Watts per Channel

Measurement of power output for each channel in an amplifier. A two-channel amplifier, for instance, may have a rating of 200 watts per channel (200 W/ch). This means that each channel of the amplifier can output 200 watts of power driving two separate speakers each with 200 watts. most all amplifiers with more than one channel will feature equal power across their channels (equal watts per channel). Surround sound audio systems should feature equal power output (equal watts per channel) across the front three speakers (left front, center, right front). While it is less important to feature equal power for the surround channels (power equal to the front channels), digital surround sound formats such as Dolby Digital and DTS are making this more and more vital. The optimum configuration for a surround sound system is equal watts per channel across all channels (except for a subwoofer, which often may need more power if possible).