Rating of the best car audio amplifiers for 2022

Many people spend most of their day in the car. So that driving or traffic jams are not boring and tiring, drivers are saved by listening to their favorite music. But conventional radios cannot please with high-quality sound or high volume. For this reason, many install subwoofers. But along with this, it is necessary to choose a good sound amplifier, without this component, the owner will not be able to enjoy his favorite music, but will only get wheezing or incomprehensible interference by turning on his favorite song at maximum volume.

What is an amplifier for?

Many car owners cannot enjoy loud music while driving. At first glance, the problem can be solved by buying a good radio and speakers. But again, unnecessary interference arises, one has only to turn up the volume. Motorists who are not versed in acoustic systems will blame the speakers, which, in their opinion, turned out to be not so high quality, because the radio tape recorder has sufficient power.

In fact, the power indicated by the manufacturer of the radio is maximum and is given out for a short period of time, and this is not enough to listen to loud music, this causes squeaks, noises or wheezing. Also, the signal from the radio to the speakers gets distorted. To eliminate these distortions, as well as to amplify the radio signal, a car audio amplifier is needed.

If we talk about the device of the amplifier, then it consists of four components. To form and regulate the voltage in the device has a power supply. There are also two blocks that process input and output signals and a driver. First, the signal enters the input signal block, here the signal is “checked” for distortion and removed. After that, the driver will divide the received signal and amplify it. The signal will now be passed to the output signal block.

Where and how best to install

When installing such a device in a car, the main thing is to choose the right place.This place should not only provide protection from moisture and the possibility of mechanical damage, but should also allow the amplifier to cool. At the same time, the amplifier should not create inconvenience and discomfort, both for the driver and his passengers. It is also necessary to take into account that wires will need to be pulled to the device, which must be correctly positioned, otherwise white noise will occur.

Now you can consider the main places where you can install the amplifier, and all the advantages and disadvantages of a certain location of the device. Quite often they are installed under the front seat. So the unit will be quite close to the source of energy and the source of sound, which is a significant plus. Also, such an installation will not “steal” a useful place in the car. But under the car seat there will not be enough air circulation and free space, which will lead to overheating. In addition, the unit will be far away from the speakers and subwoofer.

In sedans, the amplifier can be installed under the shelf in the trunk or under the rear window. So the device will receive enough air, which will not lead to overheating. Since there is enough space there, a large power unit can be installed, and the owner of the vehicle will have access to both the device and the wiring. At the same time, such an installation will not take up the necessary space, it will simply make the back wall a little thicker. The main disadvantage here can be a thin back wall. Due to this, the device cannot be securely fixed, and when driving on uneven roads, rattling or vibration may occur.Also, the case will constantly beat, which will subsequently lead to distortion of the reproduced sound or even to a short circuit.

It will be quite convenient to mount the unit on one of the side walls of the trunk. This method is very convenient, both for installing the amplifier itself and for connecting the wiring. At the same time, the device will not occupy useful space in the trunk and will not spoil the appearance, and it is also worth noting that air will always pass to the unit and will not allow it to overheat. But at the same time, the amplifier will be far from the power source and the sound source, which is a disadvantage.

Those who like to stand out and emphasize their individuality can install the unit on the trunk lid. This method will allow the device to get enough air without stealing free space. But at the same time, this option is not very reliable. Firstly, the trunk lid is not thick enough, so the screwed parts will loosen after a while and will rattle. Also because of this, the trunk lid can be deformed, and it will not close tightly. Well, do not forget that moisture can get on the device. In addition, such an installation is very difficult, while there are difficulties with connecting the wiring. Wires can crack with temperature changes, which will lead to a short circuit.

A fairly practical way is to install on the back of the rear seat. This is a fairly simple method that does not take much effort, and in this case the unit will receive the necessary air and will not overheat. The amplifier will be close to the speakers, will not take up usable space and will be securely mounted due to the metal panel on the seats.The disadvantages of this method include the fact that the unit will be far from sound and power sources, as well as creases may occur on the wires.

Types of car audio amplifiers

First of all, such aggregates can be classified into classes. The purest sound is given by A-class devices. But they have a small percentage of efficiency, which varies between 20-30%. Therefore, most of the sound will be lost. Also, these options are expensive. Due to this, they are not very popular among drivers.

The next class is B. In comparison with the previous version, there is a little more power here, but the sound has some distortion. For this reason, this option is not used in cars. There is also a C-class, which has a high efficiency, but at the same time greatly distorts the sound.

