The content of the article:
- How to choose a car amplifier
- Amplifier classes
- Amplifier types
- Amplifier characteristics
- Manufacturing companies
- Single Channel Amp Models
- Dual Channel Amp Models
- Four Channel Amp Models
Music on the road is not a luxury, but a necessity. Without good music, the trip becomes boring. For many car enthusiasts, the musical equipment of the car interior is a kind of passion, and they treat the choice of audio systems with the same care as the selection of the car itself.
An amplifier is extremely important for any audio system, it is he who makes the speakers sound fully. Car amplifiers are a separate class of devices to which certain requirements are imposed. Which of the models were recognized as the best in 2019?
How to choose a car amplifier
Pictured: compact class AB and D amplifiers
Even if the word "radio engineering" is more or less familiar to you, you are still not immune from mistakes in the process of choosing an amplifier. The fact is that, even choosing according to the given characteristics, one can “miss the mark”: some manufacturers deliberately distort information. This is especially true for such characteristics as the power of the device.
The modern range of amplifiers is changing and expanding very intensively. This is logical - this device is in high demand, which means that the manufacturer is trying to expand the production line. Therefore, it makes sense to constantly inquire about new models: it is likely that you will find something interesting.
An important point that is not directly related to the technical characteristics of the model is the method of attachment. If the model is equipped with plastic hinges for fastening, it is better not to purchase it: these fasteners break off easily, especially in winter, when the temperature difference destroys the plastic. As a result, the amplifier that has flown off the mount will dangle in the trunk.
Car amplifiers are classified according to types, classes and technical characteristics.
Amplifier classes
In the photo: car amplifiers from different manufacturers
In fact, there are two classes of amplifiers in demand: AB and D. In addition to them, there are also class A, B and C amplifiers, but we will focus only on the first two, the most popular.
- Class AB. These are analog amplifiers that excel in sound quality. The analog principle of sound transmission is distinguished by a richness of overtones, which is too tough for the digital principle of transmission. For this, it is appreciated by lovers of high-quality sound.
True, the power of amplifiers of this class is small, the efficiency is no more than 65%. As a consequence of the low efficiency, a large amount of heat is generated; analog amplifiers get very hot during operation. And one more drawback is the large size of the device.
- Class D - digital amplifiers. These are devices that are more powerful, but their sound is not as high-quality as that of analog ones. The high power and small dimensions of amplifiers of this class allow them to be used to connect car subwoofers.
Amplifier types
The type of amplifier depends on the number of speaker outputs (channels). The most popular are four-channel and one-channel amplifiers.
A single channel amplifier is usually class D. Purchased to connect a subwoofer. This type is distinguished by high power and small dimensions.
Single channel amplifiers often require a low and high pass filter. This allows you to "cut" sounds that are not perceived by humans, but negatively affect technology and health.
Four-channel amplifiers are used to completely shape the audio system in the car. Such a system assumes the presence of a subwoofer and two or four speakers.
The devices are connected using a bridge: two speaker outputs are used to connect one subwoofer. If it is necessary to use this connection diagram, when choosing an amplifier, it is imperative to clarify whether it supports bridging: older models may not work.
Less commonly, other types of amplifiers are used: two-channel for connecting one subwoofer or two speakers, three-channel for one subwoofer and two speakers, five-channel for a subwoofer and four speakers.
Amplifier characteristics
The most important parameter when choosing an amplifier is its power.
When choosing a model, you need to keep in mind that, as a rule, not quite real numbers are indicated on the box. There is a nominal power (with which the amplifier operates for more than an hour) and a peak power - short-term. On the box, they can indicate both the peak and total power of all channels. The real parameters must be looked for in the passport of the device or in the instructions.
The following characteristics also matter:
- frequency range (usually from 20 Hz to 20 kHz), for a subwoofer the upper threshold does not exceed 250 Hz;
- harmonic distortion factor (should be no more than 1%);
- the level of noise introduced by the device into the sound (75-95 dB);
- the presence of a sensitivity regulator;
- supported impedance (must be greater than the input impedance of the speakers).
Manufacturing companies
As a rule, firms specializing in the production of other automotive electronic devices are engaged in the production of automotive amplifiers.
The following brands are most popular with domestic car owners:
- Pioneer;
- Mystery;
- Kicx;
- Alpine;
- Calcell;
- Sony;
- JPL.
This list is far from complete - there are many other companies that make quality audio electronics. It just so happens that our user trusts more "proven" firms.
In order to bring an objective TOP-2019 of the best car amplifiers, we need to select the best models in each type, otherwise the comparison will not be entirely correct.
Single Channel Amp Models
Pioneer GM-D9601
An amplifier capable of fully expressing all the virtues of your subwoofer. Despite the fact that the model is of a single-channel type and has a very compact size, four low-frequency devices can be connected to it without any problems.
- Peak power: 1600 W @ 2 Ohm resistance, 1000 W @ 1 Ohm resistance.
- Rated power: 500 W (at 4 ohms) and 800 W (at 2 ohms).
The model has a built-in low-frequency filter with a range of 40 - 240 Hz and a bass regulator. The harmonic distortion factor is 0.5%, which is a very good indicator for class D amplifiers.
