If you are too confused between multi-channel amplifiers and multi-zone amplifiers or you are wondering what will suit your multi-room audio systems the best, we are here to clear the air for you.
These amplifiers have different meanings, power, abilities, and applications and cannot be used interchangeably. Understand the difference between these, and then you’ll be able to take your purchase decision in a finger snap!
Mono amplifiers
Do you like those low-frequency bass sounds that a subwoofer produces? That is a mono amplifier. These give the power to single-channel speakers. Mono means one, so the name explains it all.
The electrical current resistance is maintained more stably in mono amplifiers but up to 2 ohms. So you can pair two subwoofers safely to one mono amplifier.
These are used in cars and home audio applications.
But thanks to the craze for surround sound systems, multiple channels, and multiple zone amplifiers are now a thing and are in huge demand for that enriching sound experience.
These are less costly as compared to multi-channel and multi-zone amplifiers.
Multi-channel amplifiers
While mono amplifiers are one-channel amplifiers and usually power a single subwoofer, multi-channel amplifiers have more than one channel reproducing sound through the same audio source over some speakers.
There can be two channels, four channels, and so on. The maximum number of speakers can be 12.
The volume is loud, and the same volume is distributed amongst those multiple speakers.
These are best suited for commercial places like clubs, restaurants, concert halls, worship places, etc. This does not mean that these are not used for residential purposes. Many people prefer loud sounds. But yes, the best application is for commercial places.
Multi-Zone amplifiers
So if you are looking for amplifiers for your multi-room audio setup, you will need multi-zone amplifiers.
Multi-zone amplifiers give you control over different independent zones in your house. You obviously do not need high and similarly distributed volume throughout the house. The volume levels need to be controlled. Here zone means different places where your speakers will be installed. Moreover, there will be different audio sources in different rooms. Sometimes you will like to play them simultaneously, and other times you will want them to play independently. So for that greater degree of control, multi-zone amplifiers are best suited for residential purposes.
These can use both wireless streaming technologies and wired Ethernet connections. You can use an app for all the controls since the user-interface is mobile-friendly. Your bookshelf speakers, ceiling speakers, passive speakers, etc., everything will get a life with that multi-zone amplifier.
So these were the major pointers that you should know about different kinds of amplifiers. The installations are easy, the convenience is immense, and these all can be cost-effective if you purchase wisely. You can check the sound experiences in the three. Based on your needs, the application, and budget, you can choose the right kind of amplifiers.
