Best Amplifiers for Cars in 2021 Review
Car amplifiers have many benefits, and they are very significant for powering speakers with higher sound and better sound quality. Car amplifiers draw quite a large amount of electrical current when used, making them require installations of sufficient power cables, an excellent connection to the car’s ground, signal inputs, and an outstanding fuse. The older Amplifier with an A/B design has poor efficiency. It produces a lot of heat in the car. Still, car amplifiers have been modernized to offer great sound, a much smaller size, run cooly, have installation possibilities with a 90% efficiency.
Most car stereos cannot produce a high power output and offer great sound, excellent volume, and clarity; however, car amplifiers boost a small electrical audio signal to have a higher voltage capable of driving car loudspeakers. Modern car amplifiers use a unique internal power supply to provide their internal circuit with a higher power; these parts then take a conditioned audio signal provided by the stereo, boost it, and deliver it to the speaker’s terminals. These modern car amplifiers typically have a DC-DC (direct current) high power switching off their power supply (makes it possible for them to take a lower voltage and then multiply it several times to produce a higher voltage), a circuit for noise prevention, speaker crossover circuitry, a bridging circuitry and speaker-level input stages (which may not include in some products).
A car amplifier is typically connected by a fuse directly to the car’s battery for the positive wire. In contrast, the negative wire is connected to a clean material connection on the Amplifier’s body. The connection was majorly done because a car’s original wire cannot handle the current level that the amplifier needs during its heavy use. The input stages of the Amplifier allow it to connect to the stereo without the need for RCA jacks; it also prevents terrible noise from the ground loop when amplified and provides high-pass and low-pass crossover functions. Amplifiers have independent audio paths used to create a sound output, and they are used to give a more realistic and fuller sound when listening.
The 8 Best Amplifiers for Cars in 2021 Are Reviewed Below
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A car amplifier is known as the heart of your car’s stereo. We already know that car amplifiers help solve many car audio problems and improve the sound to boost the small signal to a significant movement than our regular car stereos and speakers. We have an extensive range of amplifiers to choose from as many brands have come up with their various designs to choose one for you; however, you should consider things before picking an amplifier to buy.
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- Size of the Amplifier:
While buying an amplifier for your car, you should ensure to choose one that would fit correctly, so you should always think about the physical size of the Amplifier. Do not believe that the bigger the size, the better the sound; due to the advancement of technology, you can get an excellent sound quality from a small-sized amplifier. The primary thing is to ensure it fits where you intend to place it; most amplifiers with the right size have dimensions of 6.73 x 11.18 x 1.83 inches.
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- Wiring of the Amplifier:
You should get grand wiring for your Amplifier, the best wiring made from copper. Copper is a better conductor of electricity than aluminum, making OFC (Oxygen Free Copper) a king in being an excellent wiring material.
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- Amplifier Feature Set:
Whatever Amplifier you are buying should perform the function for which it’s gotten, your Amplifier should have high-level inputs for a direct connection to your factory deck, and It should also have a stable ohm load.
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- Powering:
You should ensure your Amplifier is perfect with your ohm load that you intend to wire it with, ensure that you do not get a monoblock for a two or four-channel amplification. Amplifiers should have crossovers that are compatible with the applications you need.
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- Warranty:
Before you buy an amplifier, you should ensure the distributor is certified because if the distributor is not certified, the manufacturer would not know if it has been damaged before purchasing.
Having put these things into consideration, we have reviewed and listed the best amplifiers for cars you can get in the market and offer you excellent sound quality.
1
BOSS Audio Systems R1100M Monoblock Car Amplifier
Monoblocks in the amplifier market have been people’s choice for a long time, and the BOSS R1100M is a top class. The MOSFET option of this model makes it unique and sets it as a best seller in the Riot series, and it is made so well with a considerable price. The installation of the Amplifier is easy. You have to connect the power to the closest point of the car’s chassis, and you should keep your ground wire at 39 inches maximum and use an eight gauge wire. It has a low-pass crossover which adds a filter that helps remove all notes that are below your frequency settings.
