12 best car amplifiers

To obtain high-quality sound, it is necessary to supplement the audio system with a car amplifier. This device will enable the speakers to deliver the full spectrum of frequencies. Therefore, in the already familiar melodies, instruments will appear that were not heard before. The choice of a car amplifier must be based on the needs and the planned system. According to this criterion, they are divided into one-, two-, three-, four- and five-channel. Each of them has its own characteristics and is optimal in specific cases. The rating of the best amplifiers for the car will help to determine the choice of the device, which presents the most preferred models, judging by the reviews of car owners.

Best Low Cost Amplifiers (Single Channel)

A single-channel amplifier differs from conventional ones in that it has an output for only one channel. They are no longer suitable for anything other than subwoofers. Therefore, they are also called subwoofer monoblocs. Their entire design is focused solely on amplifying and improving the sound of low frequencies. Among the features of this type of amplifier are the following:

1. Converting any signal to mono. Even if a stereo signal from the radio is fed to it, it sums it up and outputs a mono signal to the subwoofer.
2. Mandatory presence of a high-pass filter. With its help, all frequencies belonging to the range located above the filter are cut off. This is necessary for better sound quality of the subwoofer.
3. The presence in many models of the so-called subsonic. This filter is designed to cut off ultra-low frequencies located in the range from 5 to 30 Hz. This is very important because getting these frequencies on a speaker can lead to rapid failure. This is especially true for bass reflex subwoofers.
4. Very high power. With a load of 4 ohms, the channel power is never lower than 150 W, but more often it is much.

1.EDGE EDA1500.1-E8

This device is a pretty good amplifier for a subwoofer. Its parameters allow you to achieve a sufficiently 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 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;
• the presence of a fuse.

Disadvantages:

• the sizes will not seem to everyone compact.

2. MAGNUM MAM 1.2000BS

This good one 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 cases in the form of narrow radiators allows you to quickly remove heat and avoid overheating of the device. It also allows you to compactly place a pair of amplifiers (on the speakers and on the subwoofer). Stable operation and low distortion are ensured by the use of high-tech microcircuits.

Advantages:

• the presence of a bass amplifier;
• low distortion;
• reliable overload protection;
• the presence of a low-pass filter;
• high rated power.

Disadvantages:

• no high-pass filter.

3. Kicx SP 600D

This device may well claim to be the best single-channel subwoofer amplifier in the budget segment. And, nevertheless, even belonging to the lowest price segment, it has everything you need to meet the needs of a potential buyer. It has a power-on delay function. The car amplifier can work stably at a load of 1 Ohm and is equipped with an external signal level control. Thick fins cool the amplifier very efficiently.

Advantages:

• sufficient power level;
• the presence of a low-pass filter;
• bass boost function;
• protection against short circuit and overload.

Disadvantages:

• design for an amateur.

4. SWAT M-1.500

This digital amplifier is capable of delivering high power without very high sound quality. However, when using it for a subwoofer, special quality from the device is not required. The main thing is to play out the low frequencies well. With a load of 2 ohms, the amplifier is capable of delivering power of 500 watts, and at 4 ohms, 300 watts. Equipped with low pass filter and subsonic filter.

Advantages:

• good power;
• the presence of a low-pass filter;
• good signal-to-noise ratio.

Disadvantages:

• minimum allowable load 2 ohms.

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. 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:

1. Possibility to work in single-channel or dual-channel mode.
2. The presence 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.
3. The presence of a transistor linear output, required if there is another amplifier in the system.
4. High-level input for connection to standard audio systems of various car models.

To connect two-channel acoustics, it is necessary to select an amplifier with a power reserve. This will allow you to listen to music in high quality sound and significantly extend the operation of the amplifier.

1. Alpine PMX-T320

This good two-channel car amplifier has 2x50 watts into 4 ohms. When bridged, its power reaches 150 W. Despite the fact that this amplifier belongs to the younger 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.

Among the advantages are:

• compact size;
• solid workmanship;
• the presence of a low frequency amplifier;
• the presence of filters with an increased steepness of the cut;
• use of high quality components.

Disadvantages:

• bass boost is not smoothly regulated, but stepwise.

2. Pioneer GM-A5702

This model has a total power of 1 kW. This allows it to be safely used in most automotive systems. The amplifier is designed for 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 options for adjusting the sound.

Advantages:

• decent power;
• the presence of a low-pass filter;
• the presence of bass enhancement.

Disadvantages:

• minimum of filters and settings.

3. Ural BV 2.70

The amplifier has good power indicators both with a load of 2 ohms and with a load of 4 ohms.Equipped with a wide bandpass filter with independent adjustment of the lower and upper frequency range (from 10 Hz to 8 KHz). The high-quality all-metal housing allows efficient heat dissipation, preventing the device from overheating. The compact size avoids installation problems. It can even be placed in the passenger compartment under the seat.

