Amplifier is the engine of your system as it accepts the signal from a source which could be a CD player, record player, etc. and boosts it to a level sufficient to drive a pair of speakers. It also allows you to regulate the volume you listen at. You get n number of amplifiers in the market. Do remember that amplifier powers between your music and your speakers from basic to all encompassing. Whether you spend Rs 25,000 on a budget amplifier, or take out a second mortgage, make sure you get the best sound, and all the detailed specifications.

TONE CONTROLS
Some amplifiers incorporate tone controls, allowing you to influence the sound you hear and audio purists frown on such interference, but for many listeners it is a must-have. Opinion is similarly divided on the subject of remote controls, the circuitry needed by the remote might impact on the amp’s sound, but remote comfort is a big bonus.

POWER IN WATTS
You want a powerful amplifier implies on more watts which will give greater authority and ability to drive a range of speakers but in today’s time this feature don’t hold much of importance. Modern speakers are efficient, so it is better to have a quality amp with a modest output than one with more about lights, knobs and facilities than good sound quality.

LINE INPUTS
Most inputs on the back of an amplifier are at line level, which suits the output of devices such as CD players, tuners and recorders. You can use any of these inputs for any source. On some amplifiers the CD input has a more direct, better-sounding, signal path.

RECORD OUTPUT ROUTE
The record outputs allow a signal to be routed to an analogue recorder such as a cassette deck. Pre out sockets allow you to hook up an external power amp, to give a boost to performance or to power the speakers from two amplifiers.

KEEPING IT ALL UNDER CONTROL
You basically just need a source selector and a volume control, though record/listen switching and tone controls will be useful.  Avoid the temptation to turn both the bass and treble to maximum to make the sound louder and more exciting, many amplifiers have a source direct or pure direct button to take all these facilities out of circuit if you choose to go for the purest possible sound.

OUTPUTS
All integrated amps have outputs for at least one pair of speakers, while some can drive two pairs, subject to the second pair not putting too much strain on the output stages of the amplifier. The second set of speaker outputs is for feeding music to another room and not a second pair in the main room.

PHONO INPUT
The signal from a record player is feeble compared to that from other sources, and needs a lot of amplification to make it audible. Look for a phono input if you have a record player.