Car audio amplifier: picking up the speakers in the car

Most motorists want to have a high-quality audio system in the cabin, but do not know how to properly approach this issue. Many do not know why a car audio amplifier is needed, considering that there will be enough speakers and a radio tape recorder.

What is a car amplifier for?

Budget car radios are built on standard amplifiers. They are an integrated chip that provides sound on four channels at 40-50 watts (as stated by the manufacturer). But these 40-50 watts with a non-linear distortion factor of 10% in reality are less. Therefore, the sound level will be squeezed out only by 10-20 watts, and when playing the bottom, the power will drop even more.

A completely different picture develops if you install a sound amplifier. The device is able to amplify the input signal to any desired level. At the same time, you can save on a radio tape recorder by buying an inexpensive model.

An amplifier is also needed to set up good sound in a car purchased from another owner. If the new car can be equipped with a subwoofer and the rest of the acoustics directly at the dealer, then you will have to tinker with the old car yourself.

Amplifier Types

A wide range of car amplifiers is presented on the market with a power range from 10 watts to 10 kW per channel.

Devices are divided into types:

1. Monoblocks (single-channel)
2. Multichannel (from 2 to 6 channels)
3. Equipped with a sound processor

Monoblock is a single-channel device used in car speakers to amplify a subwoofer. All monoblocks belong to class D, since the subwoofer needs control and high power, not sound quality. Monoblocks are usually available with a large number of crossover settings in the low frequency range, and many of them have their own volume control. This is important for a standard car radio, which does not have its own subwoofer volume control.

Almost any single-channel amplifier is suitable for a subwoofer with low power. For high-quality sound of the audio system, it will be enough to buy a two-channel amplifier and connect it via a bridge circuit.

Two-channel amplifiers are used for a pair of speakers and for connecting a subwoofer to a bridge connection. Such devices cost an order of magnitude cheaper than monoblocks and give less power.

Four-channel amplifiers are suitable for connecting 4 speakers. They are suitable for a system of subwoofer and two speakers. Such devices are widely used for speaker systems in the car.

Amplifiers with a built-in sound processor are isolated separately. In a system with a standard head unit, a full-fledged signal component is often missing. Therefore, to get good clear sound, a sound processor is used, which automatically increases the cost of the device.

Amplifier Classes

Amplifiers are divided into classes depending on the efficiency and the level of distortion of the output signal.

1. Analogue A, B - analog amplifiers with high gain quality, low efficiency (20%) and low power. They are distinguished by good clarity of sound reproduction. An analog amplifier will cost a significant amount when purchased.
2. Digital D, E, F, S, T - digital amplifiers that have high efficiency and high power with minimal consumption. But at the same time they are inferior in quality to AB class.

How to pick up

The main criterion by which the sound amplifier in the car is selected is power. Separate the maximum and rated power. Those numbers that are indicated by the manufacturer on the box or amplifier case are far from real.This is the total maximum power from all channels, which should not be taken into account.

On the packaging or in the instructions are indicated the rated power that can be trusted. This is the power at which the amplifier and speakers can operate for an hour without distortion with the music signal.

The power of the amplifier should match (or better than 10-15%) the power of the acoustics. If you connect a weak amplifier, the speakers may burn out due to an incorrect, distorted signal.

You should pay attention to the resistance indicated in the technical passport of the speaker. These numbers should match the performance of the amplifier. The power of the amplifier can also be determined by the fuse rating. The higher the rating, the more power.

From the assortment of amplifiers on the market, it is worth choosing a product from well-known brands:

• Kenwood
• Power acoustic
• Alpine
• Focal
• DLS
• Challenger
• Helix
• Auditor

Lesser-known manufacturers often fool buyers by overestimating the power ratings of their amplifiers.

How to install an amplifier on a car

When installing acoustics in a car yourself, you will need a certain skill and attention, otherwise there is a risk of burning equipment. This can happen due to the power cable with a large cross section, which feeds the amplifier.

