Many modern cars come with sound systems that, for the most part, deliver great sound. They’re perfect for listening to podcasts, making calls with co-workers while driving, and tuning to the radio. But if you own an older vehicle, or are just not content with the sound system that’s already built-in, then you may want something with more power.
That’s where car amplifiers come in. They give you the added power and control over your sounds, so you can blast tunes while driving or even play music at a park or venue with your car doors open. Here’s what you need to know to purchase the ideal car amplifier.
What is a Car Amplifier?
A car amplifier is a device that boosts the volume and sound quality of your car’s sound system. Car amplifiers come in many shapes and sizes, but most of them allow you to use speakers that would otherwise be unusable in a car, such as a subwoofer.
Why do you need a Car Amplifier?
Car amplifiers may not be a must-have for every vehicle, but here are some reasons as to why you’d need or want one for your own car.
They improve your sound quality
When one hears the term “amplifier” they think that all the instrument does is provide that added “oomph” to your sound. In other words, many people believe that amplifiers only help boost the overall volume of your music. And while this is definitely true, it isn’t the whole story, either.
You see, amplifiers do more than just crank the volume up to 200. They also allow you to play a more nuanced and complex sound. So, notes and tones you may not have heard previously will become much more apparent. This can be great for audiophiles who love bringing out the most in the music that they love listening to.
They add power to your sound
This is a common reason why people want to get car amplifiers - they simply want more volume and sound in their speakers. Many vehicles come with speakers that are loud enough to make great noise inside the vehicle, but when you want to blast your tunes outside, they barely make an impact.
With car amplifiers, you can easily make your tunes hearable from far away as long as you open your car doors. Whether it’s to play some relaxing tunes by the park or host an impromptu party at someone’s yard, car amplifiers give you the power of a dedicated sound system, but on wheels.
Gives you access to subwoofers
While there certainly are cars with dedicated subwoofers, most cars come with your typical speaker set, and nothing more. This may not be preferable for people who love heavy bass and want to really crank up tunes with deep sounds. With a car amplifier, you can install your own subwoofer, a feat that wouldn’t be possible without the device.
Things to consider when buying a Car Amplifier
Remember these tips before deciding to buy your own car amplifier.
Size
Your car can only fit so much space for a dedicated car amplifier. And although some car models offer plenty of space to work with, the same can’t be said for urban, smaller ones. You’ll need to actually find a place to fit your amplifier before buying one.
Before you decide to buy a car amplifier, find a spot to place it first. Then, mark the dimensions of the free space, and only look for car amplifiers within that size. Anything bigger won’t fit, so don’t bother even considering them no matter how great they might be for your car.
Number of Channels
Sounds systems operate based on a number of channels, and this is also true for car amplifiers. With car amplifiers, you can choose different types based on the number of channels they have available. Depending on your needs, you could go for a 2, 3, 4, or even 5-channel amplifier.
But how do you know which type of amplifier you’re supposed to get? Well for starters, you’ll need to consider whether or not you want to use a subwoofer. If you do, then you’ll need an amp with an odd number of channels - 3 or 5. The other channels will be used for front and rear audio.
If you’re fine forgoing the subwoofer, then 2 or 4-channel amps are great, too. 2-channel amps are standard in many vehicles, and 4-channel amps give you that rear audio listening experience for more immersive sound.
Car Amplifier price range
Car amplifiers can often cost hundreds of dollars, but there are more affordable alternatives. You can get a decent 2-channel car amplifier for as little as $50 or even less. Car amplifiers with more channels and better build quality will cost you more, coming in at least $100 per unit.
How we choose the best Car Amplifiers
Our car amplifiers were chosen based on their brand, size, and customer reviews.
FAQ
Are car amplifiers safe?
As long as the device is grounded and wired properly, car amplifiers are generally safe enough to be installed in most vehicles. It is recommended to have a professional install the amplifier to minimize risk.
Do car amplifiers make a difference?
Car amplifiers do make a difference, giving more room for speakers and increasing the overall sound quality of your vehicle’s sound system.
Do I need a car amplifier?
If your vehicle already has a sound system, then you may not need a car amplifier as long as you are satisfied with your current listening experience. Car amplifiers do offer better sound, however, and are worth considering if you are an audiophile and prefer the high-quality sound.