Rules for choosing an amplifier for a subwoofer installed in a car

Motorists who cannot imagine roads without good music take care of installing a high-quality audio system in their car. Listening comfort is just as important as the presence of your favorite tracks in the playlist, which means that careful selection of components to improve acoustics is indispensable. Many people have enough standard equipment with a car radio tape recorder or just good speakers, while others get them in addition to subwoofers with a built-in amplifier, without bothering with laying wires throughout the cabin, but true connoisseurs of high quality sound, bass, volume and complete immersion in music approach with special scrupulousness to the selection of each component of the audio system. When searching for equipment, one also has to take into account the peculiarities of the car's interior, because the considerable dimensions of the devices sometimes create inconveniences for passengers.

An important element of the speaker system is a sound amplifier. It is a critical component in creating a full sound. The amplifier is designed to increase the level of the input sound signal to a certain value, and the quality of the equipment, as well as the compliance of its characteristics with the parameters of other elements, directly depends on how good the playback of music tracks will be. There are countless numbers of all kinds of amplifiers of different types and brands on the audio market today. How to choose a car amplifier correctly, what criteria should be relied on when making a purchase, we will consider below.

Purpose and technical parameters

In fact, the amplifier increases not only the volume, but also the sound quality, even when playing quietly. Therefore, the installation of equipment will be useful both for lovers of deafening music and for motorists who prefer a moderate listening mode.

When playing audio tracks at extremely high volume without using an amplifier, sound distortion is usually observed. This is due to the discrepancy between the output power of the elements of the speaker system and the coefficient of nonlinear distortion. Even the most modern car audio equipment with built-in amplifiers does not give the results that can be obtained by additionally installing a good amplifier. The high power output of the device provides increased sound clarity and increases the upper threshold of volume, which is beyond the control of a standard radio.

Amplifiers differ in many ways. They can have a different number of channels that are used depending on the connection scheme, that is, the number of connected subwoofers and speakers. Structurally, the devices are divided into digital and analog. The first process a digital signal, the second - an electrical one. The digital amplifier will allow you to personally select the adjustable parameters and memorize the frequency characteristics for a specific speaker of acoustics.

Devices are selected taking into account the main parameters, power and frequency range. It is the output power that is the main indicator when choosing which should take into account the front and rear speakers. For speakers, this parameter should be 75 - 100 W, and for a subwoofer 150 - 300 W. The frequency characteristics of the device allow you to adjust the sound of the acoustics according to the features of the car interior. They allow you to attenuate the frequencies that interact with the elements of the cabin, and amplify when sound is absorbed by the interior components.

Criterias of choice

The key to optimal speaker performance is choosing the right amplifier. Sound quality can only be achieved if the technical parameters of all components are met. When selecting a pair for a passive type subwoofer, you should pay attention to the power of the amplifier. The right choice for acoustics requires high quality sound from the instrument. Of course, the manufacturer of the device also plays an important role. There are many of them on the audio equipment market, but it is better to give preference to proven brands that have been specializing in the production of these products for more than a dozen years. Let's consider how to choose an amplifier for speakers in a car and what criteria must be considered first of all.

Amplification class

Devices are classified according to the level of signal distortion and, taking into account the efficiency, efficiency as follows:

1. Class A. Devices of this group are distinguished by high sound quality, this is the most correct way of amplification, but they have low efficiency, they emit and consume a lot of heat. They are not used in cars, which is due to the high level of noise generation in the cabin, therefore, it is unlikely that it will be possible to evaluate the sound quality at a low playback volume.
2. Class B. Devices with indicators opposite to the previous class, they demonstrate high power, thermal stability, but they do not differ in sound purity and are close, therefore, they also did not receive distribution for installation in cars.
3. Class AB. The most optimal option, most often used in car salons. Mixed class devices have a balanced rating of A and B classes, with average characteristics of power, sound purity and efficiency.
4. Class D. Digital devices use a completely different method of sound amplification. Previously, such devices were used to amplify low frequency signals; today, wideband amplifiers are more often used. They are distinguished by high power with compact dimensions, small sound distortion, but in terms of purity they are still inferior to class AB, besides, their cost is much higher.

There are other classes of devices (G, C, T and others), but they are not used in cars. To understand how to choose an amplifier for a car, you need to decide on your own requirements for the speaker system. The optimal ratio of AB class parameters will suit connoisseurs of the quality of music reproduction, lovers of thunderous sound from the cabin, which is heard even outside the visibility of the car, the D class amplifier is suitable.

