[Latest Edition] A Staff Favorite! Recommended Classic Pro Power Amplifiers by Application and Type!

PA speakers provide loud sound for live performances by bands, musicians, DJs, speeches, and various other musical events. The “power amplifier” is what makes them sound.

A power amplifier plays a simple but very important role as a device that amplifies and outputs signals from a preamplifier or mixer to drive speakers.

Classic Pro, produced by Sound House, is proud to offer a diverse lineup of products to meet the various needs of customers.

This time, I will introduce our recommendations for each product from the viewpoint of a power amp manager!

01CP Series (CP400/600/800/1000/1200/1400)

The CP Series has been a big hit since its release due to its sophisticated looks, outstanding stability, and is an excellent value. Using thoroughly selected parts, it combines high sound quality that is powerful enough to be used in the professional field. A dynamic and clear sound with strong low-frequency fatness are this amp’s best features.

Recommended Points

• Wide lineup from 100Wx2 for small scale to 560Wx2 for large output
• CP400 / 600 are 1U size and space-saving
• The CP800 / 1000 / 1200 / 1400 supports 2-ohm drive. For 8-ohm speakers, up to 4 units per channel can be connected in parallel.

Staff Comments

When played at high volume, it produces a push and thick low frequency sound that resonates to the core of the body. I think it is perfect for powerful sound source reproduction of live rock band performances or yosakoi dances.

02CP Series 4-Channels (CP4100/4200)

The CP4 Series, the standard 4-channel power amplifier. It incorporates the technology cultivated in the CP Series and can be used for a wide range of purposes from equipment use to other various events. The secret of its popularity is its high value for its low price that exceeds the imagination.

Recommended Points

• 4 channels in the same rack space as a 2U stereo power amplifier
• Channel 3 can output only low frequencies through a subwoofer switch.
• This single unit supports a PA system of 2 main systems + 1 subwoofer system + 1 floor monitor system.
• It also supports bridged outputs. It's highly capable as a powerful stereo amplifier.
• It supports 2-ohm drive, which is up to four speakers per channel, or up to 16 speakers in total that can be connected from 8-ohm speakers.

Staff Comments

The CP4 Series is the most flexible of the Classic Pro power amplifiers. The subwoofer mode is a unique feature that few others in its class offer. The professional-use aspect of 2-ohm drive compatibility is also not to be overlooked. This feature is a hidden trick, but by pressing all three parallel switches (1-2, 2-3, and 3-4), you can also play the sound input on channel 1 through all four speaker outputs.

03CPX Series (CPX500/600/900/1500/2000)

The latest model in the CPX series was developed as the best value power amplifier available. While lighter in weight than its predecessors, the CPX series delivers top-class powerful sound by incorporating carefully selected parts without compromise. In addition to a large toroidal transformer, large heat sink, and variable cooling fan, it employs the latest SMD technology that achieves higher stable operation and reliability. It features clear sound with minimal distortion.

Recommended Points

• Wide lineup from small 150Wx2 to high output 700Wx2
• Very reasonable price!
• Shallow body depth and lightweight design.
• Equipped with a link output (XLR) for convenient use when inputting the same signal to multiple power amplifiers.
• Simple controls that can be used without confusion.

Staff Comments

I have an anecdote about this product. Most of the staff did not notice any difference when blind testing with a famous power amplifier manufacturer's product that costs more than twice as much. I was one of them (lol). The low frequency range has a solid core and thickness. Also, the mid and high frequency range is very clear, and I can confidently recommend this product for its sound quality!

04CPX Series 4-Channels (CPX4100/4250/4420)

Recommended Points

• Excellent cost effectiveness!!
• 4 channels in the same rack space as a 2U stereo power amplifier.
• It also supports bridged outputs and is highly capable as a powerful stereo amplifier.
• When turning on all three parallel switches (1-2, 2-3, and 3-4), it is possible to play the sound input to channel 1 through the four speaker outputs.
• A single amplifier can also handle two main systems and two monitor systems.

Staff Comments

The CPX series is the most popular model among the 4-channel power amps that we offer at Sound House. It has an easy-to-hear sound that combines power and clarity, and high durability, which is unthinkable at this unbeatable price! If you do not want to compromise on both value and sound quality, I recommend this one.

05DCP30 mini

Compact stereo power amplifier with a Class D amplifier with a maximum output of 15W+15W. In addition to stereo mini and stereo RCA input terminals, it is equipped with a USB port for MP3 file music playback and an audio-only Bluetooth receiver. Recommended for playing sound sources from computers, TVs, portable music players, etc. Various cables are included to connect to your devices and passive speakers for immediate enjoyment.

Recommended Points

• Palm-sized and space-saving. 135mm（W）×30mm（H）×78mm（D）
• Includes connection cable and speaker cable!
• Equipped with USB port for MP3 player
• In addition to USB, stereo RCA and stereo mini inputs are provided. It can also be connected to TVs, decks, and PC earphone outputs.
• Speaker output terminals are push-terminal type, requiring no connectors.

Staff Comments

People often ask me, “How loud can you make it?” It is easy to understand if I say that it is about the same volume as a mini-component. For background music in cafes, beauty salons, apparel stores, etc., this should be enough. If you have passive speakers that you used to use in the past that are still in the closet, now is the time to make them sound again with the DCP30 mini!

06DCP100

This bluetooth power amplifier is equipped with a high quality 50W x2 Class D amplifier in an ultra-compact body weighing only 76g. Equipped with a USB port for connection to a PC (Windows), a stereo mini port for wired connection to various players, and a headphone port for a variety of situations. Recommended for music playback in the living room or store background music!

