Each channel on an amplifier will power one speaker using a positive and negative cable. There are various types of amplifiers, each designed to power a certain number of speakers. Monoblock amplifiers, also known as single channel, are designed to power one or more subwoofers. These amplifiers often have very high power ratings. On the other hand, multi-channel amplifiers power multiple speakers, usually at lower power ratings. 2-Channel and 4-Channel amplifiers can power car speakers or low powered subwoofers. Occasionally you might see a 5 or 6-channel amplifier that can power speakers and subwoofers at the same time. The most common setup is a monoblock amp to run subwoofers and a 4-channel amp to run door speakers. Check out our Knowledge Base for more information.
Amplifiers can offer a diverse array of features.
If you select more than one feature, then you will view amplifiers that have ALL features selected.
These include speaker-level inputs that facilitate seamless integration with factory audio systems, Bluetooth connectivity suitable for ATV/UTV or Classic vehicle setups, built-in DSPs that provide enhanced control over your audio signal, and a host of other functionalities to explore.
An amplifier increases the power of the signal being fed to it by taking energy from its power supply and matching the signal but increasing its amplitude. Amplifiers use many different methods for converting these electrical signals and have been categorized into classes.
Class A/B: Greater than 50% of the input signal is amplified while the other percentage is “off”. These amplifiers have a small amount of current flowing through the output transistors all the time which almost eliminates crossover distortion. Class A/B has great sound quality but is not as efficient as class D. These amps are most commonly used to drive speakers.
Class D: Also known as switching amplifiers, class D amps have output transistors that are completely turned “on” or “off”. This means that when the transistors are on, there is almost no voltage across them but when they are off there is significant voltage but no current flowing through it which makes these amplifiers very efficient at the cost of sound quality. These amps are most commonly used to drive subwoofers.
Other Classes: You may see classes such as GH, bD, X, FD, etc. by some manufactures. These amplifiers tend to be either class A/B, D or a hybrid of the two but with improvements to their designs that can make them more efficient or offer better sound quality.
Total RMS power is measured by multiplying RMS power per channel by the number of channels, and is calculated at the lowest level of operating impedance.
RMS power is the amount of continuous power, measured in watts, that an amplifier produces is called RMS power. The higher the RMS figure, the louder and cleaner your music sounds.
The RMS output figure is much more accurate than the peak rating when comparing products.
The total peak power output is measured as the wattage per channel multiplied by the number of channels, and is calculated at the lowest level of operating impedance.
It is measured during a brief musical burst, such as a sudden drum accent. Some manufacturers display peak power ratings on the face of their products to increase the appeal.
The RMS power rating is more accurate, and we recommend using it for product comparison.
Many brands group their products into series or lines of products to help customers know the level of quality (good, better, best for example). You can filter by series and the brand using our guided browsing.
If the amp comes with a bass/gain remote you will be able to control the level of your bass from your dashboard. Typically bass remotes also include a 16-20 ft. wire for installation.
Sonic Certified amplifiers have been tested by the experts at Sonic Electronix to meet or exceed the wattage ratings provided by the manufacturer.
If this is marked as Yes, then you can trust the wattage ratings.
If marked as No, then we have tested the amplifier and it did not meet the advertised wattage ratings.
If marked as Not Tested, then the Sonic Electronix experts have not yet been able to test the amp.
Many amplifiers are equipped with RCA preamp outputs which pass the original music signal from the source to additional amplifiers. This is known as daisy chaining because the source connects to the first amp, and the first amp connects to the second amp, etc. The advantage to daisy chaining is you only need one 2-channel RCA cable to transfer the signal from the head-unit to the amplifier, and then one additional cable for each amp being daisy chained.
A crossover is a type of filtering system that permits only certain frequencies to play. A Low-Pass (LP) crossover allows only frequencies below its setting to get through which is good in the case of some subwoofers. A High-Pass(HP) filter allows frequencies above its setting to pass through, this is normally used on speakers.
When a crossover is set to FULL it means no filtering is added and the full frequency spectrum is allowed through the amplifier. Filtering is important because feeding a speaker frequencies it cannot reproduce effectively creates distortion.
700W Max Hi-Resolution Audio Compatible 4-Channel Amplifier
• 150 watts x 4 chan. @ 4ohms
• 175 watts x 4 chan. @ 2 Ohms
• CEA-2006 Compliant Amplifier
• Ultra-wide frequency range that extends up to 100 kHz
• Engineered for minimal noise and maximum efficiency
• Includes Amplifier Wiring Kit
• 150 watts x 4 chan. @ 4ohms
• 175 watts x 4 chan. @ 2 Ohms
• CEA-2006 Compliant Amplifier
• Ultra-wide frequency range that extends up to 100 kHz
• Engineered for minimal noise and maximum efficiency
• Includes Amplifier Wiring Kit
1100W Max GS Series CEA Compliant Compact Monoblock Amplifier with High Level Inputs, Crossover Filters and a 3-year warranty! + NVX 4 Gauge 2-Channel Amp Wiring Kit
1100W Max GS Series CEA Compliant Compact Monoblock Amplifier with High Level Inputs, Crossover Filters and a 3-year warranty! + NVX 4 Gauge 2-Channel Amp Wiring Kit
• 330 Watts RMS x 1 @ 4 ohms • 600 Watts RMS x 1 @ 2 ohms • Total Peak Power: 1100 Watts • CEA-2006 Compliant • Removable top panel conceals complete crossover & level controls • Signal to Noise Ration: 65 dBA • Speaker-level (high-level) inputs with Auto Turn-on
Looking for power? Then make sure Sony is on your list, because Sony car amplifiers are some of the most dependable amplifiers on the market today. Whether you're looking for a subwoofer amplifier capable of pushing tons of power efficiently, or you're in the market for an amp to perfectly power your speakers, Sony has a solution for you.
A Sony GTR or GS amplifier can transform a decent car audio system into a mobile concert hall. Sony makes a variety of CEA-2006 compliant car amplifiers, from 4 channel to monoblock configurations, allowing you to find the perfect amplifier for your speaker system.
Sony GS amps are available in 4-channel and monoblock configurations to power your entire sound system or just a high powered sub. GS amps are stylishly designed to look great in your car while blasting up to 1100 watts of powerful sound. The 2-channel GTR series amp is designed to put out up to 1400 watts of power.
These amps all come with an auto sensing high level input feature which allows the amps to be powered up without a remote power turn on connection. An efficient design provides each amp with multiple mounting options, ensuring it will fit your car.
Remember, a Sony 4-channel amp can be used to power two pairs of car speakers, or it can be bridged to power one pair of car speakers and a subwoofer. 2-Channel Sony amps can be used to power a set of car speakers. It is also common to bridge 2-channel amps to power a subwoofer. Monoblock amps are single channel amps designed for massive power output for a single source, most commonly a subwoofer. For the best performance from a Sony amplifier, be sure to check out our wide selection of Sony car speakers and subwoofers.
From Sony 4-channel amplifiers to monoblock amps, we have everything you're looking for here at Sonic Electronix. Shop now!
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