Note: Not all amplifiers are capable of bridging. Audio Filters: Filters are an electronic device that can be found within amplifiers that control what frequencies are sent to your speakers. This is extremely helpful because they allow you to fine tune your amplifier to your speaker selection and your vehicle. Filters are available in both Fixed and Variable. A Fixed Filter is a filter that has only has one setting that is predetermined by the manufacturer.
A Variable Filter allows you to adjust the setting of which frequencies are affected by the filter. Adjustable Input Level: This function allows you to boost or cut the signal that is sent to your amplifier from your car stereo. This helps you dial-in the input signal strength to your amp to help minimize distortion within your unit. Adjustable Output Level: This provides control over the signal strength that the amplifier sends to the speakers, to ensure that your speakers are not inadvertently overdriven and protects the amplifier from distorting or overheating.
Some of these tones may never be heard individually but when they are combined with the original audio of a recording, it breathes new life into the recording, offering more depth and ambiance. Speaker Level Inputs: Enable you to use the speaker outputs from your car stereo to send signals to the amplifier. This is especially helpful when you do not have line level outputs RCA on your car receiver. Although there are many different classes of audio amplifiers, only a handful of amp classes are commonly used in the world of car audio.
Without going into a lengthy explanation on the physics of how each amp class works, it is much easier to understand the pros and cons of each amp class. Listed below are the most prevalent amplifier classes used within the industry. Class A: An analog amplifier. Mainly used in higher end car audio installs.
Not commonly found in car audio. Class D: Digital amplifier. The most common amplification found in car audio. This type of amplifier generates a fair amount of crossover distortion. In order to minimize the effect of the distortion, the audio quality may suffer, depending on the make and model of the amplifier. Amplifiers come in many configurations. Once you have determined your audio needs, you can simply use our Filter Menu located on the left hand side on product landing pages on a desktop or the Filter Button on mobile to narrow down your search.
If you need additional assistance stop by your local Car Toys store. Our product experts and professional installers are there to assist you with all of your car entertainment needs. Amplifier Buying Guide What does an amplifier do for your stereo?
This is the rating that industry professionals are most concerned with, and it is a more concise reflection of the amount of power the amplifier is capable of producing. Once the amplifier has surpassed its RMS Power rating it will begin to generate heat, distort, and may cause damage to the unit itself. Peak Power: How much power the amplifier can produce for a very, very short period of time before damage or failure occurs. Sure the amplifier may be capable of producing the claimed amount of power, but it will not sound pleasant and it will not be long before the amp shuts off or blows.
Therefore it is deemed as a useless measurement of power output and is not considered a worthy rating. Planning to drive a full system — four speakers and a sub? In addition to conveniently centralizing all controls in one chassis, installing a 5-channel amplifier saves you from having to run two sets of power wires for separate speaker and subwoofer amps.
Many 5-channel amps can run and control a completely active 2-way front stage and subwoofer system all by themselves. Two channels drive the tweeters, two the midrange speakers, and the fifth channel powers the sub. A lot of sports cars and trucks only have two speakers to begin with, so a 2-channel amplifier will be the most efficient way to power them.
A 2-channel amp can also be used to run a subwoofer when in bridged, one-channel mode. Most people, however, choose a mono amplifier to drive their subs because higher amounts of power are available in those amps. This same is true for 4- and 5-channel amps — they're more versatile and powerful than most 2-channel amplifiers. For those who want to run multiple speakers and subwoofers, there're specialized amplifiers out there that can take care of custom-designed systems.
A 3-channel amp can power two speakers and a sub, for a compact, one-chassis solution in a small vehicle. Many 6-channel amplifiers are designed to accommodate 3-way systems, with onboard signal processing necessary to power tweeters, midrange drivers, and subs. Crutchfield carries an 8-channel amplifier with sophisticated computer-controlled digital signal processing suitable for a large, high-fidelity 3- or 4-way audio system. The major boost in musical impact and power that an amplifier will give to your system will also bring joy and excitement to your life on the road.
For more information about adding power, you can refer to our Car amplifiers FAQ , or check out our Car amplifier buying guide. See our entire selection of car amplifiers if you're ready to add more power to your system. For expert one-on-one advice, call, chat, or email us today. And remember, free lifetime tech support is included with your Crutchfield purchase. Our tech support team will answer questions about installation, setting up and tuning the amp, and will help out if something ever goes wrong.
Does the size of the 4 Channel amplifies has effect on the quality of the sound. Let us change the worries of the past into the thinking and planning beforehand! Anthony, Those two amplifiers will perform identically. For help deciding, why don't you get in touch with a member of Crutchfield's Sales Advisor Team via phone or chat - just click on the Contact us link at the very top of this page for more information.
Based on your articles, I've settled on getting a small 4 channel 50W amp with signal-sensing turn-on. Same features, same price, within 1' size; and for the aesthetically inclined each company offers a matching W mono amp that I can get later on to add a sub.