Number of channels

Devices equipped with a power supply and a processor differ in the number of channels. Ideally, each speaker should be connected to its own channel, but in circuits that use passive crossovers, it is possible to connect multiple sources to the same channel. The minimum of channels of a sound amplification device for a car is 2, this is how much the sound tracks of music tracks use.

1. Front + rear speakers. The most common connection scheme that uses 4-channel car amplifiers. Thus, a surround type of sound is achieved, while all the richness of the sound is pulled back, and a subwoofer must be connected to reproduce low-frequency bass.
2. Front speakers + subwoofer. The most common scheme in cars due to the optimal ratio of sound quality parameters. In this case, 3 - 4 channels of amplification are required or 2 + a bridge that combines two channels into one.
3. Front + rear speakers + sub. To make a connection according to this scheme, 5 or 6 (4 + bridge) amplification channels are required.
4. Multimedia circuit for the cinema in the car. The circuit is provided by amplifiers having 6 or 7 (5 + bridge) channels and includes front, rear, sub and center speakers.

It is most advisable to use 2-channel amplifiers, but a 4-channel or 6-channel device is quite suitable as a budget option.

Amplifier power

This parameter is most important when buying an amplifier for a car. The value can be nominal or maximum (denoted by RMS and PMPO). Manufacturers have a lot of options to overestimate the indicators, because the conditions under which the parameter is determined are usually not indicated. The value of the rated power is determined at 1% nonlinear distortion, and the maximum without taking them into account, for this reason, only the rated power has weight when choosing a device.

The parameter is indicated at a certain load resistance, as a rule, for car audio systems it is 4 ohms, but if the connected components have a different resistance, this is important to take into account, because if the ratio of indicators is incorrect, the connection of inappropriate components may even threaten the device failure. The recommended channel power is 70 - 120% of the acoustics power, an amplifier with more powerful characteristics will lead to a loss of sound quality, while a device with a low indicator simply will not cope with its task.

Rated power can be found in the passport of the device, while on the case, as a rule, information about the maximum power is indicated. You should not trust the last value, because this is just a good marketing ploy, designed to increase sales at the expense of uninformed buyers. The power output significantly degrades the sound quality, so the pursuit of it will ultimately be disappointing.

In addition to the above criteria, when choosing, you should pay attention to the presence of built-in fans, as well as all kinds of volume controls and sound options. At the same time, equipping the device with additional functionality will also add its cost.

Rating of the best amplifiers

Top amplifiers can help you navigate when buying a device. This includes the best devices for enhancing the power and sound quality of car speaker systems.

Pioneer GM A3602

The device, without a doubt, is the best budget option for an amplifier for car acoustics, it is distinguished by its compact dimensions. The power of the two-channel device is 60 W per channel, it can work in bridged connection. The device is not enriched with extensive functionality, but it has all the most necessary options. The frequency filters in Pioneer GM A units provide fine tuning of the connected components, and the input signal recognition function simplifies installation.

Alpine PMX F640

The four-channel amplifier will definitely please the owner with the sound quality, it is compact and low in price, taking into account the high quality characteristics. The model has a power of 50 W per channel and 150 W bridged. There is a high-level input, which allows using the device in standard systems, as well as a line-out to one more amplifier.

DLS RM30

Three-channel amplifier with good sound quality. Usually 4-channel devices are used to implement the "Front-sub" scheme, while two of them are connected by a bridge and work for a subwoofer. The design of the DLS RM30 assumes that one of the channels with the higher power is subwoofer. The device is easy to configure, has a compact size, and, when properly combined with acoustics, shows its full potential.

Alpine MRX-M240

Powerful class D digital type mono amplifier for subwoofer. The device has overcurrent, overvoltage and thermal protection, and is equipped with many additional functions. With such an amplifier, the car interior turns into a club, however, the price for the pleasure is rather big.

Of course, the rating of car amplifiers does not include the entire list of worthy options. The audio market offers many more high quality models from well-known brands. Brands popular today in Russia, such as Kicx, Pioneer, Alpine, Hertz, Mystery, Calcell, are famous for the high quality of their products and, having won a reputation, they value it. When buying, be sure to take into account not only the declared characteristics, but also the manufacturer's reliability, and having understood the types and basic parameters of car amplifiers, it will not be difficult for you to make a choice in favor of a device that best suits your audio system.