Installing a car audio amplifier will not only increase the overall power of the music system, but also significantly transform the sound quality and detail of music fragments. Among other things, you can use music speakers separated on the sides and an additional speaker cable connected to each other.

Amplifier benefits for cars

Excellent sound quality. Using a stereo amplifier allows you to optimize your sound automotive system... Connecting through improves the perception of sound across the entire audio frequency range.

You need to consider the fact that onboard voltage in a car is not always enough to provide the power output of an audio amplifier. In particular, this is manifested with subwoofers, the output amplitude voltage cannot adequately swing powerful low-frequency speakers.

This problem can be solved by using an amplifier with high-capacity electrolytic capacitors, which allow accumulating the necessary discharge and making the bass extremely juicy and of high quality. You can find out how to connect a capacitor to a subwoofer. Most car owners install additional subwoofers on their cars, which improves the quality of the standard audio system.

To connect a subwoofer, you need to use an additional amplifier, which will allow you to swing even a powerful sub. Most of the car audio amplifiers used today have additional outputs for the subwoofer and speakers in the car. That is why, by installing high-quality amplifiers in the car, you completely solve the problem with the organization of high-quality sound.

The car owner can improve the sound quality of the stock audio system without replacing the head player and speakers. It is only necessary to install an additional four-channel amplifier, which is compact in size and boasts high power. In most cases, the installation and connection of a four-channel amplifier is not difficult and can be done independently.

At the same time, it should be noted that most of the standard audio systems in the car have mediocre speaker quality, so if you want to get truly high-quality sound in your car, we recommend installing not only an additional amplifier, but also replacing the existing standard speakers.

In this case, the car owner gets ample opportunities for the location of the speakers and the choice of their components. Many are limited to installing spaced apart front speakers with tweeters and tweeters.

In this case, when using such an acoustic scheme, you will simply need a four-channel amplifier. On sale, car owners can find compact modelsthat can be easily installed in the glove compartment or inside the center console.

Car speaker configurations

When choosing an amplifier, you should keep in mind that three-channel amplifiers are designed to work with one pair of speakers and an additional subwoofer. A four-channel amplifier can drive a subwoofer and two pairs of speakers at the same time. On rare occasions, five-channel stereos are used with many speakers in the car.

We build an audio system in a car from scratch

When planning and installing an audio system in a car, you first need to decide on its components and power indicators. You should remember that using a powerful amplifier will allow you to improve the sound quality at low volumes. Therefore, it is recommended to take the amplifier into a car with a small power reserve. In addition, you must consider the volume of the vehicle's interior.

Therefore, for a compact city kid, you can choose the power of the audio system slightly lower than for a full-size station wagon or SUV. In this case, the best choice would be to use a 75W amplifier per channel for an SUV and 50W for a small car. For lovers of bass and loud music, we can recommend choosing systems with a power of 100-200 W per channel.

Installing the subwoofer

It is the low frequencies, or as they are also called bass, that play almost the main role in the perception of the sound picture. That is why many car owners decide to install special speakers in their car, which are responsible for reproducing low frequencies.

If you are comfortable with the power and quality of the existing stereo speakers in your car and just want to add a subwoofer, you can use a single-channel amplifier that will exclusively work with the subwoofer. In this case, you need to select the amplifier power in the range from 50 to 200 watts per channel.

Also, when purchasing an amplifier and subwoofer, impedance must be considered. This figure must be consistent, otherwise you will lose significant output power. Any difficulty in conducting installation works no.

If you have any difficulties, you can use the Internet and the YouTube service, where you can find numerous videos on the installation of an audio system in a car.

The amplifier is one of the main components of a car's sound system. He is especially aktaulen when, in new car an amplifier with a subwoofer can be installed in the salon. The amplifier provides and maintains good work car speakers based on the amplified output voltage. Therefore, if you plan and want to enjoy the process of high-quality sounding of music in your car, then the amplifier must be chosen correctly and competently!

What are car amplifiers?

Depending on the number of channels, car amplifiers are divided into:

1. Two or three channel;

Two to three channel amplifiers are used when connecting 2 speakers or a subwoofer. Amplifiers of this type support low impedance loads and are capable of bridge operation. Note that this type of amplifier allows for different variations, capable of retaining the advanced adjustments required for overall subwoofer operation. As an example, a flat bass boost or an infra-low pass filter can be noted.

2. Four channel;

Four channel amplifiers with technical point vision are designed for the same purposes as two or three channel amplifiers. If explain in simple words, then it looks like this, in one case with one power supply two two channel amplifiers work. The main difference of this type of amplifier is its ability to work in the mode of connecting three speaker systems to one stereo output of the amplifier, the so-called tri-mode. And also the use of the second pair of line-out from the output of the first.

3. Five-channel;

Five-channel amplifiers are designed like a four-channel amplifier. But for connecting a subwoofer, there is a special separate fifth channel.

4. Monoblocks;

Monoblocks are high power bass amplifiers.

