Spending a lot of time in the car, many car enthusiasts want their car to be comfortable. One of the elements is the audio system. To increase its sound volume, install a car amplifier. The article examines its design, gives recommendations on how to choose an amplifier for your car, and provides a rating of the best models.
Best Inexpensive Amplifiers (Single Channel)
A single-channel amplifier differs from conventional amplifiers in that it has an output to only one channel. They are not suitable for anything other than woofers. Therefore, they are also called subwoofer monoblocks. Their entire design is focused solely on enhancing and improving the sound of low frequencies. Among the features of this type of amplifiers are the following:
- Converts any signal to mono mode. Even if a stereo signal is supplied to it from the radio, it sums it up and produces a mono signal at the output that goes to the subwoofer.
- A high-pass filter is required. With its help, all frequencies belonging to the range located above the filter are cut off. This is necessary for better sound quality from the subwoofer.
- The presence in many models of the so-called sabsonic. This filter is designed to cut off ultra-low frequencies located in the range from 5 to 30 Hz. This is very important, because if these frequencies hit the speaker, it can lead to rapid failure. This is especially true for bass reflex subwoofers.
- Very high power. With a 4 Ohm load, the channel power does not drop below 150 W, but more often it is much higher.
EDGE EDA1500.1-E8
This device is a fairly good amplifier for a subwoofer. Its parameters allow you to achieve fairly high-quality sound from a conventional audio system. However, to do this, you need to carefully consider the connection rules, checking all the wiring and making sure that it can handle the power of the amplifier.
Recommended for lovers of high-quality music and deep bass who cannot afford to spend too much on acoustics.
Advantages:
- high power;
- the presence of high and low pass filters;
- presence of a fuse.
Flaws:
- Not everyone will find the dimensions compact.
MAGNUM MAM 1.2000BS
This good single-channel amplifier belongs to the BASIC series. All of its representatives can be considered a reliable basis for the audio system of any car, the total RMS power of which does not exceed 3200 W. The design of the housings in the form of narrow radiators allows you to quickly remove heat and avoid overheating of the device. This also allows you to compactly place a pair of amplifiers (on speakers and on a subwoofer). Stable operation and low distortion levels are ensured by the use of high-tech microcircuits.
Advantages:
- presence of a bass amplifier;
- low distortion;
- reliable overload protection;
- the presence of a low-pass filter;
- high rated power.
Flaws:
- no high pass filter.
Kicx SP 600D
This device can easily claim the title of the best single-channel subwoofer amplifier in the budget segment. And, nevertheless, even belonging to the lowest price segment, it has everything necessary to satisfy the needs of a potential buyer. It has a power-on delay feature. The car amplifier is capable of operating stably at a load of 1 ohm and is equipped with an external signal level control. Thanks to the thick fins, the amplifier is cooled very efficiently.
Advantages:
- sufficient power level;
- the presence of a low-pass filter;
- bass boost function;
- short circuit and overload protection.
Flaws:
- design for everyone.
SWAT M-1.500
This digital amplifier is capable of delivering high power but not very high sound quality. However, when using it for a subwoofer, special quality is not required from the device. The main thing is to play low frequencies well. With a load of 2 Ohms, the amplifier is capable of delivering a power of 500 W, and with a load of 4 Ohms – 300 W. Equipped with a low-pass filter and subsonic.
Advantages:
- good power;
- the presence of a low-pass filter;
- good signal-to-noise ratio.
Flaws:
- The minimum permissible load is 2 ohms.
⑦ Digital stereo amplifier for ZHANZHI subwoofer
Rating: 4.6 Price: RUB 1,337.34
Go to the store The maximum output power of the ZHANZHI digital subwoofer amplifier is 101-130 V, which allows you to connect it to any audio system. The device body has jacks for a headset and microphone, as well as buttons for controlling playback. The built-in equalizer allows you to adjust volume, bass and treble. Thanks to the AUX audio input, the amplifier can be connected to a computer, smartphone or player.
Advantages:
- wide functionality;
- there is a remote control.
Flaws:
- weak FM radio;
- The kit does not include a battery for the remote control (CR2025).
Set
Buy on AliExpress.com
The best two-channel audio amplifiers
Most often, two-channel amplifiers are used to improve sound in a car or to connect a low-power subwoofer. However, they are not suitable for connecting a more powerful woofer because they do not have enough power to drive them. These devices are compact in size, allowing them to be installed under the seat or in the trunk. Among the features of amplifiers with two channels it is worth noting:
- Possibility of working in single-channel or dual-channel mode.