The Boss R1100M has a maximum output power of 1100 Watts while at 2 ohms which goes into one channel and gives 4 ohms full output power at 550 Watts. This Amplifier has been designed to do just what you have purchased it to do for you in your car. We are told that speaker levels are mostly referred to as high-level inputs; and are needed to connect the Amplifier. It comes with low-level inputs known as RCA inputs, which help secure the R110M with its source with the RCA interconnect cables.
The R1100M has a variable bass boost, which gives the user a choice to adjust the low bass within the boost range just how you like it. It has a 9.1 x 10.4 x 2.3 inches dimension, which gives it a slim design that allows it to fit into various places.
Key Features:
- Low-level inputs (RCA inputs)
- It offers a variety of bass boost choices
- Compact and slim design
- Low pass crossover
- Three years platinum warranty
- Maximum power of 1100 Watts at 2-ohm output
- MOSFET power supply
Specification:
- Brand: BOSS
- Product Dimension: 9.13 X 10.44 X 2.25 inches
- Color: Black
- Watts: 1100 watts
- Product Weight: 2.67 kilograms
Pros
- User can adjust bass boost to fit choice within the boost range
- It offers a slim design to fit into many places
- Allows you can keep high notes out
- It can also provide 850 watts at 2 ohms
- It has a subwoofer remote control
- Subsonic filter
Cons
- It can only be used for one channel
2
KICKER 46CXA8001 CXA800.1 800 Watt Mono Class
The Kicker 46CXA8001 comes with an amplifier and a complete OFC installation wire kit from Rockville gauge. The KICKER 46CXA8001 is a mono class D car audio amplifier with a three-second on and off function to remove all unwanted interference with a variable 12dB and crossovers that produce a perfect sound. It also has a KickEQ of 6dB variable bass boost that adds additional low frequencies to the Amplifier and a 24dB subsonic filter that protects the frequencies.
It works nearly for every radio and is designed for cars with over 1000 to 2000 watts. It is made from 100% virgin copper that enhances its uninterrupted transfer of signal and power; it also comes with a solid brass that is gold plated for a more high-powered system. It accepts up to 40 volts of input speaker level, allowing flexibility that makes line-out converters unnecessary. It offers 1-ohm stability, more power, and wiring options for your sound system.
Key Features:
- Class D audio amplifier
- 12dB variable crossovers
- KickEQ 6dB variable bass boost
Specification:
- Brand: KICKER
- Product dimension: 11.7 x 8.8 x 3.6 inches
- Color: Black
- Product weight: 11.98 pounds
- Watts: 800 watts
Pros
- Has three-second turn on and off delay to remove the unnecessary interface
- 6dB variable bass boost to provide additional low frequencies
- It has a smaller footprint that makes it easy for installation
- It has a 24dB subsonic filter, which allows the protection of any potential damaging frequencies
- Can work with nearly every radio
Cons
- It can only work for one channel
3
Rockford Fosgate R500X1D Prime
The Rockford Fosgate R500X1D is a top seller in the brand’s prime series because of its improved efficiency and power compared to other products from the exceptional series. Most users perceive it as reliable because it does an excellent job keeping the bass kicking very hard while still maintaining massive sound quality. It can fire up your car’s audio system to a maximum impact that suits what you are looking for in an amplifier. The ability of the R500X1D to keep the bass kicking is powered by 500 watts that go into one channel at 2 Ohms, and it can also be in 300 watts at 4 Ohms.
The Class D monoblock amplifiers are generally known to be more efficient than other classes because they can concert input analog signal into a waveform with their MOSFET power supply. Amplifiers have an enormous influence on a car’s audio sound delivery. The R500X1D has a high SNR (signal-to-noise-ratio) ratings as it shows that its sound quality is outstanding; it uses an output filter designed to optimize its audio sound. This Amplifier also has an RCA output that enables you to connect an extensive range of audio components. The Amplifier is built with a compact, small and resilient body to prevent overheating or shutting down during a high performance.
