Stereo amplifier

A stereo amplifier is a 2-channel amplifier which is the minimum, compared to dolby surround systems etc with more channels. A sound system with at least 2 channels, may reproduce positioning of the original sound, and a feeling of space perception of the recorded sound. Of course, such a stereo space effect can also be simulated as in a multi track studio recording.

Often when the term "stereo amplifier" is used, it actually refers to an integrated amplifier, which is a stereo preamplifier with a signal source selector, balance and tone controls and a speaker amplifier in one unit.

In the late 60s, the "solid state" transistor stereo amplifiers became common. However, the demand for stereo tube amplifiers have increased in recent years.
Further, there are stereo power amplifiers. Some stereo amplifiers are infact two mono amplifiers in one case, in that they are two isolated single channel amplifiers.