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.
A car amplifier is an electronic device designed to increase the power of audio signals sent to speakers. It plays a crucial role in enhancing the sound quality of your car audio system by providing additional power to drive the speakers effectively. When you add a car amplifier to your audio setup, you'll experience clearer sound, improved bass response, and overall better audio performance. Whether you're a music enthusiast or simply want to enjoy high-quality audio during your commute, a car amplifier is essential to achieving the best sound experience in your vehicle.
Selecting the right car amplifier requires considering several factors. Firstly, determine the power requirements of your speakers and subwoofers to match them with an amplifier that provides adequate wattage. Consider the number of channels you need based on your speaker configuration (e.g., 2-channel for front speakers and a separate subwoofer channel). Pay attention to the amplifier's size and compatibility with your vehicle's space limitations. Also, look for features like high-level inputs, built-in crossovers, and adjustable gain controls for fine-tuning your audio output. Consulting with an expert or using online tools, like Sonic Electronic's AmpliFinder, can help you find the perfect match for your car audio needs.
The ability to install a car amplifier yourself depends on your level of technical expertise and experience with car audio systems. While some enthusiasts with prior knowledge may successfully complete the installation, it's often recommended to seek professional installation for the best results. Professional installers have the expertise to ensure proper wiring, grounding, and secure mounting to prevent any potential damage to your vehicle. They can also optimize the amplifier settings to achieve the best sound quality and prevent any interference or noise issues. Professional installation ensures a safe and reliable setup, providing peace of mind and preserving your car's warranty.
Yes, most multi-channel car amplifiers can be bridged to combine two channels into one, effectively doubling the power output to a single speaker or subwoofer. Bridging is beneficial in situations where you want to power a high-powered subwoofer with increased wattage. By bridging channels, you can achieve a mono output that drives the subwoofer with more power, resulting in stronger and deeper bass response. However, when bridging, it's crucial to follow the amplifier's guidelines and use the correct impedance load to avoid damaging the amplifier or speakers.
In general, a car amplifier is not a significant drain on your car's battery when the vehicle is running. However, if you leave the amplifier powered on while the engine is off, it can slowly draw power from the battery, which may eventually lead to a dead battery if left unattended for an extended period. To prevent this, ensure that the amplifier is wired properly to a switched power source that turns off when the car is not in use. Additionally, using a high-quality car battery and monitoring its health regularly will help maintain optimum power delivery and prevent any issues related to battery drainage.
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