Rating of the TOP 6 best amplifiers for a subwoofer in a car

How to choose a subwoofer amplifier based on technical specifications

On the market you can find different amplifiers for subwoofers, which differ not only in the operating principle, but also in the internal structure and installation specifics. Mono amplifiers and monoblocks are designed for low frequencies. Two-channel options are needed in cases where only front speakers are installed in the car.

Models with three channels allow you to connect a subwoofer, and the most expensive solutions with four channels provide sound amplification across all elements of the speaker system. In terms of design, subwoofers are the most complex speakers that play an important role in a car audio package.

When choosing an amplifier for an active subwoofer, you need to take into account a number of its technical characteristics. First of all, this is sound quality and power. It is classified in two ways:

1. Maximum possible (RMPO).
2. Nominal.

The first indicator does not play a special role, so manufacturers use it as a marketing tool. The next power type is indicated in the technical document and is an important selection criterion. It is displayed at a THD of less than 0.1 percent and a voltage of 14.4 V.

However, there is one peculiarity here - to calculate the rated power, a voltage (14.4) is used that cannot be maintained at the terminal of the device. This increases the likelihood of the coil overheating. To avoid problems, experts recommend buying amplifiers that are more powerful than subwoofers.

You should also be guided by the frequency range. Acceptable parsing should vary from 15 to 350 hertz.

The following classes of amplifiers are available for sale:

1. AB.
2. D
3. B.
4. AB.

The first group includes analog systems with high sound quality, but low power and efficiency. The second solutions are more productive and powerful, but do not demonstrate good sound.

Another important characteristic is the number of channels. Monoblock installations are considered the most expensive and belong to class “D”, so they are not widespread in wide circles. In most cases, they are used in professional car audio.

The 2-channel amplifier is suitable for subwoofers with an impedance of 4-8 ohms. It is connected according to the “Bridge” scheme. Devices with three channels are practically not produced, because... these have been replaced by four-channel variants.

When choosing a car amplifier for a subwoofer, it is important to consider its purpose and functions. If you play music at maximum volumes without such a device, the sound will begin to distort and will be of poor quality. This phenomenon is explained by the discrepancy between the output power of car acoustics elements and the coefficient of nonlinear distortion.

Even advanced audio systems with built-in amplifiers are not capable of producing the same results as installing an additional device. High output power improves quality and clarity of playback. The upper volume threshold also increases, which cannot be achieved with just a standard radio.

A modern subwoofer amplifier for acoustics has a lot of parameters. These include the number of channels that are used taking into account the connection diagram.

By design, systems can be digital or analog. The first type is intended for processing a digital signal, the second - an electrical one.

Using digital devices, you can independently adjust operating parameters and save them for different speakers. At the selection stage, parameters such as output power and frequency range are taken into account. The first value is key and when calculating it, you need to take into account the front and rear speakers.

The power of the amplifier and subwoofer varies from 150 to 300 W. Speaker power – 75-100 W.

To achieve the best sound quality, you need to carefully understand all the technical characteristics.

To safely select an amplifier for your car, you should evaluate the following criteria in detail:

1. Number of channels.
2. Power.
3. Class.

Models with a power supply and processor may differ in the number of channels. It is recommended to take a circuit where each speaker has its own channel connected. If passive crossovers are used, it is possible to connect several sources to one channel. The minimum number of channels is 2, since this is used in all audio tracks.

Depending on this parameter, the following types of connection diagrams are distinguished:

1. Front + rear speakers. This scheme is in particular demand and involves the use of 4 channel amplifiers. This provides surround sound, but without a distinct low end. To reproduce high-quality low-frequency bass, you will need to use a subwoofer.
2. Front speakers and subwoofer. The option is widely used in cars, due to the optimal balance of quality and performance. The circuit provides for 3-4 amplification channels or 2 with a combining bridge.
3. Front, rear and sub. The circuit requires 5 or 6 amplification channels. It is also possible to use 4 channels with one bridge.
4. Multimedia circuit for a portable cinema. Consists of amplifiers with 6 or 7 channels, front and rear speakers, subwoofer and center.

A 2-channel amplifier is considered the best option, but a 4- or 6-channel version can be considered as a budget solution.

Separation into classes is carried out taking into account the degree of signal distortion and coefficient of performance (efficiency). Each class has its own characteristics and specifics of work:

1. Class A. Devices demonstrate high-quality reproduction, but low efficiency. They are also characterized by intense heating. They are not advisable to install in a car due to noise and rapid heating.
2. Class B. Representatives of this group have greater power and resistance to heat. However, they lack good sound quality and are also not suitable for vehicles.
3. Class AB. This category includes optimal solutions with mixed properties of both previous classes. The amplifiers are characterized by average parameters of power, clarity of reproduction and efficiency.
4. Class D. They use digital technology and an innovative amplification method. They used to be used to boost low-frequency bass, but today this has been replaced by full-range amplifiers.

