DJzone DJ Magazine

DJs can now pack some punch in their performance -- without taking a wallop in the wallet. American Audio has introduced the VLP Amplifier Series, a new series of professional rack-mount power amps that can really crank up the volume, yet sell for incredibly down-to-earth price tags.

Covering a wide range of size and power needs, the VLP Series consists of three models – the VLP300, VLP600 and VLP1500. The VLP300 is a one-rack-space unit, while the VLP600 and VLP1500 are two-space models.

The entire VLP series is targeted toward the budget-minded DJ who is looking for a no-nonsense power amp that delivers high performance and reliability, said Tom Freret, national sales manager for American Audio.

“We designed the VLP Series specifically for working DJs who want a high-quality professional power amp, but are concerned about their budgets,” said Freret. “These units don’t have a lot of fancy bells and whistles—they’re just good solid amplifiers that will give you steady, reliable, superlative performance day in and day out.”

Providing a smooth clean sound, the VLP Series amps deliver a lot of proverbial bang for the buck. The smallest of the models, the VLP300, has a power output of 150W RMS per channel at 4 Ohms, 1kHz, 0.1% THD; and 100W RMS per channel at 8 Ohms, 1kHz, 0.1% THD. In Bridge Mode, Mono, its output is 300W RMS at 8 Ohms, 1K Hz, 1% THD.

The VLP600 has a power output of 300W RMS per channel at 4 Ohms, 1kHz, 0.1% THD; and 200W RMS per channel at 8 Ohms, 1kHz, 0.1% THD. Its Bridge Mode, Mono output is 600W RMS at 8 Ohms, 1K Hz, 1% THD.

The VLP1500 has a power output of 750W RMS per channel at 4 Ohms, 1kHz, 0.1% THD; and 500W RMS per channel at 8 Ohms, 1kHz, 0.1% THD. Its Bridge Mode, Mono output is 1500W RMS at 8 Ohms, 1K Hz, 1% THD.

All the VLP amps have a Frequency Response of (+/-01db, at rated output power, 8 Ohms): 20Hz-20K Hz. Total Harmonic Distortion for all models is less than 0.1% (20Hz-20kHz at 8 ohms). The Slew Rate is 15V per usec, and Impedance is 20 Ohms balanced/ 10 Ohms unbalanced.

The VLP amps come equipped with a high-quality cooling system consisting of two individual fans. Designed for mobile use, they are compact and lightweight. The VLP300 weighs 24 lbs./ 11 Kgs., and measures 13.25”L x 19”W x 1.75”H/ 336mm x 482mm x 44 mm (1 rack mount space). The VLP600 weighs 33 lbs./ 15 Kgs., and measures 14”L x 19”W x 3.5”H/ 360mm x 482mm x 88 mm (2 rack mount spaces). The VLP1500 weighs 42 lbs./ 19 Kgs., and measures 14”L x 19”W x 3.5”H/ 360mm x 482mm x 88 mm (2 rack mount spaces).

The suggested retail price of the VLP300 is $219.95. The suggested retail price of the VLP600 is $279.95. The suggested retail price of the VLP1500 is $399.95.