Depending on the efficiency (efficiency) and the level of distortion of the output signal, car amplifiers are classified into:

1. A-class: They are distinguished by the "purest" sound reproduction signal. The disadvantage of this class of amplifiers is the low efficiency, which averages twenty percent. This is due to the fact that most of the power remains in the electrical circuits. Note that such amplifiers are rarely used in cars due to their low power and high price.
2. B-class: In terms of power, it is much more efficient than class A, but the "purity" of the sound leaves much to be desired. For this reason, this class of amplifiers is practically not used in cars.
3. C-class: Despite the high level of efficiency (up to 75% among the classes), signal distortions are still present. In view of what, amplifiers of this class are not used in Hi-Fi systems.
4. A / B-class: The best option for the car and the most common class of amplifiers. Amplifiers of this class have average parameters of power and sound purity of A and B classes.
5. D-Class: This class of amplifiers features digital signal processing. Compact size, high efficiency and relatively low signal distortion give this class many benefits. However, they are not cheap, so they are not very popular with buyers, in contrast to the A / B class.

The choice of an amplifier must be taken seriously, having weighed all the pros and cons, and only then make a purchase decision. The following parameters require increased attention when choosing an amplifier: harmonic distortion, channel separation and damping factor.

According to the definition, the total harmonic distortion (THD) is the ratio of the total power of all harmonics to the power of the first harmonic. In other words, this parameter determines how the sound signalpassing through the amplifier blocks. In the technical documentation of a car amplifier, several THDs are usually indicated for different bands. Clean sound corresponds to a small THD percentage.

The parameter showing the isolation of the amplifier channels from each other is called Stereo Separation, the higher the channel separation, the better the amplifier. This parameter is measured in decibels and shows the power of one channel in comparison with another "leaked" channel. Typically, channel leakage results from the use of one single source nutrition.

The degree of inertia of the amplifier membrane, producing a reverse in the speaker winding electricity shows the damping factor. And the higher it is, the more the inertia of the membrane is extinguished between pulses, and accordingly the sound becomes cleaner.

Equally important parameters that you should pay your attention to when buying an amplifier are the adjustment system and the presence of built-in filters and inputs.
The "purity" of the signal directly depends on the presence of built-in filters that separate the frequency range and a less weak signal in the selected band. The simplest amplifiers, or amplifiers designed to work with external filter may not contain built-in filters or inputs at all. Unadjusted filters are most commonly found in mid-range amplifiers. In addition to low-pass filters (LPF) and high frequencies (HPF), indicated in hertz, should be highlighted such a parameter as the slope of the filter cutoff, which shows how the signal will decrease in the specified frequency band.

A few words should be added about car amplifier connectors. You should know that in addition to standard and AC power connectors, there are groups of connectors that determine the class of the amplifier. As an example, we can note simple amplifiers, in which one can quite often find high-amplitude inputs, intended for connection to radio tape recorders that do not have line outputs. This makes it possible additional connection a variety of processors and equalizers. Line outputs are required when the head unit is limited to a certain number of connectors, and multiple amplifiers must be connected. As a result, all devices can be connected in series. Note that most amplifiers have the ability to make a so-called "bridge connection". "Bridging" is based on combining several channels to obtain one powerful mono channel, and a subwoofer is already connected to it. This feature is one of the global advantages of an amplifier for a car.

To summarize, we note the most common adjustments for car amplifiers:

1. Level - volume balance, does not need comments;

2. Low Frequency Filter - sets the high frequency reproduced by the subwoofer. In other words, everything below this value is reproduced by the subwoofer;

3. High Frequency Filter - sets the lowest frequency reproduced by the speaker system;

4. BASS BOOST - low frequencies used in the subwoofer. Depending on the class of amplifier used, you can find several options, a switch with a fixed value, or a smooth regulator;

5. Subsonic filter - helps to avoid mechanical faults subwoofer.

What car amplifier choose? Parameters and characteristics of popular models

Do you like listening to music in your car? Want to enjoy clear sound and full sound? Not enough radio power? Then you have come to the right place! The Avtoacustika store offers a wide range of amplifiers of the best brands at the most attractive prices. Here you can find high-quality acoustic equipment to enjoy your favorite music on the road. So, let's figure out which car amplifier to choose for you!

Criteria for choosing a car amplifier for a subwoofer

What is an amplifier for? Its main purpose is to make music as loud as possible and sound as clear as possible. Modern car amplifier for subwoofer is necessary to:

• Improve the quality of audio playback.
• Prevent music distortion at high volume.
• Correct different musical tones.
• Give car audio new life regardless of the hardware.
• Increase sound power and playback quality.
• Make music sound good at all volume levels.

