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.
Yes, many 2-channel amplifiers can be used in bridge mode to combine the power of both channels, making them suitable for powering a subwoofer and speakers at the same time. However, it's essential to check the amplifier's specifications and power ratings to ensure they match the impedance and power requirements of your subwoofer and speakers. Additionally, using a 2-channel amplifier for this purpose can result in power distribution challenges, as both the subwoofer and speakers may not receive optimal power for their specific frequency ranges.
A 2-channel amplifier, also known as a stereo amplifier, is designed to power two speakers, typically a pair of front speakers or a pair of rear speakers. On the other hand, a mono amplifier, also known as a single-channel amplifier, is dedicated to powering a single speaker, usually a subwoofer. The primary difference lies in their application and configuration. While a 2-channel amplifier is suitable for powering multiple speakers, a mono amplifier is more focused on delivering high power output to a single speaker for deep bass reproduction.
Yes, upgrading your factory car audio system with a 2-channel amplifier can significantly enhance the overall sound quality and volume. Factory audio systems often lack the power needed to drive aftermarket speakers properly. Adding a 2-channel amplifier allows you to provide more power to your front or rear speakers, resulting in improved clarity, detail, and dynamics. It's an excellent way to breathe new life into your car's audio system without the need for extensive modifications. Be sure to select an amplifier with an appropriate power rating and ensure compatibility with your existing audio setup.
To ensure compatibility, consider factors like power output, impedance, and form factor. Check the power ratings of your speakers and subwoofers, and choose an amplifier that can deliver the required power at the appropriate impedance. Additionally, verify that the amplifier's dimensions fit within the available space in your vehicle. Some 2-channel amplifiers come with adjustable crossovers and gain controls, allowing you to fine-tune the audio output to match your specific setup. If you have any uncertainties, consult with an audio specialist or contact Sonic Electronix customer support for expert assistance.
While 2-channel amplifiers can provide power to two speakers, they are typically not designed for bi-amping applications. Bi-amping involves using separate amplifiers for the tweeters and woofers of a speaker system to improve audio performance. To bi-amp speakers, you would require an additional set of channels dedicated to each driver. In this case, a multi-channel amplifier or a combination of mono and stereo amplifiers is more suitable. If bi-amping is a priority, consider looking into multi-channel amplifiers that offer specific configurations for bi-amping setups. Always check the specifications and features of the amplifier to ensure it can support bi-amping before making a purchase.
Related Categories in Sound Storm Labs (SSL) 2-Channel Amplifiers
Find a quality line output converter, digital sound processor, EQ, crossover or bass enhancer in here.
Sound Storm Labs (SSL) 2-Channel Amplifiers Information
A 2 channel car amplifier from Sound Storm Labs will provide your vehicle with the power it requires. These amps can operate two channels and Sound Storm Labs is a leader in amplification solutions. Power your speakers with a Sound Storm Labs 2-channel amplifier for a great all-around sound.
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