[CART360] Need to Build a Six-Channel Audio Amplifier

[Morgan Sutherland]

Hello List, Vince, Elio, Joe,

I need to build a low-noise 4-6-channel audio amplifier for three different
actuators:

1. small 2"-or-so speakers [TBD]
2. "inertial" vibration motors (takes AC audio signal) [Joe, you can tell me
about the power requirements for this]
3. "vibration speakers" (16mm) [max input: 0.5W, resistance: 6ohms]

I'm wondering how I should go about shopping for amplifiers.

I gather from the Wikipedia entry[1] that I need to match the resistance
(usually 4-16 Ohms) and the max. input wattage. Should I find the specs for
each specific actuator we're using and buy an amplifier chip for each? Can I
use an overpowered amplifier and just ease it down with resistors? According
to wikipedia, class A amplifier are inefficient (though audiophiles
apparently swear by them). As I'm not using battery power, should I care
about efficiency here, or use an AB amplifier (according to Wikipedia, a
"good compromise")[2]?

Any particular recommendations?

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_amplifier
2. Turns out Digikey doesn't even sell class A amplifiers
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