There are also rare classes such as G, C, T and others. However, they are not suitable for car acoustics and have special parameters.

Amplifier types

Today you can buy an amplifier for a subwoofer in a car of any complexity. People who understand how this or that connection scheme works have a chance to save a lot and still ultimately get high-quality sound. Today, signal amplification for a subwoofer can be achieved by several classes of devices.

Single channel amplifier

This is the simplest option, operating in a mono signal format. This monoblock amplifier was specially designed to work with subwoofers. The cost of the solutions is quite attractive for the consumer. But there is a common problem with powerful equipment - a geometric increase in price depending on the increase in watts at the output.

The monoblock amplifier has one more feature. It is capable of operating at low loads, about 1-2 ohms. If the subwoofer has an impedance of 4 or 8 ohms, it will be difficult to find a suitable single-channel monoblock for it. In addition, most of these systems have class D, which means quite high signal distortion at the output.

Single-channel amplifiers are useful only if you want to separate the sub from the standard radio to get a wealth of adjustments and a separate volume setting.

Two channel amplifiers

The features of such systems have allowed them to gain enormous popularity among consumers. Firstly, two subwoofers can be connected to it, provided the load balance matches. Secondly, the outputs of a two-channel device can be switched using a bridge circuit, receiving double the total power for transmission to the low-frequency sound emitter.

Four-channel systems

4 channel amplifiers are convenient for saving space. Most of the models offered can work with two subwoofers and a pair of speakers with a wide frequency range. You can also power a powerful subwoofer by connecting the outputs using a bridge circuit. Many manufacturers immediately provide for this type of operation and mark the device’s output terminals accordingly.

Five-channel

5 channels of amplifier means that the user wants more power for a low investment. Such devices immediately have a separate output to which a passive subwoofer is connected.

Such a system will be useful if the standard car radio is clearly not capable of pumping powerful acoustics. There are no other advantages (separate subwoofer volume control, cutoff frequency, etc.) provided.

Low-demand systems

Three-channel and six-channel amplifiers remain the most unclaimed. The problem of the former is limited freedom in choosing power (the bridge circuit for switching on the subwoofer is irrational and often impossible), there is no separate volume control for the subwoofer.

Six-channel speakers experience the same difficulties. The audience of their consumers is quite small. Devices of this type can be selected by people who want to connect two subwoofers using bridge circuits and at the same time a pair of rear speakers.

For poor input signal

It is especially worth considering amplifiers with a built-in audio processing system. They are useful when the standard radio gives out a frankly bad signal. The built-in microprocessor copes with background noise, impulse noise from the vehicle's on-board electrical system, and insufficient input power.

As a result, a high-quality signal is sent to the acoustics and subwoofer. The selection of an amplifier with built-in sound processing is made by those who, for some reason, cannot replace a standard playback device. However, such a system can serve as guaranteed protection against any factors that could affect the quality of the input signal.

Rating of the best amplifiers for a subwoofer in a car

Almost all subwoofer amplifiers include an audio chip, a series of capacitors, chips and connectors. However, models available on the market may differ in power, number of channels and operating principle. In order not to get confused among the wide variety of offers, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the rating of the best models. It includes products from leading acoustic system manufacturers:

1. Pioneer.
2. Mystery.
3. Kicx.
4. Sony.

Pioneer GM-D8601

The model is compact in size and does not disturb the organic interior space of the car. It belongs to class D and the group of single-channel amplifiers.

The device differs from competing designs in a special circuit. It provides increased stability and minimal output impedance. The device produces 300 W of power at a resistance of 3 ohms. At 2 ohms the value rises to 500 W. Peak performance reaches 600-1000 W.

Some users do not like the high distortion rate (up to 0.5%), but during practical listening this is not a problem. Among the advantages of the model are:

1. Good power.
2. Wide range of reproduced frequencies – 10-240 Hz.
3. The presence of a low-pass filter.
4. Compact dimensions.
5. Possibility of interaction with four subwoofers.
6. Large power connectors.
7. Minimal resistance.

The disadvantages include the lack of any settings and heat sinks.

Pioneer GM D9601

The device is suitable for those users who want to get maximum pleasure from drying music in the car. It is single-channel, but can interact with four subs.

The key advantage of the model is increased power. Maximum values ​​at 2 Ohms reach 1600 W. As the resistance increases, they drop to 1000 W. The minimum range varies from 500 to 800 W at 4 and 2 ohms respectively.

The device supports a built-in low-pass filter operating in the range of 40-240 Hz. It is also equipped with a remote bass control. As a result, the harmonic distortion coefficient does not exceed 0.5%. The advantages of the model include the following points:

1. Availability of reliable protection against short circuits.
2. High power.
3. High-quality low-pass filter.
4. Ability to work with multiple subs.
5. Ergonomic body and compact dimensions.
6. Support bass level adjustment.
7. Minimum power consumption.