The main power cable must be routed from the pedal compartment through the fuse. It is pulled through the technological hole in the pedal assembly in such a way as not to touch the internal systems of the machine.

Then the nut seals are disconnected and the power and signal wires are laid there. They are powered directly from the battery. It is recommended to connect very powerful equipment through the drive so that the battery does not sit down ahead of time. All contacts should be insulated with heat shrink.

Before fixing the wires to the connectors, you should first try their various combinations and test the operation of the amplifier. When installing, it is better to leave 15 centimeters of wire for stock. It is not recommended to strip the wires with the help of teeth, and not special devices.

The amplifier housing is best located at the rear of the machine near the seatback. The device should not lie in the trunk, under the glove compartment or on the floor of the car.

Sound Amplifier Rating

It is not possible to test different models of amplifiers by installing them on your car. Therefore, when choosing an amplifier, you have to rely on famous brands, the experience of other car enthusiasts, or the advice of an experienced seller. To select the appropriate amplifier for speakers in a car will also help the rating of devices.

Kicx AP 4.120AB

Four-channel car sound amplifier from the company "Kicx" model 4.120 AB. The power declared by the manufacturer is 4 channels of 120 watts each with a load of 4 ohms and bridge connection - 2 channels of 300 watts each. The amplifier is made in an aluminum case in black with a blue strip.

The range of the device is adjustable from 50 to 200 Hz, has 2 40A fuses. Connecting power and acoustic wiring - in the form of plugs. The device is equipped with a bass boost function, a low and high pass filter.

According to the results of user tests, the amplifier delivers a maximum of 90 to 108 watts on 4 channels and from 220 and more than 350 watts on 2 channels, exceeding the performance stated by the company.

KENWOOD KAC-PS702EX

The KENWOOD amplifier model KAC-PS702EX belongs to the class of A / V devices and is designed to work with any speaker system. Designed for 2 channels with a rated power of 85 watts per 2 ohms and 70 watts per 4 ohms.Such indicators are enough to work with an entry-level subwoofer.

The device has compact dimensions and is made in a stylish black color. All connectors are on one side for easy installation. The device is equipped with an automatic power-on function when a sound signal is detected.

There is a built-in filter for infralow, as well as high and low frequencies. It is possible to connect over a bridge. The model’s advantages include a high upper limit of the frequency range of 50 Hz, which is typical for more expensive devices.

Pioneer GM-A3702

An excellent two-channel amplifier for its price from the Pioneer GM-A3702 does not make any changes to the sound, revealing all the possibilities of acoustics. With a bridge connection, you can get power up to 500 watts.

Thanks to the compact size, the amp is easily installed in the car or in the trunk, screw clamps are securely attached to the wire, providing a good and safe contact.

All necessary filters are provided, power and speaker terminals are conveniently located. High-quality assembly of the body is designed for a long service life.

SUPRA SBD-A2130

Budget device for car radio SUPRA SBD-A2130 - works on two channels, having the ability to connect via a bridge connection. The top cover is made of plexiglass, on which is written the name of the manufacturer, model range and technical specifications.

The case is made in a stylish and practical black color. On each side are cooling radiators. Bottom - legs for fastenings and slots for blowing board. The declared power from the manufacturer is 1 watts per channel of 4 ohms - 60 watts, maximum - 130 watts.

The device has proven itself during practical tests, but at high powers the sound distortion begins. For its price range, the amplifier is quite suitable for use.

Ural PT 4.260

The four-channel amplifier for the speakers in a domestic car Ural PT 4.260 belongs to class D. The case is made in bright red color.

The PT 4.260 model has a built-in crossover that helps to remove unnecessary frequencies from the subwoofer that the speakers do not reproduce (ultra-low, medium bass). At the same time, the declared power can be obtained from the amplifier only with its correct installation and the use of wires with the desired cross sections.

An amplifier is necessary for a good sound system in the car. For a low cost, it is quite realistic to choose the suitable option, and it is better to entrust the installation to a professional.