AudioSource AMP-100 Stereo Power Amplifier

by AudioSource

Product Features

• 2-channel 100-watt (50 watts x 2) power amplifier (provides 150 watts RMS bridged mono power)
• Ideal for use as a second-zone amplifier or as a rear-channel amplifier in a 6.1- and 7.1-channel system
• Pair of stereo inputs with priority override; A/B speaker selector allows multi-room amplification
• Signal-sensing auto-on/off switching conserves power while simplifying setup,Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) <0.02%
• Measures 16.5 by 2.9 by 9.25 inches (W x H x D); 2-year warranty

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 16.5 x 9.2 x 2.9 inches ; 9.6 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 11 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B00026BQJ6
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: Amp 100
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (347 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #853 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
  • #1 in Musical Instruments > Live Sound & Stage > Power Amplifiers
  • #3 in Electronics > Home Audio & Theater > Stereo Components > Receivers & Amplifiers > Component Amplifiers
  • #51 in Musical Instruments > Recording Equipment
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 2, 2001

Product Description

Size: 50-Watt

From the Manufacturer

AudioSource AMP-100 Amplifier: Clean Power Meets Ease of Use for Flexible Home Theater Applications

AudioSource started designing and building amps over 20 years ago. Over time, AudioSource has continually refined its products to balance power, sound clarity and long-lasting performance.

Built to deliver powerful music. View larger

Like the rest of AudioSource's line of amps, the AMP-100 is full-bandwidth capable, bridgeable, and features A-B switching, providing a repertoire of flexible configurations. It features a robust power supply and bipolar output devices, with source override to accommodate necessary interruptions such as PA systems, game consoles, phone calls, or even doorbells. All AudioSource electronics, including amplifiers, equalizers, volume controls and more, are easy to install and torture-tested during development to ensure years of use.

This AudioSource AMP-100 two-channel power amplifier is built to deliver powerful music, pure and simple, with few extra controls to get in the way. Listeners can use the AMP-100 as an independent stereo amp (50 watts x 2 into 8 ohms) when used with a preamp, as a second zone amplifier in multi-room applications, or as a rear-channel amplifier in a 6.1- and 7.1-channel system. Using the Amp 100 in pairs as monoblock amplifiers playing Right and Left channels (the AMP-100 delivers 150 watts RMS of bridged power), listeners can independently drive two front left/right speakers or two rear speakers, further clarifying each channel to create dynamic high-end sound. To connect additional components to the amp, use the included stereo inputs with automatic priority override (for connecting to a source such as a receiver, CD player, or preamplifier)--or use the auxiliary output for creating a multi-amp setup.

The AMP-100 boasts a precise frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz and total harmonic distortion of 0.02 percent. Additional features include A, B, or A+B speaker selector switches, front-panel mounted volume and balance knobs, and five-way binding posts that work with both bare wire and banana plugs. Plus, at 16.5 by 2.9 by 9.25 inches (W x H x D), the device should fit comfortably in most rack mount or home entertainment setups. All AudioSource amps are backed by a two-year warranty on parts and labor.

Which AudioSource Amplifier is Right for You?
Model	Watts Per Channel			Features at a Glance
	Stereo 8 Ohms	Stereo 4 Ohms	Bridged 8 Ohms	Channels	Inputs	Priority Input Switching	A/B Speaker Selection	Auto-On	12v Trigger	Rack Mount Ready	High Level Inputs
AMP 50	25	30	NA	2	2
AMP 100	50	60	160	2	2
AMP 102	50	75	150	2	2
AMP 110	75	110	225	2	2
AMP 210	90	125	250	2	2
AMP 310	150	225	450	2	2
AMP 1200	40	40	80	12	3

Product Description

50W RMS X 2 CHANNELSFREQ RESP: 20 HZ 20 KHZLESS THAN 0.2% THD INTO 8_BRIDGEABLE TO 120W @ 8_DUAL LINE-LEVEL INPUTS WITH PRIORITY OVERRIDELINE-LEVEL OUTPUTSA/B SPEAKER SELECTORAUTO SIGNAL SENSING POWER-ONFRONT PANEL LEVEL & BALANCE CONTROLSUPC : 041087001658Shipping Dimensions : 20.20in X 11.10in X 4.20inEstimated Shipping Weight : 10.9.Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20KHz (+1db, -0.5db, 50W @ 8 Ohms), 20Hz - 20KHz (+1db, -0.5db, 60W @ 4 Ohms), <1% THD+N.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

401 of 408 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Good amp for people who will read a manual and think things through. September 14, 2007

By Kluutmahn

Size Name:50-Watt|Amazon Verified Purchase

I've owned one of these amps now for about six months. All the complaints I've read in the reviews have come from people who obviously can't be bothered to read, pay attention, or think things through. I'm specifically referring to Auto Input Switching/Power, lack of features, and output power.

First, this is NOT an integrated amp. Nor is it designed to be used primarily as a standalone system. It is intended to be used as a node on a distributed music system. The feature set for this unit has this use in mind.

It can function as a standalone unit but if you are going to use it as such you need to use it with a pre-amp or with an input source that provides adequate line in, input selection and the tone/equalization control you want.

Second, the auto input switching. The manual isn't clear on this and the feature can't be switched off, which is why I docked it a star. But some reading and thought will provide the solution. The auto input feature is only on input 1. If you run your primary input to input 2 you will have no problem with auto switching cutting off your music during quiet passages or after the track has started. If you need to use multiple sources without the auto switch cutting the input then you need to use external input switching (see pre-amp above) and make sure the switch/pre-amp is fed to input 2 on the amp.

Auto-power on issues: This feature can be turned on or off by way of a selector switch on the rear panel of the amp. Default is on. This is in the manual.

"It doesn't have a sub out": No, but it does have a line out/pass-through for input 2 which can be used for a sub out.

"It isn't loud enough": One of two things is happening here; 1. The line in isn't sufficient to properly drive the amp. 2.... The speakers aren't efficient enough. If you are running speakers with less than 90db sensitivity you won't get decent performance from this or any other "low power" amp. I'm using Athena AS-B1.2's and I'm getting more than adequate volume and bass response. I recommend these (under $100 if you shop around) or the Athena AS-B2.2. Klipsch, Infinity, JBL, and Yamaha all make some nice bookshelf units with 90db sensitivity or better that would work nicely with this unit. Just because this is an inexpensive amp doesn't mean you can get away with cheap speakers.

"There isn't enough bass": 1. Make sure the source is providing enough bass input. If the source doesn't have a tone control for bass you may need to use a pre-amp. 2. Use better speakers. When I first got my amp the speakers I had ordered for it were delayed, so I used some old early 80's bookshelf speakers to test the amp out.

Those speakers had no bass at all, or treble, or much midrange. Basically it sounded like an AM pocket radio. When the Athenas came in and were properly broken in the sound improved greatly. It also helps to have the speakers placed properly. If your speakers are rear vented they don't need to be in an enclosed space or pushed up against a wall (I see this all the time, even on store displays).

My experiences with this Amp: I ordered this amp with a pair of Athena AS-B1.2 bookshelf speakers for use in my home office. Inputs are from my PC (by USB DAC) and an iPod dock. Both inputs run through an audio switch to input 2 on the amp. The files played through it are a mix of OGG, FLAC, AAC, ALAC, WAV, and MP3. Mostly FLAC.

I was impressed by the fit and finish of the unit out of the box. I've seen many allegedly high end products that don't have this level of finish (Cameras, turntables, TV, PC Cases, Cars, etc.). The weight is substantial. As near as I can tell by looking through the vent slots the transformer takes up at least half the case. The power lines in my house aren't very clean and I have hum issues with most A/V equipment I own, but I have yet to hear any hum (in normal conditions) from this amp when turned all the way up, even when it's been plugged into outlets that give other equipment fits. The only way to get hum is to touch an input with a finger. In normal use the background is dead silent. Good power supply.

The design is minimalist and clean. The only panel controls are power, speakers, volume and balance. It is low profile and unobtrusive and gives off very little heat, even when left on (with the volume turned down). Mine doubles as a monitor stand, LCDs only.

There are two inputs but they are auto switched. The first input is the auto switch input, as stated above. This means that if an input is detected it will switch to input 1 over input 2. It is fairly sensitive and will switch back and forth during pauses or quieter passages in the music. If you listen to a lot of Jazz, classical, or chamber music with pauses and quiet bits you will definitely want to use input 2 to prevent it from dropping out during those passages.

There is an autopower feature as well. If left on it will cause the same problems with the amp cutting out during quiet passages as the autoinput switching. However it can be disabled by a selector switch on the back of the unit. This is clearly explained in the manual. The intent is to allow the unit to be powered on remotely when used with a distributed music system. If you want a standalone system disable this feature and turn it on and off manually.

The sound is deep and rich with excellent separation, depth, and imaging. There's plenty of bass for most of what I listen too (Jazz, folk, and classic rock), and outstanding midrange. Treble does seem to roll off a bit, but that may be the speakers. Volume is more than enough to shake the walls and floor of my office and the music can be heard clearly throughout the second floor of the house. Personally I think it's more than loud enough to use as a primary system if you have a smallish living room (but with larger speakers). I haven't heard any distortion at loud volumes, but excessive line in might change that. More importantly to me the sound doesn't get muddy at low volume levels. It remains clear and detailed. I have no problem listening to most of my collection for hours on end with this amp while I work, or kicking back on the office sofa with some whiskey.

