Boost Yourself Up with These Best Car Amplifiers
Most cars today come fitted with excellent car audio systems. The in-house factory installed car stereo and speakers sound amazing as compared to the years when we didn't really get much from the car manufacturer. When tweaked correctly, you will achieve a decent bass sound, delivered with good clarity.
But the actual sound is only good at a low level and quickly distorts when the volume is raised. The issue here is that the sound is not being pushed trough to the speakers powerfully enough. The sound needs to be amplified to a higher, more powerful state to achieve the desired eardrum crushing levels. This is when you should look at installing a car amplifier.
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** Below, you'll find our more detailed reviews by click in "Reviews" column, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.com .
What Are Car Amplifiers?
A car amplifier is a car audio item that is used to boost a low-level audio signal from a head unit to the speakers. A car amplifier can be labeled as the heart of your car audio system. A high power radio, factory fitted or aftermarket is not sufficient enough to take your car's speakers to their full potential. The radio may be able to reach 50 Watts Peak power on each channel, but it will probably only push 15 Watts RMS to your speakers. An Amplifier will ensure 50 Watts RMS will be delivered to the desired channel.
Advantages of Choosing Car Amplifiers
Having the best and most expensive Component or Full Range speakers and subwoofers will not do. The sound will be very limited. Especially the Sub Woofer. They will all simply under perform due to the lack of power. Installing an amplifier will ensure your speakers are tested to their abilities and will also ensure that your subwoofer performs the way it's meant to.
Most car amplifiers have the ability to customize your sound and setup. There are built in Crossovers and filters that can be used to tweak the sound for a particular channel. These filters will ensure that only the desired sound reaches your speaker and it will also regulate all the unnecessary frequencies. Some amplifiers are also equipped with a bass boost feature and a separate remote that can control the amp from the front seat.
What to Look For
The amount of terminology used in regards to car amplifiers is overwhelming. Here is a brief description of some of the most common terms.
- Stereo Amplifier - is made up of 2 mono amplifiers which are packaged into a single unit.
- Monoblock - is a mono version of a stereo amplifier with a higher rated power supply. The monoblock separate 2 channels into separate mono systems.'
- 2/4/5 Channel Amps - These are the most common variations of amplifiers available.
- RMS Watts Power - is a measurement of the amps continuous power. It is the amount of power that the amp will produce for long periods of time. Also, the amount of power the amp is built to provide.
- Peak Watts Power - It is the Peak amount or Highest amount of power the amp can generate for a short period of time before it cuts off or malfunctions.
Top 5 Best Car Amplifier for Your Car
Rockford Fosgate R500X1D Prime
(Image source: www.amazon.com)
Fan Favorites Rockford Fosgate are known for manufacturing high-quality audio equipment that performs exceptionally well. They products are durable, innovative, and just good looking. It's no surprise that their car amplifiers are always considered to be among the best car amplifiers on the market.
The Prime Series is Rockford Fosgate's current line of car amps that makes use of their DTM technology which uses a 3 stage thermal system to distribute forced air to evenly transfer heat across the amplifier, allowing the heat to escape easily. This allows the amp to operate efficiently for long durations of time. It also assists in the durability and reliability of the amp. The sleek looking chassis and design of the amplifier will look amazing in any kind of car audio setup.
Pros
- Wired Remote
- On Board Punch EQ
- Great quality and design with easily accessible controls
- Class D Amplifier
- Monoblock
- 300 Watts x 1 RMS @ 4 Ohms
Cons
- Average Sub-Woofer control
- Very bright and uncomfortable light on controls
Planet Audio AC1500
(Image source: www.amazon.com)
The Planet Audio Anarchy series of amps offers a great way of customizing your audio experience. You can achieve this with its cool sound tweaking features like Variable Low Pass Crossover, Bass Boost and a handy remote that can control your subwoofer. The Variable Low Pass Filter can allow you to control the frequencies that pass through your subwoofer.
The quality of this amplifier might not be to everyone's liking. It is still, however, a great amp for beginner audiophiles. There has also been some confusion from the customers who purchased this unit in regards to fitment. Most general users usually prefer to install car accessories themselves. It is best to consult an expert or to go through the manuals thoroughly before installing the product.
Pros
- 1500 Watts MAX Power
- Remote Sub Woofer Control
- High and Low-Level Inputs
Cons
- Average Quality
- Can be difficult to setup in some cases
Kicker 08DX200
(Image source: www.amazon.com)
Kickers DX series of affordable amplifiers offer a cheaper solution for those in need of a little boost in their sound without completely breaking their bank. The DX200 Model is a low wattage 4 channel amp that can be a perfect companion for four full range speakers such as 5/6 inch or 6x9 speakers. Its precise crossover not only protects your speakers but also ensures good sound quality. An optional bass control can be purchased separately and can be used to control the volume of the amp from the front seats.
Pros
- Switchable Filters and Bass Boost
- Preamp inputs available
Cons
- Low Watts available
Rockford Fosgate R600X5 Prime
(Image source: www.amazon.com)
The R600X5 is Rockford Fosgate's top of the line Amplifier build to handle an entire car audio system. It is capable of handling 50 Watts RMS at any of its 4 channels and 200 Watts on the 5th channel at 4 ohms. There is also a 2-ohm configuration available. In this configuration, you will be able to get 75 Watts out of the 4 channels and #00 Watts out of the 5th. All of this comes in a sleek and well-designed package from a brand that's known for quality, performance, and reliability.
This amp is ideal for those high-end car audio enthusiasts that are looking for a premium amp to cater for multiple speakers such as 6x9's and subwoofers. Rockford Fosgate's high-quality premium look and materials will be a good match for luxury vehicles.
Pros
- Great quality and design with easily accessible controls
- Cast Aluminum Heatsink
- 12dB Crossover
Cons
- Expensive
BOSS Audio R1100M Riot
(Image source: www.amazon.com)
The BOSS Audio Riot R1100M Monoblock Amplifier is an amplifier that will take you car audio system to the next level. Its top of the line specs will allow the amplifier to produce a MAX Power output of 1100 Watts. That is insane given the price of this model. Included in the unit is the ability to customize your sound. You can do this with the use of its built-in Variable Low Pass Crossover and Bass Boost Functions. You can even control the amplifier with the subwoofer remote.
Pros
- Remote Sub Woofer Control
- 1100 Watts MAX Power
- Excellent Value for Money
Cons
- Top of the line specs can still not perform well on certain setups.
Summary
That was a great list of great amplifiers which makes it even more difficult to choose the best car amplifier. The Boss Audio Riot amp is the best budget amp and has great features for the price. It is most definitely the best bang for your bucks. The quality, however, might not be to everyone's liking. So, in that case, it can be seen as a great amplifier for a beginner car enthusiast who is just starting his quest to audio supremacy.
The Rockford Fosgate R500X1D Prime amplifier is audio supremacy personified. It's a truly great sound packaged into a quality unit. This amplifier is good looking and durable. Customers who purchased this product have almost nothing to complain about and can be seen as a universally acclaimed amplifier. Rockford Fosgate reliability will ensure that you will continue to enjoy this amplifier great powerful sound for many years to come.
The R500X1D's big brother, The R600X5 Prime is also a winner on the high-end car sound market. It offers the same great features, but with more power and channels available, you will be able to cause some serious audio damage with this one! The premium price can be a major cause of concern. But there have been some great deals online which makes this amplifier much more desirable.