- Availability of low and high frequency filters. They are necessary to cut off a certain spectrum of frequencies that are incompatible with the range played by the speakers connected to them.
- The presence of a transistor linear output, necessary if there is another amplifier in the system.
- Availability of a high-level input for connection to standard audio systems of various car models.
To connect two-channel acoustics, you need to select an amplifier with power reserves. This will allow you to listen to music in high-quality sound and significantly extend the operation of the amplifier.
Alpine PMX-T320
This good car amplifier for two channels has a power of 2x50 W into a 4 ohm load. With a bridge connection, its power reaches 150 W. Despite the fact that this amplifier belongs to the lower model range, it uses a number of technologies that were previously used only in high-end devices. To eliminate extraneous noise, a special coil is installed in it.
The advantages include:
- compact dimensions;
- good workmanship;
- presence of a low-frequency amplifier;
- the presence of filters with an increased cutoff slope;
- use of high quality components.
Flaws:
- bass boost is not adjusted smoothly, but in steps.
Pioneer GM-A5702
This model has a total power of 1 kW. This allows you to safely use it in most automotive systems. The amplifier is designed to provide easy installation and powerful sound. Supports 2 and 4 ohm speakers.
Recommended for lovers of high-quality sound out of the box, because it has minimal sound customization capabilities.
Advantages:
- decent power;
- the presence of a low-pass filter;
- presence of bass boost.
Flaws:
- minimum filters and settings.
Ural BV 2.70
The amplifier has good power performance both with a load of 2 ohms and with a load of 4 ohms. Equipped with a wide bandpass filter that has independent adjustment of the lower and upper frequency ranges (from 10 Hz to 8 KHz). The high-quality all-metal housing allows for efficient heat dissipation, preventing the device from overheating. Compact dimensions will avoid installation problems. It can even be placed in the car under the seat.
Advantages:
- compact dimensions;
- low cost;
- possibility of customization;
- decent power;
- the presence of high and low pass filters.
Flaws:
- cannot be connected to powerful subwoofers.
Blaupunkt GTA 270
This device is one of the most popular car amplifiers. It is perfect for connecting a pair of speakers or one subwoofer.
This model is recommended for car enthusiasts who want relatively high-quality sound without paying too much money for it. In terms of price-quality ratio, the Blaupunkt GTA 270 is one of the best.
Advantages:
- relatively compact dimensions;
- rated power at 4 Ohm load 2x70 W;
- 200 W bridging capability;
- the presence of high and low pass filters.
Flaws:
- relatively low sensitivity.
⑥ HIFIDIY LIVE XH-A105 amplifier module with Bluetooth 5.0 on TDA7498
Rating: 4.8 Price: from RUB 1,025.49
up to
RUB 1,281.12
Go to the store The two-channel audio power amplifier based on the TDA7498 class D chip is equipped with a Bluetooth 5.0 wireless channel with the ability to play from a micro-SD card. The maximum output power per channel (RMS) is 2x100W. The volume control is installed on the board, but soldered crookedly. The module gives priority to playback from the memory card.
Advantages:
- clear sound with a large volume reserve;
- lots of low frequencies;
- There is no extraneous noise in all modes: Bluetooth, AUX, TF and Micro-SD card.
Flaws:
- almost no thermal paste;
- lack of equalizer or tone control.
Photos of buyers
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The best amplifiers for the car (four-channel)
4-channel amplifiers are necessary for connecting to multi-channel audio systems in order to obtain high quality sound. It can be used to connect four speakers or a pair of speakers and a subwoofer for surround sound. With the help of such devices, you can adjust the most important settings to achieve the desired sound level. They have the following features:
- Due to the presence of a “bridge” connection, you can connect a fairly powerful subwoofer and operate in “stereo” or “mono+stereo” mode.
- The presence of filters with which you can limit the range of frequencies reproduced on the audio system.
- The presence of high-level inputs, which are intended for use of an amplifier in the standard audio systems of most cars.
A high-quality four-channel amplifier can also be equipped with an input switch, which allows you to send a signal from one pair of outputs in the radio to two pairs of speakers. This is true if the car is equipped with a not too expensive radio tape recorder that has only one pair of linear outputs.