Key Features:
- Massive power performance
- Excellent power efficiency
- MOSFET power supply
- High Signal-to-Noise-Ratio
Specification:
- Brand: Rockford Fosgate
- Product Dimension: 8.50 x 6.80 x 2 inches
- Color: Black
- Product Weight:
- Watts: 500 Watts
Pros
- It can switch on and off quickly
- It offers a high power design with a high SNR
- It comes with a remote punch control that reduces its current use
- High durability and build quality
- Quick and easy to install and also fit perfectly into small cars
- Ease of control over the audio aspect from your seat
- High flexibility
- Does not produce damaging heat that can affect car battery and audio components
Cons
- Some people complain of LED light is too bright
- It does not come with mounting screws
4
Rockville 3000 Watt Peak
Having a two-channel amplifier is not precisely ordinary as most producers go for the monoblocks; the Rockville RPA9 is a massive 3000 Watts powered Amplifier with two channels of professional and a DJ rack mount. Its body design is exquisite as it is bridged and has a stereo output switch that can take two or four speakers and two subwoofers. It also features an inbuilt crossover switch that makes it perfect for these monitors, speakers, and subwoofers; the Amplifier’s front has the power, overload, signal, clipping, and LED protection indicators.
The Rockville RPA9 is built with heavy rack mount ears that also have handles, and it has inbuilt dual high-velocity cooling fans that are quiet while they run their duties. The maximum headroom for this Amplifier is for 4 Ohms and 8 Ohms speakers with controls for precise matching and sensitivity. It has a computerized protection circuit that allows it to deliver peak power while still preventing overloads. This Amplifier combines powerfully excellent efficiency, outstanding sound, and lightweight in the most remarkable manner.
Key Features:
- 2 Channel Professional and DJ Rackmount
- Inbuilt crossover switch
- Strong rack mount ears with handles
- 3000 Watts peak performance
Specification:
- Brand: Rockville
- Product Dimension: 18.97 x 13.97 x 3.54 inches
- Color: Black
- Product Weight: 20.1 pounds
- Watts: 3000 Watts
Pros
- Offers a maximum headroom of 4 Ohms and 8 Ohms
- It has inbuilt relatively high-velocity cooling fans
- Controls for settings and matching its sensitivity
- Computerized protection circuitry to prevent overloads
- High-quality Signal-to-Noise-Ratio
Cons
- It may be too big for some rack size
5
BOSS Audio Systems R1002 Car Amplifier
Talk about power in a supposed small body frame of an amplifier; the BOSS R1002 offers you a maximum output of 200 Watts at 2 Ohms right into two channels and can also go 100 watts at 4 Ohms still to two tracks. BOSS amplifiers are known for having high speaker level inputs known as high-level inputs, and the R1002 is no exception. These speaker-level inputs make it possible for the R1002 to be connected to your radio that does not have RCA inputs; it can also be connected to the source unit using low-level (RCA) interconnect cables. It has the great Class A/B feature with linear circuitry for more outstanding sound quality and improved efficiency.
The Amplifier has another variable input gain control that makes the amplifier input signal match with the output to produce an optimum sound performance. With a six years warranty, you are assured of getting a standard and company-recognized product from here. It also has our exquisite power supply from the MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors) power supply, enabling the Amplifier to switch quickly.
Key Features:
- MOSFET power supply
- Offers two channels at 200/100 watts at 2/4 Ohms respectively
- Allows both High and Low-level inputs
- Class A/B feature
Specification:
- Brand: BOSS
- Product Dimension: 5.3 x 9 x 2 inches
- Color: Black
- Product Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Watts: 200 watts
Pros
- It has an enhanced sound performance
- Ability to switch quickly with the use of MOSFET power supply
- Can reduce the distortions in the sound projections
- Offers clear sound
- Very affordable
Cons
- It is not bridgeable
6
Blaupunkt 1500W 4-Channel, Full-Range Amplifier
A 1500 watts maximum full-range amplifier is a great power performance product with its slim body design that can easily fit perfectly into any type of truck. It has the incredible ability to boost the audio system that gives you an entire house party feels in your car. With a four-channel, you can have a broader range of outputs, and an optimized 150 watt RMS output helps maximize its power output.
The Blaupunkt 1500 watts amplifier with 4-channel embodies a design of over 90 years of excellence and innovation that has been known to exist in Blaupunkt products.
