Audio Transistor Amplifier - What to Buy ?
Solid State Amplifiers do not use vacuum tubes for amplification, but are based on transistor or transistor technology. The first transistor model to appear on the market was the so-called bipolar, followed by field effect transistors (JFETs) and MOSFETs. Each of these components is capable of amplifying the electrical signal (in our case the audio signal) in voltage or current. The level of amplification, i.e. gain, is defined by the model and the transistor configuration adopted by the manufacturer in the design phase.
In a solid state audio amplifier, the internal layout is normally made with discrete components which, in a precise construction sequence, contribute to the raising of the input signal level, in order to bring it to a value suitable to correctly drive the loudspeakers, connected to the output terminals of the amplifier itself.
Depending on the configuration of the output stage, we recognize transistor audio amplifiers operating in Class A, Class AB, Class D and other lesser-used classes.
Output transistors, also called power transistors, develop a lot of heat depending on the polarization they receive. To dissipate this excess heat, which could irreparably damage them, special metal alloy heat sinks (iron or aluminium) are used to which the transistors are mechanically screwed.
By thermal conduction, the heat emitted by the transistors of the amplifiers is radiated to the surface of these heat sinks, which thus ensure proper operation and a long service life.
If you would like to know more about solid state amplifiers, then we have prepared our Hi-Fi Amplifier Buyer Guide.
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