In this article we explain how to choose the right amplifier for your car or truck stereo system.
Choosing a Car Audio Amplifier – Do's and Don'ts
Every car audio system has an amplifier of some sort, but most are built into head units. If you’ve ever turned up the volume on your stereo and noticed a lot of distortion, it’s probably because of the underpowered built-in amplifier. The power handling capabilities of your speakers also play a role, but a good amplifier can do wonders for even a standard setup.
If you are looking to upgrade an existing amplifier or install a completely new amplifier, pay attention to the following three main factors:
Amplifiers come in a variety of configurations, and the right number of channels depends on the number of speakers in your sound system. In general, you will need one channel for each speaker you want to amplify. If you are adding a subwoofer to an existing system, a single-channel amplifier will suffice. There are also mono amplifiers with a Class D rating that are specifically designed to use less power and produce less heat when amplifying subwoofers.
