Behringer A500 Reference Amplifier

by Behringer

Product Features

• 2 x 230 Watts into 4 Ohms, 500 Watts into 8 Ohms in bridged mono operation
• Precise level meter and clip indicators for accurate performance monitoring
• Speaker outputs on professional 'touch-proof' binding posts and 1/4' TS connectors
• Ultra-linear power amplifier for recording studios, post-production, live sound and HiFi application
• Independent thermal overload protection with LED indicator for each channel automatically protects amplifier and speakers

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 22.6 x 15.6 x 5.5 inches ; 22.9 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 26 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B000CZ0RL0
• Item model number: A500
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,533 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)
  • #8 in Musical Instruments > Live Sound & Stage > Power Amplifiers

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

BEHRINGER REFERENCE AMPLIFIER A500

Professional 600-Watt Reference-Class Studio Power Amplifier

• Ultra-linear power amplifier for recording studios, post-production, live sound and HiFi application
• 2 x 300 Watts into 4 Ohms, 600 Watts into 8 Ohms in bridged mono operation
• Servo-controlled design can drive virtually any passive speaker such as studio monitors, etc.
• Advanced convection-cooling for absolutely noise-free and stable operation (no fan)
• Precise level meter and clip indicators for accurate performance monitoring
• Input connections on balanced XLR, 1/4'' TRS and RCA connectors
• Speaker outputs on professional ''touch-proof'' binding posts and 1/4'' TS connectors
• Ultra-reliable Toshiba / Fairchild power transistors
• Independent thermal overload protection with LED indicator for each channel automatically protects amplifier and speakers
• High-current toroidal transformer for absolute reliability and lowest noise interference
• High-quality components and exceptionally rugged construction ensure long life
• Conceived and designed by BEHRINGER Germany

The A500 Reference Amplifier is the ideal choice for recording studios, post-production suites, or anyone seeking audiophile-grade performance - without the audiophile-grade sticker shock.

The A500 Really Delivers

Professional audio engineers around the world are impressed by the A500's performance and surprised by its affordability. Capable of delivering 2 x 300 Watts into 4 Ohms or 600 Watts into 8 Ohms bridged, the A500 has enough headroom to always keep you on the safe side. Advanced convection-type cooling technology ensures stable, noise-free operation, while its servo-controlled design can drive virtually any passive speaker.

Metering and I/O

A precise level meter and clip indicators are provided for accurate performance monitoring. Input connections are provided in the form of balanced XLR and 1/4" TRS connectors, as well as unbalanced RCA sockets, ensuring you have loads of input options. Plus, the speaker outputs give you the choice between professional "touch-proof" binding posts and 1/4" TS connectors.

Reliability

To ensure years of trouble-free operation, we use only Toshiba or Fairchild high-power transistors that are known for their rock-solid reliability. In addition, an independent thermal overload protection system, with LED indicators for each channel, automatically protects both your amplifier and your speakers. Last but not least, we use tough, high-current toroidal transformers for absolute reliability and the lowest possible noise interference.

Value

You deserve the very best when it comes to studio power amplification. Experience love at first sound. Check out the A500 today at your authorized BEHRINGER dealer.

Audiophile-grade performance, ultra-reliable and undeniable affordability - the BEHRINGER A500.

Product Description

Professional 500-Watt Reference-Class Studio Power Amplifier

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars High End Sound at a Blowout Bargain Price, August 19, 2010

By 

Horizons59 (California) - See all my reviews

I use this amp to drive the highly revealing Martin Logan Aeon-i electrostatic hybrid speakers. These are a fairly demanding load and are extremely transparent. This amp sounds amazing and drives my speakers perfectly. After over 30 years as an audiophile and trying literally dozens of high end expensive amplifiers in search of the audio holy grail, I am done, happy, totally satisfied with the Behringer amp. Put all your money into speakers and drive them with this amp and you can thank me later. A fantastic bargain!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Audiophile Quality Sound at Bargain Price, February 20, 2010

By 

K. Beach "KRB" (Minnesota) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

For the record (pun intended), I also own a highly-regarded 200 watts per channel "boutique brand" power amplifier that cost an order of magnitude more than my Behringer A-500. The more expensive amp is a very well-made and very musical piece of machinery. So is the astonishingly-affordable Behringer. What's my point? When I cue up a demanding CD, equalize the volume between the two amps, and listen to each in its turn at reasonable volume levels, my "golden ears" can't discern much...if any...difference. Both are detailed, articulate, and satisfying.

Despite its published power specifications, one might well think of the A-500 as a solid, linear, and gutsy 100 watts per channel amplifier that can smoothly and cleanly drive normal (4 to 8 ohm) speakers to very satisfying sound levels in normal-sized rooms without fanfare or excessive heat. If 100 real watts per channel aren't sufficient for one's application, consider how two, three, or four Behringer A500s might work in a bridged and/or bi-amped configuration. I submit that four A-500s would cost about half of what I paid for my "boutique brand" amplifier.

One caveat: as the photo of the A-500 shows, it's configured for mounting in a 19" rack. The amp's front panel mounting flanges are integral parts of its massive die-cast alumimum heat sinks. I needed the A-500 to sit on the 18" shelf of a furniture-style cabinet. I used masking tape to cover up all of the amp's various vent slots and connector holes. Then I carefully cut off the two mounting flanges...removing one inch of aluminum from either side...with a hacksaw. After a thorough wipe-down, unmasking, and a bit of flat black touch-up paint, my 17" A-500 was good to go.

In summary, the Behringer A-500 is a well-built and sonically-competent machine that stands as an incredible musical bargain. Enjoy!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Bought this and..., October 15, 2010

By 

Real - See all my reviews

I had read a lot about Behringer's crappy products. I new what I was getting into. For me their products are my only price range for now. A means to an end. I was very excited to get a reference amp. When I first set it up and plugged in the left channel wasn't playing. I was heart broken until I remembered the posts about crappy assembly. I opened the top and saw that the wires weren't plugged in. It had a connector. I connected. Worked perfectly. It still does and it sounds many times better than anything I've had. For the price it will get me by perfectly.