Recommended Points

• The smallest, lightest, and cheapest model of the Classic Pro Power Amplifier.
• Ultra-compact and unobtrusive! Will not interfere with interior design in restaurants, apparel stores, etc.
• There is a headphone output that mutes the speaker output, which is OK for nighttime use.
• Supports wired connections besides Bluetooth, such as AUX and USB.

Staff Comments

This is the best match for those who do not have much of a budget for acoustics and do not want to prepare a mixer or deck, but just want to use it for a little music playback. After work, I listen to music on my DCP100 and CS203 system.

07DCP4450II

Four high-efficiency Class D amplifiers are mounted in a compact 1U size chassis. While weighing only 9 kg, it delivers a massive 450 W (8 Ω) x 4 channels of output power. In bridge mode, it can output up to 2600W (4Ω) x 2 channels, making it suitable for large-scale live performances. Highly visible LED indicators on the front panel allow you to check the usage status of each channel at a glance. Signal inputs are balanced XLR and speaker outputs are SpeakON connectors. Three operating modes are supported: stereo, bridge, and monaural, allowing for flexible system construction. This high-quality 4-channel power amplifier is recommended for various music events such as speeches, dances, and live performances.

Recommended Points

• Space-saving 1U size.
• Equipped with 4 channels of 450W output power that can sound super standard PA speakers with plenty of room to spare.
• It can also be used as a stereo amplifier with 1500W output x 2 channels in bridge mode.
• Up to 2 ohms in stereo mode and up to 4 ohms in bridged mode.
• It can also drive large speakers and subwoofers such as those used in large events.

Staff Comments

This is the successor to the previous model DCP4450, which was very popular. Anyway, it is very cost effective!! It is no exaggeration to say that a power amplifier with this class of output power is almost the same price as a single stereo power amplifier from other manufacturers. I can recommend it as a stereo 2-way system with 2 main speakers and 2 subwoofers! The new product reviews from Sound & Recording magazine said, “I played Pink Noise. To my surprise, the sound pressure of the DCP4450II was comparable to that of a 1,000W amplifier, despite the difference in output at an 8-ohm load.” “The amplifier is about 10 times less expensive than the one I use in the compact line array, but the power is not too far behind." The DCP4450II received a high evaluation from the user.

Sound & Recording Related Articles

08CP500X

This state-of-the-art power amplifier is lightweight and power-saving by employing a switching power supply that minimizes heat generation and Class D circuitry. Weighing 4.6 kg, the compact 1U size body with excellent portability and 150 W x 2 output is ideal for PA systems that are frequently moved. It features a well-balanced sound from tight low frequencies to crisp high frequencies. The fanless design with a large heat sink for high cooling efficiency is also recommended for use in quiet places such as stores and facilities.

Recommended Points

• No cooling fan = no operating noise = OK for use in quiet places with low volume sound.
• Space-saving 1U size
• The high damping factor gives it a clear, crisp sound.
• Secretly popular among home audio users.

Staff Comments

With a PA (professional) power amplifier, the main purpose is to produce loud sound, so the operating noise of the cooling fan is not a concern. But this power amplifier is the one to guide you when that is not the case. The amplifier output is also surprisingly large at 150Wx2, so it can handle a small acoustic event with plenty of room to spare.

09CPL150

In a space-saving 1U size enclosure, a Class AB amplifier that outputs clear sound with a stereo output of 45W x2 (8Ω) is installed. The fanless design is ideal for background music and sound output in spaces where quietness is required, such as stores, restaurants, theaters, and stages. The front panel has a 6-segment LED meter for checking the amplifier output level, and the rear panel has a wide variety of input/output terminals for connection to various devices. The operation mode can be switched between stereo, parallel, and bridge to flexibly meet the needs required in the field.

Recommended Points

• No cooling fan = no operating noise = OK for use in quiet places with low volume sound.
• Space-saving 1U size
• Amplifier output is 45W x2, perfect for equipment speakers with low allowable input.
• Recommended for passive studio monitors used in recording studios.

Staff Comments

In places where low volume is needed, the speakers used are often small in size and have a small allowable input. In response to the demand for an amplifier that can be used in such situations, we have launched the CPL150! The CPL150 has a bright, easy-to-hear sound that is ideal for background music, announcements, and so on. Many 1U size power amplifiers have only a binding post, but the CPL150 has a SpeakON output.

10CMP Series (CMP60/120/250/350)

The CMP series is the definitive version of power amplifiers for equipment that can switch between high-impedance and low-impedance. So, it is ideal for use in store equipment, in-house broadcasting, and other all-around applications. It is equipped with convenient functions such as 2 microphone inputs and LINE input, 2-band EQ (TREBLE / BASS), chime and mute, and switch outputs that allow connection of 4 high-impedance speakers. This is useful in a variety of situations.

Recommended Points

• The only Classic Pro Power Amplifier that supports high-impedance connections.
• Microphone input and line input for broadcast and facility acoustics
• A familiar school chime function
• EQ makes it easy to adjust sound quality

Staff Comments

The best part is the ability to use a switched output connection. Since the high-impedance connection is basically a single output, it is not possible to adjust the volume for each speaker. What you need to do is put an attenuator attached to the wall into the circuit.

I counted up the models introduced this time and found that there are a total of 25 models in all! This is amazing. Every model has its own character, and each has points to recommend it.
I hope you will choose the model you prefer according to what you want to do in terms of budget, application, functions, etc.
In the Sound House "How To" sections, we have also prepared a page on power amplifiers, so please check this page out as well.

Related Articles:

• What is a Power Amplifier?
• About High and Low Impedance
• How to Select Speakers and Power Amplifiers - Low Impedance
• How to Select Power Amplifiers and Speakers - High Impedance

Power Amplifier Comparison: