Amplifier for subwoofer: a significant increase in the capabilities of the car speaker system

All motorists, especially young beginners, want to have high-quality sound in the car. But very often, disappointment awaits them when pink dreams break into harsh reality. The head unit can rarely show good sound, even if its stated power is suitable for new speakers. It becomes especially difficult if you want to have rich, authentic bass in the cabin. In this case, you definitely need to buy an amplifier for the subwoofer.

Why do I need a separate amplifier

In simple terms, an auto amplifier for a subwoofer is a separate source of energy for sound vibrations. It has nothing to do with the general circuit of the radio. This is achieved:

• a sharp drop in signal distortion and crystal clear sound;
• absence of problems with balancing power on channels, which is always present in standard devices;
• additional options for adjusting sound parameters;
• The maximum volume that the subwoofer can give out.

An external sound amplifier operates in its own mode, and together with a subwoofer it represents an isolated system. Inside, it can have any complicated adjustments. This greatly expands the possibilities of the entire structure of sound reproduction in the car.

Amplifier Types

Today you can buy an amplifier for a subwoofer in a car of any complexity. People who understand how this or that connection scheme works get a chance to save a lot and at the same time get high-quality sound. Today, signal amplification for a subwoofer can be achieved by several classes of devices.

Single channel amplifier

This is the easiest option, working in mono signal format. Such a monoblock amplifier was specifically designed to work with subwoofers. The cost of solutions is quite attractive to the consumer. But there is a common problem with powerful equipment - geometric price increases depending on the increase in watts output.

Monoblock amplifier has another feature. It is able to work at low load, about 1-2 ohms. If the subwoofer has an impedance of 4 or 8 Ohms, it will be difficult to find a suitable single-channel monoblock for it. In addition, most of these systems have a class D, which means a sufficiently large distortion of the output signal.

Single-channel amplifiers are useful only if you want to separate the sub from the head unit to get a wealth of adjustments and a separate volume setting.

Dual Channel Amplifiers

The features of such systems have allowed them to gain immense popularity among consumers. Firstly, two subwoofers can be connected to it, provided that the load balance is consistent. Secondly, the outputs of a two-channel device can be switched over a bridge circuit, receiving double total power for transmission to a low-frequency sound emitter.

Four Channel Systems

Amplifiers with 4 channels are convenient for saving space. Most of the proposed models can work with two subwoofers and a pair of speakers with a wide frequency range. You can also power a powerful low-frequency, connecting the outputs in a bridge circuit. Many manufacturers immediately envisage this type of operation and mark the output terminals of the device accordingly.

Five-channel

5 amplifier channels mean that the user wants more power with low investment.Such devices immediately have a separate output to which a passive subwoofer is connected.

Such a system will be useful if the head unit is frankly unable to pump powerful speakers. Other advantages (separate volume control of the subwoofer, its cutoff frequency, and so on) are not provided.

Low-demand systems

The most unclaimed are three-channel and six-channel amplifiers. The problem of the first is limited freedom in choosing power (the bridge circuit for switching on the subwoofer is irrational and often impossible), there is no separate volume control for the subwoofer.

Six channels experience the same difficulties. The audience of their consumers is quite small. Devices of this type can be selected by people who want to connect two subwoofers with bridge circuits and at the same time a pair of rear speakers.

For poor input

Amplifiers with an integrated sound processing system are especially worth considering. They are useful when the head unit gives an openly bad signal. The built-in microprocessor copes with background noise, impulse noise of the vehicle's electrical system, and insufficient input power.

As a result, a high-quality signal is delivered to the speakers and subwoofer. The selection of an amplifier with built-in sound processing is done by those who for some reason cannot replace a regular playback device. However, such a system can serve as a guaranteed protection against any factors that can affect the quality of the input signal.

How to pick up

The car amplifier for the subwoofer is selected both according to the purely technological parameters of the device, and by the available inputs. The latter are able to switch the entire speaker system as conveniently as possible, with a high-quality result in the form of excellent sound.

The main thing to remember is the impedance of the subwoofer should be equal to the parameter of the recommended load resistance of the amplifier. In this case, the latter will work in nominal conditions and not generate heat in abnormal quantities.

