When selecting a power amp, one must take several factors into consideration. A critical choice in making such a selection is whether to purchase digital or analog equipment. Each has its distinctive features, and knowing the benefits of each type will help you discern which type will best meet your needs.
Those who prefer analog power amps and other analog music equipment cite analog's classic sound and warm tone as its greatest benefit. Most analog equipment involves fairly simple circuitry and is usually easy to repair should you have a problem with the equipment. However, analog power amps can be slightly more expensive than their digital counterparts because their production is more intensive in terms of human labor. Additionally, under conditions of high temperature analog power amps tend to overheat and malfunction more than digital power amps. Unfortunately, because of economic constraints, replacement parts such as tubes and fuses for analog equipment that are no longer produced domestically must be imported from other countries, adding to the maintenance cost of analog equipment. Regardless of this however, many consumers choose analog power amps as part of a rig that gives forth a unique and flexible equalization range, and sounds great under any circumstances.
Digital technology in the field of power amps is a relative newcomer compared to analog power amp equipment. However, this is not a judgment against digital power amps. In fact, some would say that digital power amps are in many ways superior to analog equipment. For instance, while the circuitry of a digital (also referred to as "solid state") power amp is generally much more complex than that of an analog power amp, digital power amp circuit boards are generally cheaper, as they are produced domestically. This allows consumers to realize significant savings in long term repair and maintenance costs. Though fans of analog power amps argue that digital equipment cannot produce the same variety of unique tones as analog equipment, there have been great leaps in digital technology in recent years. Usually, digital power amps are fabricated in such a way as to allow a given unit to replicate any number of analog tones. While previous attempts at such emulation technology were found to be less than satisfactory for the seasoned audio professional, the technology has only gotten better. Thus, digital power amp equipment provides the user with a high-tech, low-cost means of meeting the audio needs of consumers.
In summary, both analog and digital technology have their comparative strength, weaknesses and unique qualities. Closely examining these differences, and even trying equipment before buying, will give you a wide range of equipment to select from when selecting the power amp that is appropriate to your needs.