Lots of people don't even know what an amplifier is for to begin with, so let's start with the basics. If you are looking to get loud music in your car and keep the quality, then you will need to buy an car amplifier. An amplifier will give you better sound quality by driving your speakers without any straining. Amplifiers that are built into an in-dash stereo are limited, but if you get an external power amp then your music will sound cleaner and more defined at the highest volume levels. An amplifier will also supply needed power to any upgraded speakers you buy. Lastly, when you need to power a subwoofer, a separate amp is a must since subwoofers require a lot more power than name brand or factory in-dash receivers deliver. A mono amplifier is perfect for powering a subwoofer. A 2 or 4 channel amp is good for component speaker systems or full range while a 4, 5, or 6-channel amp is needed to handle a combination of subwoofers and full-range speakers. Amplifiers are easy to add to any factory-installed or brand name receiver. See below for the best amplifiers and details on how to install an amplifier in your car.
Crutchfield is a recognized name in the car stereo business and has been delivering their catalogs to homes across America for decades with the latest amplifiers, subwoofers, equalizers, speakers, stereos, and more. The best selling amplifiers on their website are the Rockford Fosgate Punch P4002 100W x 2 car amplifier ($219.99), Infinity BassLink 4sc Multichannel Expansion for Basslink II ($199.99), Profile AP400 65W x 2 Car Amp ($79.99), Alpine MRP-F250 ($199.99), Alpine MRP-M450 ($199.99), Profile AP600 ($109.99), Visonik V218XT ($129.99), Infinity Reference 7541a ($299.99), JVC KS-AX3300 ($119.99), Profile AP740 ($129.99), Rockford Fosgate Punch P2502 ($169.99), Kenwood KAC-9102D ($199.99), Audiobahn A6005DN ($149.99). Other top brands available on Crutchfield.com are Sony car amplifiers, Dual amplifiers, Boston Acoustics amplifiers, JBL amplifiers, Kicker amps, Phoenix Gold amplifers, Polk Audio amps, and MTX amplifiers. The most expensive amplifier we saw was the Rockford Fosgate PowerT30001bd 1000W x 1 Car Amplifier ($1999.99) with 3000 watts RMS x 1 at 1 ohm • Class bd technology • variable low-pass filter • variable Para-Punch bass EQ with remote control. Another site with a wide selection of car audio amplifiers was at http://www.shopping.com/xPP-Car_Amplifiers and their most popular items were the Pioneer GM-D510M Car Audio Amplifier ($117), Kenwood KAC-9102D Car Audio Amplifier ($155), Power Acoustik A3000DB Car Audio Amplifier ($295), Sony XM-2200GTX Car Audio Amplifier ($110), and the Pyle Dryver PLAD618 Car Audio Amplifier ($76). We prefer the Lanzar brand and have had great sound quality with the Lanzar OPTI4000D Car Audio Amplifier ($899) - Mono Channel, 2900 W x 1, S/N Ratio: 90 dB, THD at Rated RMS Power: .1%. If you are on a budget, then buying a Pyramid amplifier will save you money and not sacrifice in quality. Their best seller is the Pyramid PB442X Car Audio Amplifier ($40) and offers Multi Channels, 35 W x 4, S/N Ratio: 85 dB.
How to Install a Car Amplifier?:
You need to consider a few things before installing a car amplifier such as where to mount it. Amps tend to be sensitive to motor noise and electrical noise and interference from the amp may disturb your radio reception, so try placing it at least 3 feet away from the receiver. Plenty of people choose to install the amplifier under their seats. The advantages are that the amp is closer to the receiver so you use shorter patch cords and signal cables and it's easier running wire to the front speakers but the downside is that the seat may need to be removed to install it (bigger amps will not fit). Another obvious choice is in the trunk or hatch area since this provides plenty of room for those larger amplifiers and it will be near the subwoofer and rear speakers. The disadvantage of mounting the amp in the trunk area is that you will lessen your cargo space, longer patch cords and wires will be needed. Amps produce lots of heat and they need to have a way to get rid of the heat. An amp's cooling fins are designed to absorb heat and then dispose of hot air into the surroung air but they need at least a few inches of air space around them and the cooling fins should be vertical for optimum operation levels. Don't mount amplifiers with the cooling fins pointing down since this will force the heat that is radiated back up into the amp. For a complete step by step guide on the Crutchfield.com website on how to install a car amplifier, go Here.
What to look for when buying an amplifier:
We have provided a short list of things to look for when purchasing a new car amplifier:
Match Your Car Speakers & Car Amplifier - Consider the RMS Power and Peak Power ratings
Look for speaker-level inputs
Get good bass - need a car amplifier with low-pass filter
Two-channel car amplifier at a minimum
Does the amplifier have remote controls, voltage monitors, control center
Go with a quality brand like Kicker, Alpine, Audiobahn, MTX, Phoenix Gold, and Rockford Fosgate
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