Hertz HCP 4
This model belongs to class AB and belongs to the new Compact Power line. One of the main advantages of this device is its versatility. You can connect the amplifier to two pairs of speakers or a pair of subwoofers. You can also use it as a 2.1 amplifier, i.e. connect a pair of speakers and a subwoofer to the front.
Recommended for lovers of high-quality sound who can afford equipment in the above-average price range.
Advantages:
- possibility of connection via a high-level input;
- good power level;
- clear sound;
- presence of a built-in crossover;
- compact sizes.
Flaws:
- the cost is above average.
ACV GX-4.250
This powerful four-channel Class D amplifier has very good performance for installation in almost any system configuration. Its total maximum power reaches 2400 W. Despite its compact size, the device is equipped with all the necessary filters and is capable of producing sound with low distortion.
Advantages:
- excellent power indicators;
- complete remote control;
- good sound quality;
- separate fuse for each channel.
Flaws:
- The regulator may seem flimsy.
Pioneer GM-A4704
This four-channel amplifier has a total power of 520 watts. With it, you can connect either two pairs of speakers, or a pair of speakers and a subwoofer. Its characteristics are such that it will allow you to enjoy listening to music on most audio systems in modern cars.
Advantages:
- good power output;
- simple installation;
- excellent combination of price and features;
- no sound distortion;
- compact dimensions;
- not a bad price.
Flaws:
- It is not possible to connect powerful subwoofers.
EDGE EDA200.4-E7
This four-channel amplifier has good sound and a power reserve of 1600 W, sufficient for most audio systems. Its compact dimensions allow it to be installed even inside a car under the seat. The presence of an anodized radiator allows for efficient heat removal.
Advantages:
- the presence of low and high pass filters;
- two 35 A fuses;
- protection against overheating, overload and short circuit.
Flaws:
- It is impossible to connect a 1 ohm subwoofer.
Popular vote
Which amplifier would you choose or recommend?
Pioneer PRS-D800
25.00 % ( 1 )
Pioneer GM-D8704
0.00 % ( 0 )
EDGE EDA150.4-E7
0.00 % ( 0 )
Hertz HCP 4
0.00 % ( 0 )
JBL GX-A604
0.00 % ( 0 )
MYSTERY MR-1.300
0.00 % ( 0 )
Hertz HCP 1D
0.00 % ( 0 )
JBL CLUB-704
0.00 % ( 0 )
KENWOOD KAC-PS704
0.00 % ( 0 )
MYSTERY MB-1.700D V2
0.00 % ( 0 )
Digma DCP-420
50.00 % ( 2 )
MYSTERY MB-2.140 V2
0.00 % ( 0 )
MYSTERY MB-5.480 V2
0.00 % ( 0 )
How to choose a sound amplifier for a car
Due to the fact that the main purpose of the amplifier is to improve sound quality, it is necessary to approach its choice responsibly. In order not to make a mistake with your choice, you need to focus on the following parameters:
- Class;
- number of channels;
- power.
According to the first parameter, all amplifiers are divided into:
- A. has low efficiency, but produces a good sound level with minimal distortion. Consumes quite a lot of energy.
- B. Has high power, but noticeably distorts the sound. They have high efficiency and improved thermal stability.
- C. Sufficiently high efficiency, but produces a distorted signal. Not suitable for high-end acoustics.
- A/B. They have average indicators of the first and second types.
- D. Digital amplifiers, powerful and compact, are capable of producing very clear sound.
Based on the number of channels they are divided into:
- Monoblock. Used to connect a subwoofer operating with a load of 1 or 2 ohms. For larger loads, it is recommended to use a two-channel amplifier.
- Two-channel. Allows you to connect two speakers or a subwoofer.
- Three-channel. You can connect two speakers and a subwoofer.
- Four-channel. Used to connect four speakers, two speakers and two subwoofers or a pair of subwoofers.
- Five-channel. Allows you to connect four speakers and a subwoofer.
There are also six-channel models, but they are very rare and practically never used.
As for power, there is a division into maximum and nominal. You need to choose the latter, because it is the one that indicates the power at 1% distortion.
conclusions
If you plan to simply increase the volume of the current audio system and are absolutely sure that you will not install anything powerful in the future, 2 channels will be enough for you. If you are not sure about this, then add a thousand and a half and buy a 4-channel one for the future. Or buy a top-end 2-channel one from those presented so that you can use it later for a sub or something else, rather than throwing it away and buying powerful devices later.
In addition to the amplifier, you will definitely need a set of wires, which costs about two thousand rubles.