Advantages:

• compact size;
• low cost;
• the ability to customize for yourself;
• decent power;
• the presence of high and low pass filters.

Disadvantages:

• cannot be connected to powerful subwoofers.

4. Blaupunkt GTA 270

This device is one of the most popular amplifiers in a car. It is perfect for connecting a pair of speakers or one subwoofer.

This model is recommended for car enthusiasts who want to get relatively high quality sound, but not pay too much money for it. In terms of price and quality, Blaupunkt GTA 270 is one of the best.

Advantages:

• relatively compact size;
• rated power at a load of 4 Ohm 2x70 W;
• 200 W bridging capability;
• the presence of high and low pass filters.

Disadvantages:

• relatively low sensitivity.

The best amplifiers in the car (four-channel)

4-channel amplifiers are required for connection to multi-channel audio systems for high quality sound. It can be used to connect four speakers or a pair of speakers and a subwoofer for surround sound. With these devices, you can adjust the most important settings to obtain the desired sound level. They have the following features:

• Due to the presence of a "bridge" connection, you can connect a sufficiently powerful subwoofer and work 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 the amplifier in the standard audio systems of most cars.

A high-quality four-channel amplifier can also be equipped with an input selector that allows you to feed the signal from one pair of outputs in the radio to two pairs of speakers. This is important if a not too expensive radio tape recorder is installed in the car, which has only one pair of line outputs.

1. 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. It can also be used as a 2.1 amplifier, i.e. connect to the front pair of speakers and a subwoofer.

Recommended for high-quality sound lovers who can afford equipment in the price range above average.

Advantages:

• the ability to connect through a high-level input;
• good power level;
• clear sound;
• built-in crossover;
• compact size.

Disadvantages:

• the cost is above average.

2. ACV GX-4.250

This powerful 4-channel Class D amplifier is very good performance for 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 delivering sound with low distortion.

Advantages:

• excellent power indicators;
• complete remote control;
• good sound quality;
• separate fuse for each channel.

Disadvantages:

• the regulator may seem flimsy.

3. Pioneer GM-A4704

This four channel amplifier has a total power of 520 watts. It can be used to 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;
• easy installation;
• an excellent combination of price and features;
• lack of sound distortion;
• compact size;
• good price.

Disadvantages:

• powerful subwoofers cannot be connected.

4. EDGE EDA200.4-E7

This four-channel amplifier has good sound and 1600W of headroom, sufficient for most audio systems. Its compact dimensions allow it to be installed even in the passenger compartment under the seat. Anodized heat sink allows efficient heat dissipation.

Advantages:

• the presence of low and high pass filters;
• two 35 A fuses;
• overheating, overload and short circuit protection.

Disadvantages:

• you cannot connect a 1 ohm subwoofer.

How to choose a sound amplifier for a car

Due to the fact that the main purpose of the amplifier is to improve the sound quality, then it is necessary to approach it responsibly. In order not to be mistaken with the choice, you must focus on the following parameters:

• class;
• number of channels;
• power.

According to the first parameter, all amplifiers are divided into:

1. A. has a low efficiency, but produces a good sound level with minimal distortion. It consumes a lot of energy.
2. B. Has high power, but noticeably distorts the sound. They have high efficiency and improved thermal stability.
3. C. Quite high efficiency, but gives a distorted signal. Not suitable for high-end acoustics.
4. A / B. They have averaged indicators of the first and second type.
5. D. Digital amplifiers, powerful and compact, are capable of delivering very clear sound.

By the number of channels, they are divided into:

1. Monoblock. Uses a 1 or 2 ohm subwoofer connection. In case of higher load, it is recommended to use a two-channel amplifier.
2. Two-channel. Allows you to connect two speakers or a subwoofer.
3. Three-channel. You can connect two speakers and a subwoofer.
4. Four-channel. Used to connect four speakers, two speakers and two subwoofers, or a pair of subwoofers.
5. Five-channel. Allows you to connect four speakers and a subwoofer.

There are also six-channel models, but they are very rare and hardly ever used.

As for the power, there is a division into maximum and nominal. It is necessary to choose according to the latter, because it is she who indicates the power at 1% distortion.

Which amplifier is better to buy

In the question of which amplifier is better to choose, it is also advisable to pay attention to the presence of additional functions, such as the presence of low and high pass filters, a fan and a remote volume control.

When choosing a car amplifier, you can be guided by this review or user reviews on the Internet. A properly selected device will allow you to enjoy quality sound for a long time.