As a DJ, you use an amplifier for one basic function - to crank up the volume of your music. American Audio has introduced a new line of power amplifiers that claims to do just that, not give you a panel-ful of techno gizmos or impress your audiophile friends. AA's new 2-channel rack-mountable VLP Series Amplifiers are aimed at working DJs on a budget who want nothing fancy, no frills, just a high-performance, reliable professional amplifier with big boomin' sound -- at an equally streamlined price. Definitely a huge market here, which warranted us taking a closer look. One thing we liked right off the bat was the wide range of size and power needs covered by the VLP Series. There are three models, the smallest being the VLP300, a compact one-rack-space unit with 150-watt-per-channel output at 4 ohms that's an ideal size for playing small parties, as a starter amp for young DJs, or even as part of a back-up system. The other two, the VLP600 and VLP1500, are two-space models that blast out 300 watts and 750 watts per channel at 4 ohms, respectively. So you can get the power you need whether you're working a mid-sized club, high school gym, larger reception hall or whatever. All three units carry amazingly affordable price tags, with a MAP of just $149.99 for the VLP300, $199.99 for the VLP600, and $299.99 for the VLP1500. Clearly they pass the price test with flying colors, but what about performance-wise? We plugged 'em into our speakers one by one and let 'er rip. We were impressed by the power and punch all three delivered at 4 ohms. Even the little VLP300 could really kick out the jams, and the VLP1500 positively roared. There was an honest-to-goodness quality to the sound, too, with accuracy and richness from the deepest bass up to the super-clear highs. The VLP amps can also be operated in Bridged Mono and Parallel Mono modes for flexible application. What they can't do is go down to 2 ohms, and this is the corner American Audio has very smartly chosen to cut in order to serve up the demand for powerhouse sound at a puny price. The VLP Series isn't designed for hooking up multiples of speakers; it's for the guy or gal who wants to connect one, two or maybe four speakers at the very most. The idea behind the VLP Series is that this person doesn't have to buy more amplifier than they need. American Audio certainly didn't skimp where it mattered. This was evident when we opened up the case and found some surprising quality features for amplifiers at this price point. Each VLP amp is equipped with a toroidal transformer, which is more efficient and reliable than the cheaper laminated EI-type transformer and produces less noise, meaning your music will sound great even when the amp is pushed to the limit. All VLP amplifiers also utilize only high-quality Toshiba transistors, which are what you'll find in most famous top-of-the-line models. Other low-end amplifiers we've seen don't offer this kind of professional quality -- they look more like home amps that have been modified for the DJ market. With the VLP Series, American Audio has succeeded in making a true professional DJ amp at an unbelievably affordable entry-level price. Along with the VLPs' performance, there are some other nice features that pros will appreciate, like having Speakon plugs in addition to binding posts as output connectors. Most of the market is moving toward Speakons because they give you a more secure connection - you don't have to worry about someone tripping over the cable and pulling out the plug to your speakers. Clearly, American Audio's designers know what's important to working DJs and what's gratuitous fluff. With the VLP Series Amplifiers, you get the boom without the bells and whistles - and, most importantly, without the hefty price tag that comes with them.