Lab Gruppen E 5:4 4-Channel 500W Installation Power Amplifier

The Lab Gruppen E 5:4 is a 500W, four-channel installation power amplifier delivering 125W per channel across Hi-Z (70V constant voltage) or Lo-Z (4, 8, and 16 ohm) configurations — all within a compact 1U rack-mount chassis. Powered by Lab Gruppen's proprietary IDEEA (IntelliDrive Energy Efficient Amplifier) Class-D topology, the E 5:4 produces high output levels with less than 0.1% THD while drawing minimal mains current, making it one of the most efficient amplifiers available for permanent commercial audio installations.

For integrators evaluating the best 4-channel amplifier for commercial AV installation, the E 5:4 delivers a rare combination of output flexibility and energy performance. Asymmetric channel loading enables mixed-impedance deployments from a single chassis — a practical advantage when driving a 70V ceiling speaker zone, a low-impedance subwoofer, and full-range passive speakers simultaneously. This makes the E 5:4 an ideal 70V amplifier for ceiling speakers in distributed audio systems across restaurants, retail outlets, hotels, houses of worship, performing arts centers, and convention centers.

Built on Lab Gruppen's touring-grade engineering heritage, the E Series adds the installation-specific features that system designers require: GPIO connectivity for third-party power control, auto-standby that drops consumption below 1W after 20 minutes of signal absence, and a Rail Sensing Limiter (RSL) circuit that continuously optimizes each channel's output for instantaneous load conditions — eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration when loads vary across zones. The E 5:4 carries full Energy Star 3.0 certification and CE approval, satisfying green building specifications and international compliance requirements for permanent installations.

Key Features of the Lab Gruppen E 5:4 Installation Amplifier

• IDEEA Class-D Output Stage: Patented IntelliDrive technology delivers 500W total output with greater than 80% operating efficiency, reducing heat load and lowering demands on mains distribution infrastructure.
• Hi-Z / Lo-Z Output Flexibility: Each channel independently supports 70V constant voltage or low-impedance loads (4, 8, and 16 ohms), eliminating the need for separate amplifiers in mixed-system deployments.
• Asymmetric Channel Loading: Enables unequal load distribution across channels — drive a subwoofer on one channel and multiple 70V ceiling loudspeakers on another without performance penalty.
• Rail Sensing Limiter (RSL): Proprietary circuit continuously senses rail voltage and optimizes each channel output for real-time load conditions, greatly reducing signal clipping and ensuring consistent audio quality.
• Energy Star 3.0 Certified: Auto-power-down reduces standby consumption to below 1W; auto-power-on resumes operation when input signal returns, supporting green building specifications and lowering lifetime operating costs.
• GPIO Integration: Two 2-pole detachable screw terminal connectors provide General Purpose I/O for remote power state control and monitoring via third-party building management or AV control systems.
• Comprehensive Circuit Protection: Fail-safe protection circuitry maintains operation under reduced conditions; dual temperature-controlled fans with front-to-back airflow ensure reliable thermal management in dense rack environments.

Technical Specifications

• Total Output Power: 500W (all four channels driven)
• Output Power Per Channel (Lo-Z, all channels driven): 125W into 4 ohms, 125W into 8 ohms, 63W into 16 ohms
• Output Power Per Channel (Hi-Z, all channels driven): 125W into 16 ohms / 70V system
• Number of Channels: 4
• Output Configuration: Hi-Z (70V) or Lo-Z (4, 8, 16 ohms), user-selectable per channel
• Amplifier Topology: IDEEA — Class-D variant (patented)
• Frequency Response: 2 Hz – 40 kHz (+0 / -3 dB at 1W into 8 ohms)
• THD (20 Hz – 7 kHz, 1W): <0.1%
• THD (1 kHz, 1 dB below clipping): <0.05%
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >112 dBA
• Channel Separation: >70 dB
• Gain (70V mode): 35.2 dB
• Gain (Lo-Z mode): 28.2 dB
• Peak Output Voltage Per Channel: 100V (70V rms)
• Maximum Output Current Per Channel: 9.9 Arms
• Input Impedance: 20 kΩ
• Input Connectors: Electronically balanced, 3-pin detachable screw terminals
• Output Connectors: 2-pin detachable screw terminals
• GPIO Connectors: Two 2-pole detachable screw terminal connectors
• Level Controls: 4 x rear-panel potentiometers (-∞ to 0 dB)
• Standby Power Consumption: <1W
• Auto-Power-Down: 20 minutes after signal loss
• Net Operating Efficiency: >80%
• Power Supply: 100–240V AC, 50/60 Hz (universal)
• Rack Format: 1U (19")
• Certifications: Energy Star 3.0, CE
• Chassis: Black painted steel; grey painted aluminum front panel
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 19" x 1.73" x 15"
• Weight: 13.2 lbs (6 kg)

What's Included

• Lab Gruppen E 5:4 Power Amplifier
• Power cord
• Phoenix connectors for input, output, and GPI/GPO power control