In order to correctly select an amplifier for power, it is recommended to choose the option that is one and a half to two times less powerful than a subwoofer.

This approach ensures that the speakers do not fail and work with minimal distortion. However, the amplifier will have a hard time. So that the device does not come out of standing, it must be correctly placed for good cooling.

The option of choosing an amplifier equal in power to the subwoofer requires some understanding of the operation of the speaker systems. The user is not recommended to frequently turn the volume control. It needs to be picked up once and so that the sub and amplifier work at the level of 70-80% of their nominal values. In this case, all components of the audio system are quite well protected, do not act at the limit of possibilities, the risk of overheating is significantly reduced.

The last option, when the power of the amplifier is chosen one and a half to two times more than the nominal subwoofer, is suitable for experienced and thoughtful car owners. In this case, the system parameters must be finely adjusted.

The option, when the volume knob is twisted to the limit, leads to the inevitable burning of the speakers. Therefore, the output power of the amplifier is selected so that the sub comes out close to the nominal values. In this option, the balance of the parameters of the amplifier and the woofer - the latter is in the risk zone and works almost at the limit.

Another useful component that the amplifier for the subwoofer is equipped with is its own crossover. It forms a frequency band in which acoustics work.There are high-pass filters and low-pass filters for rich subwoofer sound.

In a good amplifier equipped with a crossover, there is always an adjustment for the cutoff frequency. Some models may have a switch for channel-by-channel boost in signal strength. In this case, the passive sub can only be a speaker, without its own crossover.

Some types of inputs and outputs that a car amplifier for a subwoofer may have include:

• High Level Input. Used to connect the output stage of the radio amplifier. It is useful if the head unit is not difficult and has only a limited number of speaker options. The signal supplied to the amplifier's High Level Input interface is characterized by distortions and an incomplete frequency response that forms the output stage of the radio;
• Line Input. Connection on this input is recommended. The radio, respectively, should have Line Out outputs to which the signal is fed directly from the primary frequency pulse generation circuit;
• Bridge This designates the outputs of the amplifier that allow bridge connection. In this case, the subwoofer receives power from two channels at once. Connection terminals that have an auto amplifier for a subwoofer with bridge enable support are indicated accordingly.

Another function of the electronic circuits of the amplifier, which is liked by a certain audience of consumers, allows you to artificially enhance the low-frequency component of the signal. Grand Bass or Bass Boost can allow fine tuning, such as selecting a frequency band or a smooth increase in volume in decibels.

Car Amplifier Rating

It was compiled based on sales statistics and customer reviews.

Kicx AP 1000D

This single-channel monoblock amplifier is made in a metal casing of a rib design to improve heat transfer. It is conveniently mounted and simply connected. This is a good option for connecting a subwoofer with power per channel for 4 ohm impedance speakers at 420 watts. However, the claimed class D sound quality directly indicates a significant signal distortion.

SUPRA SBD-A4270

This 4-channel amplifier is quite functional and can provide high-quality sound. Both linear and output circuits of the radio can be connected to it with voltages up to 6 V. There are high and low frequency filters, the latter can be amplified up to 12 dB. The main disadvantage of the model is the ability to work only in 4 channels or 2 bridge connections, without a hybrid mode.

Pioneer GM-A6604

This 4 channel amplifier is quite versatile. It can operate in hybrid bridge mode, generating a powerful signal for a subwoofer and two speakers. A convenient feature is the bass boost and the ability to cut off the high frequency band.

Blaupunkt GTA 475

This car amplifier for a subwoofer will appeal to those who want to connect a dual-channel passive sub for reasonable money. The functionality of creating two bridges at the output allows you to get an acceptable total power. The amplifier cannot be used to transmit a signal to a sub (bridge circuit) and 2 speakers.

Pioneer PRS-D800

This two-channel amplifier for a subwoofer in a car will be an excellent choice for those who need a simple solution. 125 watts per channel allows you to swing any acoustics. And the support of the bridge mode will revive a powerful sub and make the sound in the car juicy and bright.