We divided amplifiers into three categories to make it simpler for you to choose an amp that will match your stereo:
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Audiophile: These are high-end amplifiers designed for the most discerning audio enthusiasts. They offer exceptional sound quality and precision.
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Factory/OEM upgrades: If you’re looking to upgrade your car’s stock audio system, these amplifiers are specifically designed to work seamlessly with factory-installed head units.
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Aftermarket car amplifiers: These amplifiers are versatile and can be used with a variety of audio systems. They offer a balance between performance and affordability.
The VXi-Series of amplifiers from JL Audio is the company’s most recent addition to its impressive portfolio of cutting-edge audio technology. However, we believe that the digital tuning capability and on-board DSP really make these amplifiers unique.
A flexible option for individuals wishing to enhance the sound quality of their factory car audio system is provided by AudioControl’s D-series amplifiers. They offer advanced features such as signal processing and equalization to optimize the audio output.
Some of the smallest amplifier designs we have seen so far are found in the Kicker PXA series. These compact amplifiers are perfect for installations with limited space without compromising on performance.
Audison, which is Latin for "audio and sonus," has established a reputation for creating high-end, high-performing automobile audio systems. Their amplifiers are known for their exceptional sound quality and reliability.
For those who enjoy car audio, Rockford Fosgate’s Power Series car amplifiers are some of the best available. They offer a combination of power, durability, and advanced features to elevate your listening experience.
To get the most out of head unit and speaker upgrades that are aftermarket, Alpine amplifiers are yet another excellent option. They are designed to work seamlessly with Alpine’s audio components, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility.
Hifonics creates aesthetically pleasing amplifiers that have a powerful bass response. Their amplifiers are known for their stylish designs and ability to deliver deep, impactful bass.
The amplifiers in Kenwood’s eXcelon X-Series are built from the ground up for high-performance audio systems. They offer a combination of power, clarity, and advanced features to satisfy even the most demanding audiophiles.
Now let’s examine which brand makes the best car amplifier.
For a subwoofer amplifier that is both powerful and reasonably priced, BOSS AMPLIFIERS FOR CAR is the ideal option. They offer a range of amplifiers specifically designed for subwoofers, delivering deep, punchy bass without breaking the bank.
For a strong amplifier with the highest peak power, SKAR AMPLIFIERS FOR CAR are advised. Skar Audio is known for their powerful amplifiers that can handle high wattages, making them perfect for those who want to push their subwoofers to the limit.
On the list, ROCKVILLE AMPLIFIERS FOR CAR has the highest peak power and RMS power rating at 4000W. These amplifiers are designed for those who crave extreme power and performance, making them ideal for competition-level car audio systems.
An automobile amplifier’s maximum power rating ought to surpass the combined power output of your vehicle’s speakers. This ensures that the amplifier can provide enough power to drive the speakers effectively without distortion.
The quantity of speakers you own determines how many channels an amplifier can have. For example, if you have a pair of speakers, you will need a 2-channel amplifier. If you have four speakers, a 4-channel amplifier would be suitable.
Amplifications fall into different classes, with Class AB being a common class for car amplifiers. Class AB amplifiers combine the efficiency of Class B amplifiers with the sound quality of Class A amplifiers, making them a popular choice for car audio systems.
For best results, take into account aspects like crossover and impedance when selecting an amplifier. The crossover helps to separate different frequencies and direct them to the appropriate speakers, while impedance matching ensures that the amplifier and speakers are properly matched for optimal performance.
What about the best class of amplifier for car audio, though?
Only four amplifier classes—one of which is a combination type—are frequently utilized in automobile audio systems. These classes are:
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Class A: Class A amplifiers never turn off. They provide the highest sound quality but are less efficient and generate more heat.
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Class B: Power amplifiers in Class B are switched. They are more efficient than Class A amplifiers but have a small amount of distortion when transitioning between the positive and negative halves of the audio waveform.
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Class AB: The most popular full-range amplifiers in automobile audio systems are Class AB power amplifiers. They combine the efficiency of Class B amplifiers with the sound quality of Class A amplifiers by using two sets of transistors.
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Class D: Class D amplifiers work by rapidly turning on and off the current to their transistors. This allows them to be highly efficient and generate less heat. They are superior at driving subwoofers, while A/B amplifiers are ideal for full range and the majority of component speakers.
Let’s investigate the best kind of amplifier for subwoofers.
It’s important to match these car stereo parts to ensure optimal sound quality and proper operation of your car stereo system. Selecting an amp that is compatible with your subwoofer is essential if you want your car stereo system to have great bass.
Make sure the sub and amp have matching RMS watts for optimal sound quality. Select an amplifier capable of producing power across the entire RMS wattage range from step one and at an impedance load that the subs form from step two, depending on how they are wired.
Divide the RMS power rating that you selected in the preceding step by the desired number of subwoofers for your automobile audio system. The target RMS rating that you will require for every sub is the outcome.
Here are some potential coil configurations for your subs based on the impedance you selected in step one and the number of subs you selected:
- Single Voice Coil (SVC): This configuration is suitable for a single subwoofer.
- Dual Voice Coil (DVC): This configuration offers more wiring options and flexibility, making it ideal for multiple subwoofers or bridging amplifiers.
Select subs that are SVC or DVC based on the configurations and impedance from step three, and that are rated within the RMS wattage range that you computed in step two.
By following these steps and considering factors such as power rating, impedance, and wiring configurations, you can choose the best amplifier for your subwoofers and create a powerful and well-balanced car audio system.