Behringer A800

Behringer A800 — Reference-Class Power Amplifier for Studio and Stage

The Behringer A800 is a 2-channel Class-D power amplifier engineered to drive passive studio monitors, subwoofers, and small live rigs with reference-grade clarity. In stereo mode it delivers 2 × 400 W into 4 ohms; in bridged-mono it pushes 800 W into a single channel — enough headroom for demanding material without audible strain. Housed in a 2U rack chassis weighing 3.2 kg, the A800 brings serious amplification into setups where space and weight matter.

SmartSense Impedance Compensation and Silent Convection Cooling

What separates this amplifier from older Class-D designs is Behringer's SmartSense technology, which compensates for speaker load impedance to keep the frequency response linear regardless of which passive cabinet is connected. The fan-less convection-cooled chassis keeps the unit dead-silent in the studio, and reviewers report zero audible noise floor. The aluminum enclosure and switch-mode power supply trim weight dramatically compared to traditional Class-AB amps.

Power, Frequency Response, and Connectivity

Numbers matter when an amplifier sits between a DAC and a pair of passive monitors, so the A800 publishes honest specs that translate directly into listening confidence. The frequency range spans the full 20 Hz to 20 kHz audible band, the damping factor exceeds 160 at 8 ohms for tight bass control, and the signal-to-noise ratio sits above 100 dBA for a black background between notes.

• Power Output: 2 × 400 W at 4 ohms, 800 W bridged-mono — drives passive nearfields, subwoofers, or a single high-power mono stack
• The full audible spectrum from 20 Hz to 20 kHz is covered with SmartSense-compensated linearity across loads, ensuring every detail is reproduced.
• Number of Channels: 2 — stereo playback or bridged-mono operation via rear-panel switch
• Inputs: XLR, 1/4" TRS (6.3 mm), RCA — accepts balanced studio sources and unbalanced consumer gear without adapters
• Outputs: Binding posts and speakON — twist-lock speakON prevents accidental disconnects on stage
• Rackmount: 2U, 48.3 × 22.1 × 9.4 cm — slides into a standard 19" equipment rack

Project Studios, Home Listening Desks, and Small Live Rigs

Project-studio owners and home listeners who need a clean, fan-less power amp to drive passive nearfield monitors or a subwoofer without adding noise to the signal chain often choose this model. Desktop audiophiles running efficient speakers will find 2 × 400 W more than sufficient, while small venue operators can bridge to 800 W mono for a single subwoofer. Anyone stepping up from a Class-AB amp will appreciate the 3.2 kg weight drop.

Behringer's Reference Amplifier Line

Part of Behringer's Reference Amplifier series, the A800 refreshes the classic A500 design by swapping the heavy steel chassis and Class-AB circuitry for a modern Class-D platform with SmartSense impedance compensation. It ships with an IEC power cable and targets users who want reference-class monitoring power at project-studio pricing.