Most of my music files on the PC are lossless, but I do have a few dogs among the MP3 and WAV files. It's no great feat for an amp to sound good with a lossless file so I ran a few of the nastier files through it to see how it did. For the most part it took the edginess off most of the rougher files and made them almost pleasant to listen to. There are a few bad tracks that are best left to regular PC speakers, and a few FLAC files ripped from CD where bad mastering shows up more clearly now. Win some, loose some.

Nitpicks: My amp pops when turned on and off, which has the potential to damage speakers. It's not loud, but I turn the volume down before I hit the switch. I would prefer a manual input switch. Price has changed by as much as $30 on Amazon over a relatively short time.

Before buying this I listened to a friend's office setup with a Super T-Amp and a pair of Infinity Bookshelf speakers. To my ears the Amp100 sounds just as nice at lower volumes plus it can pack more of a punch when called for. It's not as compact as the Super-T or as stylish, but it fills my needs. Read more ›

84 of 86 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Solid product! January 18, 2006

By modifiedcontent

Size Name:50-Watt

I had the reported switching problem ("UPDATE: This device has one annoying defect ... a "clever" feature of switching inputs automatically when it senses no input on one of the two stereo inputs ... any stretch of silence will cause it to switch"). I called AudioSource and I have to give them credit. The problem is relatively easy to solve by using Input 2 instead of Input 1 if you're only using one input.

82 of 91 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Compact solution to complement my IPOD October 5, 2005

By Julie

Size Name:50-Watt|Amazon Verified Purchase

My stereo configuration is four KLH outdoor "rock" (they look like pieces of granite) speakers, an IPOD, and a ten-inch deep book shelf that I wanted to use as the location for the amplifier. I looked at Fry's, Best Buy, and Circuit City and couldn't find anything that was compact enough to fit on the bookshelf unless I went really high-end with a Bose setup. I had a spare Sony surround receiver that worked fine, except that it didn't fit the shelf, plus I wasn't really looking for all the bells and whistles of the receiver because I won't be using this setup to watch TV, my CD's are all on iTunes now, and I get crummy radio reception at my house. So, the technical requirements were to be able to drive the four speakers using a line-in level input coming from the IPOD. Pretty simple.

Anyhow, I purchased the Audiosource AMP100 amplifier on Amazon (to my consternation they dropped the price 3 bucks between the time I placed the order and when I received it) and it arrived in about a week using the free shipping option. It came well packed and sealed, and was as simple to set up as you'd expect of a unit like this. So far, I have tested it once and it worked fine, in fact it sounded a little better than the Sony. All four speakers were being driven normally in A+B mode. I haven't tested the auto-on feature, but it allows the box to power up automatically when it senses a signal on one of two audio inputs. The power plug on the back of the unit is unswitched (always powered). If I have any problems with the unit I'll update this post, but so far, so good.

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice Minimalist Amp with Strange Feature January 26, 2007

By J.N. DiPietri

Size Name:50-Watt|Amazon Verified Purchase

My feature-laden Yamaha RX-577 receiver/amp finally gave up after 11 years of service, and since we now live in the country with little or no radio reception, I looked for a simple amplifier, with simple controls and adequate capacity (hint on the meaning of "adequate" - I am no longer 19). This amp is an understated black box, with basic minimalist styling and simple controls that adjust balance and volume, and speaker outputs to A and B. It does a fine job on my average home stereo system. I concur with other reviewers that the silly feature of automatically turning itself to a stand-by state when no input signal is present is essentially useless on any kind of music other than the constant drone of Scottish bagpipes or techno. Between tracks of a CD, or even in silent pauses in music, it dutifully and maddeningly turns itself "off", and then, oops! - back on again when the music resumes - after missing a few measures, of course. Happily this feature is only present on line 1 of the system. If you use line 2 as your primary source, it overrides line 1. As an engineer, I find this logic perplexing. Since when should a secondary line signal override the primary signal? Who thought of that? Anyway, this is the only fix that I know of to stop the automatic stand-by feature, and it does work.

Beyond that user-correctable deficiency, if you don't need 110+db sound anymore (or never did), this amp is a highly suitable piece of equipment that appears well built, is simple to use and understand, and simple to hook up. It is relatively heavy for its size, and like watermelons, heaviness potentially equals quality, especially with things that supply power.

I am overall quite satisfied with this amp.