The Best Audio Amplifiers For Cars
If you’re looking to improve your car’s sound system, there’s only so much you can do with your stock speakers and equipment. For more power and adjustability, you may need an audio amplifier to up the ante. With an amplifier, you can install subwoofers and even aftermarket speakers to improve your sound. If you’re starting your search and you’re not sure where to begin, you’re in the right place. We’ve narrowed down the best car audio amplifiers available to help take your sound system to the next level.
What to Look For
When narrowing down the best car audio amplifiers, we considered available inputs and outputs, power, sound quality, and price. For example, if you want a well-rounded amplifier with a switchable bass boost and variable input gain control, the BOSS Audio Systems R1100M riot series car amplifier has plenty to be excited about. If you want something a little more affordable, the BLAUPUNKT 750W 2-channel full-range amplifier comes at a great price and features lots of practical perks. Read on to see all our top picks and find the car audio amplifier that’s right for you.
BOSS Audio Systems R1100M Riot Series Car Amplifier
Choose your sound
Car amplifiers don’t just make your music louder; they also change the shape of the sound. If you’re looking for a car amplifier that gives you ultimate control over the tonal qualities of your sound system, this one from Boss Audio Systems is a great all-around option. With both low and high-level inputs, this amplifier is compatible with RCA and wire connections. It also has a switchable bass boost control, variable input gain control, and a variable low-pass crossover to adjust the overall sound of your music. You can adjust certain frequencies, boost levels, and even crank the bass altogether. No matter what style of music you like, if you want the power to control it, you can’t go wrong with this versatile amplifier.
Pros:
- Both low and high-level inputs
- Switchable bass boost
- Variable input gain control
- Remote subwoofer control
Cons:
- Not as loud as other amplifiers on the market
Skar Audio RP-350.1D Class D MOSFET Amplifier
It's getting hot
Getting a great sound out of your amplifier is only half the battle. The other half is getting it to sound good consistently. With lower-end amplifiers, they may tend to overheat and shut off mid-drive, which cancels out whatever benefits they had beforehand. This amplifier from Skar Audio features built-in heatsinks and an efficient, slim frame to keep the amplifier running smoothly without overheating. It’s a great everyday-use amp, perfect for reliably powering a low-wattage subwoofer. If you want reliable power in your ride, this amp is the way to go.
Pros:
- Built-in heatsinks
- Class D Mosfet design
- Stable at one ohm
- Great for powering a low-power subwoofer
Cons:
- Doesn’t offer many channels
Skar Audio RP-150.4AB 4-Channel Car Amplifier
The more the merrier
A sound system is only as good as its speakers, and if you want more speakers in your car, you’re going to need an amplifier with enough channels to power them. Generally speaking, one channel on an amplifier will power one speaker. While most amplifiers on the market have two channels, this one from Skar Audio comes with four to help power a larger car sound system. It also has a great mid and high-frequency response, so it works well for helping the vocals to cut through a mix. If you have four speakers in your car, why buy two amplifiers just to power them all? This four-channel amp can do it all for less.
Pros:
- 4-way protection circuitry
- Great response for mid and high frequencies
- Can run at 4 ohms or 2 ohms
- More channels for more speakers
Cons:
- Sub-par quality control
Rockville dB16 8000 Watt RMS Mono 2 Ohm Amplifier
Crank it up
If you want your car’s sound system to be the absolute loudest on the block, this may be the amplifier for you. At 8000 watts of power, this beast is fit for pushing your speakers to the max. On top of its impressive volume, this amplifier also boasts some practical features like a bass control remote, phase control switching, and a fully adjustable bass equalizer to customize your sound. It may be pricier than other models, but for this much power, it’s well worth the money.
Pros:
- Includes bass control remote
- Very powerful
- Has a phase control switch
- Includes mounting screws
Cons:
- Pricier than the competition
BLAUPUNKT 750W 2-Channel Full-Range Amplifier
Don't break the bank
Customizing the sound system in your car is a big undertaking, but that doesn’t mean it has to be expensive. If you’re looking to pimp your ride on the cheap, this affordable amplifier may be just what you need. At less than half the price of the premium options on the market, this budget-friendly amp can hold its own against the competition. With its full-range capabilities and slim design, it’s easy to place in the trunk and connect to your stereo system. It also has a simple layout, making it easy to navigate. It may not be the most sophisticated amp on the market, but for the price, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better buy.
Pros:
- Great price
- Slim design
- Simple layout
- Two channels
Cons:
- May be prone to overheat at loud volumes
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a car amplifier require power?
Yes, and it can be a complicated process for some. It involves wiring the amplifier up to the car’s electrical system which is powered by the car battery. Most amplifiers don’t come with wiring, so you’ll most likely have to buy a wiring kit in addition to your amplifier. While there are many businesses that offer services to install your amplifier for you, it’s definitely possible to do it yourself.
Do I need an amplifier if I replace the stock speakers in my car?
In most cases, no. Amplifiers are typically used to integrate subwoofers and louder aftermarket speakers into your car’s sound system. However, if you replace the stock speakers in your car with new speakers that are the same wattage, the car’s built-in amplifier should be enough to power them without having to rewire the whole setup.
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