The modern version, which has digital signal processing, belongs to the D-class. This option has a compact size, does not greatly distort the sound and has a high efficiency.

But still, AB-class models are more popular. They are analog devices that combine A-class frequency with B-class power. But such models are quite large and get very hot during operation.

In addition, amplifiers are classified by the number of channels. Single channel models are used with subwoofers. They have a fairly high power, but the sound quality is not high. Such models in most cases need a filter for high and low frequencies. This will remove sounds that are not perceived by human hearing, however, they have a detrimental effect on technology, as well as human health.

Models with three or two channels allow you to connect two speakers and a subwoofer. They can function perfectly with low-resistance loads, and thanks to the bridge connection, a high level of power is obtained.

The 4-channel option is the most popular among users. Such models are a power supply that has outputs to two two-channel units. With their help, you can make various connections, for example, four speakers or two speakers and one subwoofer, as well as two subwoofers. Therefore, such models are not only practical in operation, but also allow you to enjoy the high-quality sound of your favorite music.

There are also options with five and six channels, but they are not very popular among buyers.

How to choose

When choosing an amplifier for a car, you should not disregard certain parameters that play a rather important role. First of all, this is the power of the model. Manufacturers indicate the nominal and maximum power. Pay attention to the nominal value. Verified manufacturers in most cases put a certificate, which indicates the serial number of the product and the power measurement made at the factory.

You also need to pay attention to the harmonic distortion factor, which is denoted by THD. The sound frequency will depend on this indicator, so the smaller it is, the better. It is better to ask to connect the device and listen to its sound.

Do not disregard the build quality and manufacturer. Proven companies that have proven themselves in the market are unlikely to disappoint in the future.Also, certain models can be designed to be installed in a certain place, in this case, it is better to think in advance whether you can fix the device in this part of the vehicle.

The best inexpensive car amplifiers

ACV LX-2.60

This model is class AB and dual channel type. With it, you can easily optimize the sound system in your car. The ACV LX-2.60 can be connected to two speakers or to a subwoofer using a bridged connection.

When playing a melody, the user will not hear distortion or noise that will not allow you to enjoy your favorite composition. Due to the fact that the "ACV LX-2.60" has a built-in crossover, low frequencies will be "cut off", and the sound will be evened out. So that the user can adjust the bass, there is a remote control. There is also a Stereo Separation function here. Due to this, during operation, distortions will not occur or they will be minimized.

The minimum sound frequency of the ACV LX-2.60 is 30 Hz, and the maximum is 30,000 Hz. The maximum power of the product is 500 watts. The case of "ACV LX-2.60" is made of aluminum. Due to this, the product easily conducts heat, and then dissipates, so you don’t have to worry about overheating of the device. The size of "ACV LX-2.60" is 22*21*5.3 cm, which allows installation both in the trunk and under the floor or behind the seat back.

The average cost is 2800 rubles.

• Rugged housing;
• Compact size;
• The presence of a bass control;
• Pure sound.

• Not detected.

Swat M-2.65

This model will be an ideal solution for those who like to enjoy loud music. This two-channel model has one line output, low and high pass filtering.And due to the fact that "Swat M-2.65" belongs to class AB, the user will not receive sound distortion or noise. "Swat M-2.65" reproduces frequencies in the range from 10 to 20,000 Hz, and its maximum power is 320 watts.

"Swat M-2.65" can be installed in any vehicle, and this process does not take much time and does not require additional skill, so anyone can install the device. Do not disregard the high-quality assembly of the product, the manufacturer used here not only the best materials, but also modern technologies. Also "Swat M-2.65" has protection against overheating, short circuit and overload. Thanks to this, such a unit will serve its owner for many years.

The average cost is 3200 rubles.

• Compact size;
• The presence of a frequency filtering function;
• The ability to enhance the bass;
• Rugged and reliable construction.

• Not detected.

The Best Mid-Range Car Amplifiers

Digma DPC-410

This model is a 4-channel D-class amplifier with bridging capability. It is worth noting that the distortion factor does not exceed 0.5%, and the maximum power is 480 watts. Thanks to this, the user can enjoy loud music, which will not be accompanied by noise or interference.

"Digma DPC-410" reproduces frequencies in the range from 20 to 20,000 Hz, and the signal-to-noise ratio is 70 dB. There is also a built-in crossover that cuts unwanted frequencies, while making the sound cleaner. In addition, the manufacturer has installed a protection system in this model that will prevent the unit from overheating or prevent a short circuit from occurring.

The average cost is 4500 rubles.

• Build quality;
• Stylish design;
• High sound quality;
• Circuit protection.

