A guitar amplifier is not merely a sound-reinforcement device; it is an intrinsic part of the instrument itself. While a stereo amplifier is designed to reproduce sound with total accuracy and transparency (high fidelity), a guitar amplifier is designed to shape, color, and often distort the signal to create timbre and texture.

to split the signal into two "mirror" halves for more efficient amplification. The Power Supply Unit (PSU)

: Changing Bass affects Mid, Treble affects all. Alternative: Baxandall (active – found in Hi-Fi and some boutique amps).

Found in tube amps, this matches the high-voltage/low-current environment of the tubes to the low-impedance/high-current needs of the speaker. 2. Tubes (Valves) vs. Solid State

Appendix — Useful formulas