subject: Choosing Car Audio Amplifiers [print this page] You've already installed your car audio speakers and subwoofers, but you still feel like your stereo system is missing something. Before investing in television screens, DVD players, and video game consoles, the one item you really need to make your music go to eleven is a car audio amplifier. Speakers and subwoofers can only do so much and a car audio amplifier will give your music the true power it needs.
Although not absolutely necessary, there are many advantages to installing an amplifier in your car. First and foremost, an amplifier will give you better sound quality - a must have for true audiophiles. Your in-dash stereo amplifier is limited by space and usually the higher the volume, the more your speakers will strain to amplify the sound. The amplifier will make your music sound clearer and more defined regardless of the volume level. If you've invested in high-quality car audio speakers, using the preexisting amplifier will not do it justice. The speakers need more power in order to perform better. Likewise, the subwoofer will also require more power to operate at its best performance.
Now you have to decide what type of amplifiers you need for your system. First, determine what the amplifier will be powering - subwoofers, speakers, or both. A mono amp is a good choice for subwoofers since they're designed to handle low-frequencies. However, if you have two subwoofers, you can purchase a 2-channel amp. If your speakers demand ultimate power, a 4-channel amp can be bridged to a 2-channel mode. The power of the amp depends on the power of your subwoofer. There should be 150-200 watts per 12 inch subwoofer.
If you only have speakers, then purchase a 2 or 4-channel amp depending on how many speakers you have. A combination of speakers and subwoofers will require either a 4, 5, or 6-channel amplifier. Again the number of channels correlates to the number of components. The power of the amp output should be 70-125% of the power handling of the speakers.
Car audio amplifiers are categorized into classes according to its circuit design. Class A amplifiers will give you the best sound quality, however it comes at a price. They do not run very efficiently and will get very hot because the output transistors always have a current running through them - even if there is no audio signal. Class B amplifiers on the other hand, do run efficiently and save energy by turning off for every half of a signal cycle. However, this does cause some distortion between switching periods. The most common amplifier that offers the best of both worlds is a Class AB amplifier. Although the current is always running through the transistor, it does so at a much lower level. It will run cool without distortion. Finally, a Class D amp will rapidly switch on and off twice during a signal cycle, making them efficient. Distortion does occur, but at such high frequencies it is removed by filters.
A car audio amplifier can be added to just about any car and will complete your stereo system. If you're just not getting enough power, consider the great advantages of an amplifier.
