3. Power

The power output of modern keyboard amplifiers can reach an impressive 400 watts. Amps with less than 50 watts are enough for small practice sessions or playing in lighter jazz, acoustic, or folk ensembles. While a 100/150 watt version will have enough punch to hold up against a drummer or guitarist. And, if you happen to own a 300 watt version, you wouldn’t have any issues being heard inside an Oktoberfest tent at full capacity.

Some amplifiers work in stereo, meaning their power is split over the left and right channel, so a 300 watt stereo amp delivers 2x150 watts. These amplifiers are usually outfitted with two side by side speaker chassis for the left and right channel, which limits the stereo effect, especially the further away you are. They can still be useful in large venues though, as they allow you to pass a split signal with different effects on each channel to the speaker simultaneously, without using a mixer. In smaller venues a stereo amp allows effects like chorus to be better heard.

Some models work in stereo, like this Roland KC-880 with 2x160W.