Key Features:
- 1500 watts with 4-channel
- Slim body design
- Full range amplifier
- 2 Ohms stability
- Class AB amplifier
- 90dB Signal-To-Noise Ratio
Specification:
- Brand: Blaupunkt
- Product Dimension: 4.09 x 1.36 x 7.02 inches
- Color: Black
- Product Weight: 0.03 Pounds
- Watts: 1500 watts
Pros
- It gives an optimized output performance
- Huge boost in sound quality
- Its body size fits perfectly into most trucks
Cons
- It has only RCA inputs and does not have high-level inputs
7
Rockville dB45 3200 Watt/800w CEA RMS 4 Channel Amplifier Car Stereo Amplifier
When you are looking for a budget-friendly amplifier that still offers an excellent level of performance, Rockville dB45 is one of the few products that fit into that category. With its great affordability comes a capability to power speakers to produce a significant amount of quality sound. This outstanding performance is made possible with its 3200 watts, and 1600w RMS spread across the 4-channels it came with. Its high performance is further boosted with a high-speed MOSFET power supply, making the Amplifier not overheat during use.
The Rockville dB45 is one of the best 4-channel Amplifiers you can get in the market without breaking a bank, and it has a high-pass and low filter that balances deep bass and high trebles. It is packed with all the materials you would need for setup and installation, giving you the ease of mounting it in your car.
Key Features:
- 3200 watts output into 4-channels
- MOSFET power supply
- Low and high-pass filter
Specification:
- Brand: Rockville
- Product Dimension: 3 x 3 x 3 inches
- Color: Black
- Product Weight: 13.52 inches
- Watts: 3200 watts
Pros
- It has an excellent output that is perfect for its price
- It has crossovers and filters that help gives it an excellent sound quality
- Has top mount dials that allow easy access
- It provides loads of power with stability
- Does not overheat or come short during the performance
Cons
- Has a heavy built
- It does not allow bridging at less than 4 Ohms
8
Lanzar Amplifier Car Audio Amplifier Monoblock
Lanzar car amplifier boosts excellent crossover network and frequency response rates that sets it in a different class than other car amplifiers. It is a high-powered amplifier that cuts the edge of classic audio technology with its specialized sound quality and ensures a secure connection with the speakers and Amplifier that does not allow distortion of sounds. It has an intelligent design that includes power and protection LED indicators and a soft on/off button.
It has RCA jacks that make it possible for the Amplifier to build multiple systems without using splitter cords that help distribute the signal. Unlike most monoblock, the Lanzar mono amplifier is designed to offer excellent performance at a pocket-friendly price.
Key Features:
- Electronic crossover network
- Low pass filter controls
- Protection and power LED indicators
- MOSFET power supply
- 90dB Signal-to-Noise-Ratio
Specification:
- Brand: Lanzar
- Product Dimension: 12.99 x 8.81 x 2.24 inches
- Color: Black
- Product Weight: 5.06 Pounds
- Watts: 3000 watts
Pros
- It has the best nickel-plated RCA connectors
- Line-out jacks that can connect a large number of amplifiers easily
- Has an excellent frequency response
- Excellent crossover features
- Very affordable
Cons
- It is not bridgeable
Buying Guide Questions
Most people believe that their car’s stereo is enough to power their speakers, however, powering your sound system with the right amount of energy from amplifiers can show you a lot of difference. Amplifiers intend to provide your speakers with the power they need to produce the crisp and great sound you are looking for. We have carefully answered the most common Qs we thought you might have to assist you in deciding the type of Amplifier to choose that would provide you that outstanding sound output.
Which brand amplifier is the best for the car?
We have established that amplifiers for cars have been improved and upgraded to carry out more fantastic functions over the years. You might be looking for something to help you with sound quality or add more real bass to your stereo, making it necessary for you to get an amplifier. We have a pretty extensive range of amplifiers from different brands that offer their unique performances. We will look at the best brands of amplifiers available in the market with their exceptional qualities.
BOSS AUDIO
BOSS Audio company has been manufacturing video and audio products for over 50 years and has been consistent with its goal of delivering robust and clean sound. They offer a wide range of various amplifiers to suit your different needs in your quest to boost your car’s audio system, all at affordable prices. They have products that offer watts as much as 3,400 and are known for producing amplifiers with MOSFET power supply, high and low-level inputs, bass boost, and an excellent crossover. They also have amplifiers that are monoblock, 2-channels, and 4-channels; some of their products include BOSS Audio systems R1002, R1100M car amplifier, and so on.