Do you have any insights to which of the two would be better for me? Or maybe a better third option at that size and price that i've overlooked? Michael, MOSFET stands for "metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor" and is an electronic component that switches high voltage using low voltage triggers. An amplifier's Class is based on the architecture of its output circuit and how long the output transistors are powered.
Buck, Read the info on amplifier classes and surmised that the class D is the cat's meow but was wondering what class a MOSFET amp fits in and your professional opinion about its overall sound clarity and efficiency in comparison to the class D.
Thanks, Mike. Dro, Perhaps this diagram can be a basic guide. In your case you'd replace the 4-channel amp in the diagram with your 5-channel amp and add the second subwoofer. How do you recommend wiring? You probably know the difference between your TV speakers and a home theater system. An amplifier in your vehicle can make that kind of difference.
You'll hear a bigger, fuller sound, with more detail and greater impact, especially if you've installed better speakers in your vehicle. If the sound gets muddy when you turn it up, you need more power. The first consideration is how many speakers you'll be powering and how much power each speaker will handle.
Once you know that, you'll know how many amplifier channels you'll need and how much power you'll want. Yes, you can, as long as you have a basic knowledge of electronics and you're handy with tools. You'll have to run a power wire from your vehicle's battery back to your amp's location, and then a ground wire to your vehicle's chassis. It's important to do the job correctly so you don't damage your vehicle. Our Tech Support people can help you if any issues come up. Check your speakers or sub to see how much power they can handle in terms of "watts RMS.
Speakers are more forgiving, so you don't always have to max them out, although more power always sounds better. The easy answer is "one speaker per channel. There are plenty of exceptions to this rule, so contact an Advisor to get the best advice for your situation. How much power and how many channels do your car speakers need?
This guide will help you choose the right amplifier for your car's sound system. Check out this overview of a typical installation to see the steps involved when you install an amplifier in your vehicle.
Where should I mount it? What wiring do I need? What size fuse and power wire? These wiring diagrams illustrate how amplifiers connect to your audio system, which will make it easier to shop for the gear you need for the system of your dreams. Car amplifier audio terms - like watts, volts, and efficiency - are explained. Confused about wiring your subs and picking the right amplifier? Crutchfield will get you on the fast track to big bass with this simple guide.
You need to set your amplifiers gain correctly in order to enjoy your musics full range of dynamics hearing all the notes clearly, whether loud or soft. Here's a method for setting amp gain fast and accurately using test tones. Here's a step-by-step guide to installing a car amplifier, including how to run the cables through your car and how to wire the amp. There are many ways to connect subwoofers to an amplifier. Our wiring diagrams will help you find the best way to wire your subs and amps so you'll get the best performance out of your gear.
For free personalized advice, call Our Advisors have listened to most of the speakers we carry, and can help you make the best choice for your system. Close contact box.
Call See our hours Our hours Hours 7 days a week. Looking for International Support? Connect ID. What is Connect ID? Call us at In both home and car audio systems, an amplifier strengthens a weak audio signal. When the signal that goes into the amplifier is too weak to drive speakers, the signal that comes out can get the job done. The power of an amp dictates how loud and distortion-free the sound is. Here are a few benefits of including a separate amplifier in your car audio system:.
If you don't mind a little distortion, and you have no desire to crank your head unit to 11, you can probably skip the amp and focus on the head unit and speakers. Some head units have enough power to provide relatively distortion-free sound, and adding a high-pass crossover can help clear things up. Another factor to consider is whether the head unit includes preamp outputs. These outputs bypass the built-in amplifier and send a clear signal to an external amplifier. If your head unit doesn't have preamp outputs, you'll need an amp with speaker-level inputs.
The other option is to use a speaker to line level converter. While both of these methods tend to introduce noise or distortion, the only other option is to buy a new head unit. Although upgrading a head unit prior to adding an amplifier costs more, it provides the best results. A decent head unit makes finding the right car amp easier.
Head units that contain powerful amps are more expensive than basic models. Often, the more economical choice is to pair a head unit that features preamp outputs with a dedicated amp. One main differentiating factor between amps is how many channels they have.
They are available in multiple configurations from mono to six channels, each of which is best suited to different speaker setups. At least one channel is needed for each speaker, but you can use more than one amp in a single car audio system. For example, a four-channel amp can power four coaxial speakers, and a separate mono amp can be used for a subwoofer. Each amp must be matched to the system that it's going to power. Some amps have low-pass or high-pass filters built in, which make them ideal for powering woofers or tweeters.
Other amps have variable filters, bass boost, and other features. The power of an amp refers to the wattage that it can send to the speakers. Because the point of an amplifier is to increase the audio signal strength, the power of an amp is an important consideration. The key value here is the RMS , but there is no specific number to look for.
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