• May heat up.

Ural AKM 2.120

A distinctive feature of this model is a very compact size, which is 32 * 4 * 19.8 cm. Ural AKM 2.120 has two channels and belongs to the AB class.

The reproducible frequency range of this model varies from 10 to 60,000 Hz. To make it convenient for the user to adjust all parameters to their wishes, there is a wide bandpass filter, where you can independently adjust the upper and lower limits. It is also worth noting that the harmonic distortion coefficient does not exceed 0.05%. Due to this, while listening to music, the user will not receive sound distortion or noise.

The average cost is 5200 rubles.

• Wide frequency range;
• Compact size;
• Assembly;
• Positive feedback from buyers.

• Not detected.

Kicx SP 4.80AB

This model is a four-channel class AB amplifier. "Kicx SP 4.80AB" is a very mobile unit, since its dimensions are 21.5 * 39 cm. The rated power at a load of 4 ohms is 80 W, you can also install a bridge connection here. In this case, the power will be 240 watts.

It should not be ignored that there is a frequency filter here, and the coefficient of hormonal distortion is 0.01%. Therefore, the user will be able to enjoy their favorite music without distortion and interference. "Kicx SP 4.80AB" reproduces frequencies in the range from 20 to 20,000 Hz. And due to the fact that the signal / noise ratio is 88 dB, the output will receive a clear and loud sound.

The average cost is 5200 rubles.

• Power;
• Compact size;
• sound quality;
• Positive feedback from buyers.

• Heats up in hot weather.

The best car amplifiers

Hertz Marine HCP 4M

This four-channel D-class amplifier will appeal to the most demanding customers. This model works stably at a load of 2 ohms, while its power is 4 * 250 W, and the signal / noise ratio is 105 dB. It should be noted that "Hertz Marine HCP 4M" can work both with a bridge connection and in normal mode. There are additional outputs with which you can connect to any device. Also "Hertz Marine HCP 4M" has a built-in crossover, it can be used to configure any pair of channels. So that the user can adjust the sound of the lower registers to their desires, there is a bass boost circuit. The occurrence of extraneous noise during operation is minimized due to the fact that this unit has a differential balanced output design.

"Hertz Marine HCP 4M" has a cast aluminum body, it is resistant to mechanical damage and does not corrode. To protect the unit from overheating, the manufacturer installed cooling radiators on the side panels. They work effectively in both horizontal and vertical installations.

The size of "Hertz Marine HCP 4M" is 21.5 * 19 * 5 cm, and the weight is 1.94 kg.

The average cost is 20,000 rubles.

• sound quality;
• Powerful bass;
• Rugged housing;
• Cooling system.

• High price.

Pioneer GM-D8704

Fans of loud music in the car know that this causes noise and interference. But with "Pioneer GM-D8704", users will be able to enjoy loud sound without noise.And all because such a four-channel unit has two line outputs and frequency filtering. At the same time, the level of distortion does not exceed 0.05%, and the signal-to-noise ratio is 95 dB.

The power of "Pioneer GM-D8704" at a load of 2 ohms is 4 * 300 W, and at a load of 4 ohms - 4 * 200 W. The size of the unit is 25.2 * 21.5 * 6 cm.

The average cost is 11,000 rubles.

• Affordable price;
• sound quality;
• Existence of protection against an overheat and short circuit;
• Does not heat up during prolonged use;
• Positive feedback from buyers.

• Not detected.

Audison SR 4.300

This series of amplifiers has been pleasing customers for over 30 years. Model "Audison SR 4.300" is made taking into account the requirements of modern customers using high-tech equipment. Therefore, although such a four-channel unit is small in size, it will pleasantly surprise you with its power.

The Audison SR 4.300 has various filters allowing the user to make extensive adjustments. The regulators are located on the top panel, even after installation, you can easily adjust the necessary parameters. "Audison SR 4.300" has not only linear outputs, but also high-level ones, thanks to which the unit can connect to any device.

For the manufacture of the case "Audison SR 4.300" the manufacturer used extruded aluminum. The model has no sharp corners, which greatly simplifies the installation process. On the side panels there are radiators that do an excellent job of cooling the device. The size of the "Audison SR 4.300" is 19 * 15.5 * 4.8 mm.

The average cost is 28,000 rubles.

• Stylish design;
• Sound quality;
• Wide frequency range;
• Ease of management.

• High price.

Conclusion

The rating presents models of amplifiers of various price categories. All of them are popular among lovers of loud music in the car. Unit manufacturers are time-tested and will not disappoint users when buying.