing the voltage from 110 to 220 and back

A post to connect grounding wire to, often helpful for troublesome turntable setups

Weight of all pieces and packaging