The model is equipped with short circuit protection.
Of the minuses, you can only name the cost of the amplifier: from 10 to 14 thousand rubles.
Pioneer GM-D8601
Small-sized model of class D. The main difference from competing models is the applied electronic circuit, due to which the device has a low resistance at the output and is characterized by high stability.
Up to four subwoofers can be connected to the model.
- Peak power: 600 W into 3 ohms, 1000 W into 2 ohms.
- Rated power: with a resistance of 3 ohms, the model produces up to 300 watts, with 2 ohms - up to 500 watts.
The disadvantages of the model are sometimes called too high level of harmonic distortion, but this is not an entirely objective approach, because the model is designed to connect a subwoofer, whose purpose is to produce loud sound, and not pay attention to the purity of overtones.
Of the real shortcomings, we can mention the lack of settings and heat sinks. The cost of the model is from 8.5 to 10.5 thousand rubles.
Dual Channel Amp Models
Pioneer GM-A5702
Immediately, we note: the model is not cheap, but it fully justifies the costs of its acquisition.
When used with high-quality acoustic devices, it produces very clear sound in the high and medium range and rich deep bass.
Harmonic distortion is only 0.05%, which brings this car amplifier closer to studio audio equipment.
The class of the model is AB, so you must immediately come to terms with the heavy load on the battery.
- Peak power: 300 watts per channel into 4 ohms.
- Rated power: at a resistance of 4 ohms, 150 W for each of the channels. With a bridged connection - 1000 W at 4 ohms.
Of the minuses of the model, connoisseurs of audio systems note the absence of a filter for the high-frequency range. The cost of the model is from 7 thousand rubles.
Mystery MR-2.75
This amplifier model cannot boast of outstanding characteristics, but its advantage is that the price tag here is not too high and corresponds to the content.
The device is designed for two-channel speaker system, it is characterized by a clearly distinguishable sound of high range and deep bass.
- Rated power: at 2 Ohm impedance - up to 120 W for each channel.
- Peak power: @ 4 ohms - 75 watts per channel.
The amplifier is equipped with two protective circuits: overload and short circuit. Of the advantages, the owners note the absence of sound distortions, the excellent operation of sound filters operating in the frequency range from 50 to 250 Hz.
The class of the model is AB, and therefore, its power consumption is quite large. But this is perhaps the only drawback of Mystery. The cost of the model is from 2.7 thousand rubles.
Four Channel Amp Models
Kicx RTS 4,100
This model stands on a kind of borderline between devices that allow you to get the most out of the audio system, but at the same time retain a more or less acceptable cost, and models that are almost not in demand due to their too high price.
The amplifier can be bridged, delivering up to 190 watts to each of the resulting two channels.
Rated power - 100 W per channel at 4 ohms, 200 W - per channel at 2 ohms.
The rest of the characteristics of this model are standard for its class. The audio range is 20 Hz to 20 kHz (the range audible to the human ear). There is a bass boost mode, a high and low pass filter, a must for multichannel audio systems.
The model has three protection circuits: overheating, short circuit and overheating.
The minus of the model is called only by those who are especially addicted to power: they may really miss it here. Cost - from 5.5 thousand rubles.
Sony XM-S400D
Sony is a company that initially "rose" in the production of audio equipment. Car amplifiers of its manufacture also remain at their best.
This Class D model is characterized by deep and clear sound. Perhaps not everyone will be delighted with the design - a regular rectangular parallelepiped, but you are unlikely to look at the amplifier often, so this can be neglected.
Rated power - 45 W with a resistance of 4 ohms. The bridge connection provides up to 100 watts per channel, and the number of channels is not reduced.
The harmonic distortion coefficient is 0.08%, which is only slightly "below" the studio equipment. Another advantage is the low level of battery consumption, which is due to the class of the amplifier.
Of the minuses of this brainchild, Sony most often mentions the lack of a bass regulator and possible mounting problems. Also, the price is not very happy: from 7.2 thousand rubles.
Summing up
Choosing a car amplifier, it is worth "dancing" on the presence of speakers and (or) a subwoofer, as well as on how sophisticated audiophile you think you are.
Pioneer's single-channel models GM-D9601 and GM-D8601 are suitable for connecting one subwoofer. You can also connect a subwoofer to two-channel Mystery MR-2.75 or Pioneer GM-A570 in a bridge connection.
If you plan to install two speakers or one subwoofer in the car, two-channel Mystery MR-2.75 or Pioneer GM-A570 will do.
If your car has more than a pair of speakers and several subwoofers, it makes sense to look towards the four-channel Sony XM-S400D and Kicx RTS 4,100. These models will be able to add power to both rear and front speakers.
When choosing an amplifier, do not forget that the purest sound is provided by Class A models, but they, being analog, load the battery most of all and heat the cabin.
If the sound quality is very critical for you, it is better to choose AB class models, such as the Pioneer GM-A570 or Mystery MR-2.75.
Good sound is not only and not so much the volume, but also the purity of the sound. Therefore, do not seek to acquire a powerful amplifier without studying its other characteristics. And let good music accompany you on the road!