The negative point is the high cost of the device.

Mystery MR 2 75

The Mystery MR-2.75 model is considered a good two-channel system. It does not have much power, but is in demand due to its affordable cost. Every car owner can purchase such an amplifier.

It is designed for two-channel car speakers and can produce deep bass with clear high frequencies. The device takes up little space in the car, but consumes a lot of energy, which is due to its class - AB. However, this is where the amplifier's shortcomings end.

This device has many advantages:

1. Competent implementation of a two-channel circuit.
2. High power when bridged - 225 W.
3. Possibility to change the level of low frequencies.
4. Availability of high-pass and low-pass filters.
5. The distortion factor is not higher than 0.03%.
6. Availability of protection against overload and short circuits.
7. Wide frequency range – 20-22000 Hz.
8. Ergonomic body and small size.
9. Affordable price.

The downside is the lack of extensive settings and inconvenient terminals.

Pioneer GM-A5702

Such an amplifier is sold at a high price, but it is justified by the high rated power - 150 W at 4 ohms. When bridged, the figure increases to 1000 W. For lovers of intense bass, this solution will be optimal.

When interacting with high-quality speakers, the device produces clear bass and clear sound in a different frequency range. The harmonic coefficient does not exceed 0.05%.

Pros of the model:

1. Low-pass filter support 40-500 Hz.
2. Possibility of sound reproduction at a frequency of 70,000 Hz.
3. Peak power ratings reach 300 W for each channel at 4 ohms. The rated power is also optimal.
4. Good implementation of the two-channel connection scheme.
5. When bridged, the power increases to 1000 W.
6. Minimal distortion.
7. Support bass level adjustment.
8. Compact dimensions.

The main drawback is the lack of a high-pass filter.

Kicx RTS 4 100

With this amplifier you can get the best performance out of your speakers and subwoofers. The model is very popular due to its improved technical characteristics and relatively low price. User reviews about this device are only positive. They indicate the presence of a bridge connection, which allows you to reduce the number of channels to 2, but keep the power within 190 W.

Rated power at 4 ohms is 100 W per channel. At 2 Ohms the performance doubles.

The remaining parameters correspond to the standard ones. The amplifier reproduces sound at frequencies from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. There is also support for the Bass Boost function, which raises the bass.

The advantages of the model include:

1. Good power for multi-channel amplifiers.
2. Compact sizes.
3. Support for different protection schemes.
4. The presence of a bass boost function.
5. The presence of a crossover.
6. Minimum distortion factor.

There are no obvious disadvantages.

Sony XM-S400D

The amplifier is manufactured by a leading Japanese company with a worldwide reputation. It is characterized by compact dimensions and increased reliability. The model demonstrates accurate and deep sound, which is ensured by low and high pass filters. Rated power is 45 W per channel at 4 ohms. If you use bridge switching, the power will be raised to 100 W per channel.

The advantages of the amplifier include:

1. High power.
2. Sound depth.
3. Wide frequency range.
4. Support for high pass and low pass filters.
5. Availability of protection against power surges.
6. Minimal harmonic distortion.

The downside is the lack of bass adjustment and a number of installation difficulties. The overpriced model is also taken into account.

Which car amplifier is better to buy?

One of the most important criteria when choosing a car amplifier is its power.
It is necessary to pay attention to its nominal value (RMS). The required indicator depends on the parameters of the speaker system. For example, if it has a power of 70 W, then the corresponding amplifier characteristic should be about 55-85 W. The number of amplifier channels determines the equipment allowed for connection:

• A feature of single-channel monoblocks is the ability to operate at low resistance. They are designed to be connected to a subwoofer or low-frequency speaker.
• Amplifiers with two channels allow the connection of a pair of output devices and can have signal filtering settings.
• Four-channel models can simultaneously connect speakers and a subwoofer, which provides surround and clear sound output.

Before purchasing such equipment, you should take into account the ease of installation in the car. There are amplifiers designed for installation in the luggage compartment, on the back of the seat, on the rear parcel shelf or on a trim panel. Therefore, it is worth taking into account the features of the car’s interior and the availability of the necessary fastenings.

For the most comfortable use of the amplifier in any situation, you will need the ability to individually configure it. An important sound controller is the crossover, which allows you to cut off the necessary frequencies. Some models have separate bass and bass controls, which will be extremely useful if you have a subwoofer.

No matter how high the power of the amplifier, there may be noise and wheezing from the speakers when playing audio. This is often due to the device overheating and sound distortion. We recommend purchasing an amplifier in a metal case with cooling fins and with a dynamic distortion coefficient of no more than 1%.