(See Transistor for general information about transistors.)
A power transistor, also known as an output transistor, is a special type of transistor that is able to handle higher voltages and currents. With the amplifiers inside a Wurlitzer piano and Rhodes suitcase, the job of a power transistor is the output stage of the amp right before the signal is sent to the speakers. Power transistors provide a several functions in their place in an amplifier:
- They are used in the output stage of the amplifier to increase the power of the audio signal to a level that can drive speakers. This is necessary because the small signal from the pre-amplifier stage is not strong enough to produce sound at a high volume. The output volume of the Rhodes suitcase amplifier has significantly more power than a Wurlitzer amp, but they both provide the same function.
- Power transistors can generate heat because of the higher currents they handle. Power transistors in Wurlitzer and Rhodes amps are mounted on a metal heat-sink to help dissipate the heat generated by the amp. In between the transistor and the heat-sink.