ROCKFORD FOSGATE
Another well-recognized car amplifier is Rockford Fosgate; it has also built its reputation over long years of the dynamic and extraordinary product range. They, however, offer more excellent sound quality for a more excellent price range due to their products being equipped with a better component than their components. Their amplifiers also feature a distinct case design that allows them to disperse heat from performance effectively than their counterparts. They have the Rockford Fosgate Punch BRT, which comes in mono, 2, and 4 channels with 300 watts output. They also have a MOSFET power supply that boosts their power more effectively, and they have also conformed to CEA-2006 standards. The Rockford Fosgate R500X1D Prime is another product from the company that offers a great deal of performance for the price.
How many amps do I need for my car audio system?
Needing an amplifier to elaborate the sound quality of your car audio system has become a recent requirement to boost car stereos’ sound: the more power an amplifier delivers, the clearer and crispier the sound of the car audio system. You do not need more than one Amplifier for a car, but to make up the needs of your car speakers and stereo, you can get an amplifier that has 4, 5, or 6 channels to give you more sound options. Each amplifier channel drives one speaker, so you can get an amplifier with more than one channel if you want to power more speakers.
What is an excellent cheap car amplifier?
Amplifiers are not as expensive as getting car speakers and car stereos; however, we have a significant price range that might not fit into some other people’s budget. The cheapest and good performance is the BOSS R1100M monoblock, which costs $50 in most stores. The R1100M monoblock is a class A/B and offers excellent performance for its price value; it features speaker-level inputs, unlike some other products of its price range, and comes with a remote that you can find more expensive products.
How do I choose an amplifier for my car stereo?
You might be overwhelmed by the possibility of the number of amplifier choices that are before you being a first-time buyer. You might be wondering what you have to look for in an amplifier before buying it for your car. First, you have to different Class A and B amplifier features, and if you would want to use the Amplifier to power just speakers and subwoofers. And if you would like to get a single amplifier to control them. You should consider:
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- BUDGET
Compared to car speakers, stereos, and car subwoofers, an amplifier is not as expensive. You can get amplifiers from $50 upwards, depending on your pockets and budget.
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- CHANNELS
The amount of power you intend to use the Amplifier to authority is necessary to determine the type you choose to buy. Amplifiers come in different channels that provide other functions; the monoblock amplifiers are best known for delivering power to just one subwoofer but still work perfectly for your speakers. The 2-channel Amplifier is best for powering a subwoofer and another pair of speakers; simultaneously, the 4-channels are very useful for a subwoofer and two teams of speakers and are very functional in bridging.
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- IMPEDANCE
If you intend to match your subwoofers or your speakers to your Amplifier, you should go for an amplifier with speaker-level inputs to give you more functionality and sound performance.
Do 8 ohms speakers sound better?
The impedance level of a speaker is vital for the level of sound quality it produces. It is crucial to match your speaker impedance with that of your Amplifier to run more efficiently. An 8 Ohms speaker does not require much power to run like 4 ohms, and an amplifier needs more power as they play at more loudness, and that is where the 8 Ohms speaker comes in. You have to use an 8 Ohms speaker with an amplifier that matches its level of impedance. 8 Ohms speaker does not allow the AVR to be burdened.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the best amplifiers for your car to help boost your car audio system. However, it is tough to recommend a particular amplifier brand because of the difference in stereo needs. We have listed notable brands that offer quality amplifiers, such as the BOSS, Rockford Fosgate, Rockville, etc. Amplifiers also need a professional hand in installing them; you are advised to seek professional assistance in installing them. They also do not need to cost a fortune to buy, and we have reviewed amplifiers that are very affordable and are guaranteed to offer you impressive performances. Choosing a suitable amplifier can be tricky because of the long list of alternatives and brands out in the market, but we have shortlisted the best products for you. We recommend you choose an amplifier with a low pass filter adjustment that gives you better control over the workload of your Amplifier.
You can check out this post on Best Subwoofers Amplifiers
And this post about Best 6×9 Car Speakers
And this on Best 5-Channel Amplifiers