To choose the right amplifier, you need to pay attention to the acoustics parameters: sound frequency (low-high), current power of the car's electrical system and model compatibility with technical characteristics radio and speakers. Parameters for choosing an amplifying device:

• The power declared by the manufacturer. There are two values \u200b\u200bhere: nominal RMS and maximum PMPO. The denomination is the value that plays the most important role. The maximum value can be exaggerated by the manufacturer and is indicated without error in distortion.
• Crossover. The device is necessary for separating audio frequencies, filtering them. Using the crossover, you can remove (cut) unnecessary high or low frequencies. AT modern models built-in crossovers. By type there are active and passive, one-, two and three-band.
• Bass adjustment. An actual parameter for connecting subwoofers (woofers). The most "advanced" amplifiers - on which you can use a filter to enhance bass, smoothly adding decibels.

It depends entirely on the head unit and its characteristics. Also of great importance is the brand of power amplifying equipment. There are reliable and proven manufacturers whose products have been trusted by motorists for more than one year.

The amplifier for the subwoofer should be more powerful than the subwoofer. Why? If the amplifier is weaker than the sub, it will not pull the device and distort the sound even more. When the car amplifier and subwoofer are the same power, the standard electrical system voltage of 14.4 volts is not enough for distribution to the car and acoustics. The best option is that the amplifier should be superior in power to the subwoofer.

Which amplifier is better for a car: types

All models of amplifying power of car acoustics are classified into analog class AB of high amplification quality, but with a small power reserve, and digital class D - with high power and efficiency, but low quality amplification of sound. In addition, devices are classified by the number of channels supported:

• Mono, or single-channel. Mostly produced in D version, used for subwoofers. Can deliver strong bass without distortion at full power.
• Car amplifier 2 channels... Ideal when using a front speaker. The device allows you to use only two pairs of speakers or a subwoofer, but get clear sound.
• Three-channel amplifiers. A good solution for a car speaker system when sound flows from the front speakers and the subwoofer at the same time. They are rarely used.
• Four-channel models are the most popular. They allow you to simultaneously connect four speakers, a pair of speakers and one sub, two speakers and two subwoofers. The most rational and economical option.
• 5-channel devices. Used to simultaneously amplify sound from four speakers and a subwoofer. There are also six-channel models, but they are not in demand, since few speakers need them.

Based on their own preferences (where the sound is needed - from the front or rear side of the cabin) and the location of the speakers, the amplifier is chosen according to the number of channels supported. Which one is better depends on the head unit and the number of speakers.

Pioneer brand amplifiers

The manufacturer's products are in great demand in the domestic market due to the adequate ratio of price and quality of devices for amplifying power. By the number of channels supported, pioneer amplifiers are:

• Monoblock GM-D8601 class D. The nominal RMS is 1x300 W per 4 Ohms, 1x500 W per 2 Ohms, 1x800 W per 1 Ohm, frequency - 10-240 Hz. Combines compact size, easy installation and high power.
• Monoblock PRS-D1101M class D. Rated power of the device 1x400 W (four Ohms), 1x600 W (two Ohms). The amplifier unit is good in terms of assembly, it adds power well, but the sound quality is not the best.
• Monoblock GM-D9601 class D. Rated power RMS - 1x500 W for 4 Ohms, 1x800 W for 2 Ohms, 1x1200 W for 1 Ohm. Standard frequency response from 10 to 240 Hz. Combines high power with low impedance.
• Monoblock PRS-D1200M class D. Very good amplifier in terms of quality and sound, but also pricedevices are not budget. The nominal power amplification is 1x400W, 1x600W.
• The most powerful amplifier elite class PRS-D2000SPL (D). The maximum output is 3000 watts. Complete absence distortion, clear and clean sound. Suitable for first class SPL class subs.

Models are presented in terms of power and cost - from lower to higher.

Two-channel amplifiers of the Pioneer brand are popular. The company's products are also represented by new models released since 2013. Amplifiers of two-channel type with increasing power and increasing cost:

• GM-A3602 AB with nominal power 2x60 W, 1x90 W, 1x180 W (4 Ohm bridged mode). Compact unit with low weight.
• GM-A3702 AB - continuous power 2x65, 2x95 and 1x190 watts. Frequency range from 10-70000 Hz.
• PRS-D210 D. The sound is average, the power is sufficient (2x150, 2x300, 1x600 W). High quality amplifier assembly, small crossover adjustment range.
• GM-A5602 AB. Frequency from 10 Hz to 70 kHz. Provides power at par 2x300, 2x450, 900 W. There is a low pass filter. Decent, powerful and compact.
• PRS-D220 D. Good amplifier in terms of sound quality and purity, 2x150, 2x300, 1x600 W.
• GM-A5702 AB. Pulls 2x150, 2x240 and 1x480 W, large frequency range - 10-70000 Hz.
• PRS-A500 and PRS-A800. The devices are large in size, but inferior to other models in terms of power and frequency, plus a high price.

Which amplifier to choose a car in the product category Pioneer? Monoblocks are best for a subwoofer, but two- and four-channel units also support a subwoofer and are quite acceptable. Popular models for 4 channels:

• GM-D1004 - low power, budget option.
• PRS-D410 is a reliable specimen, a lot of power, decent sound.
• GM-A4604, GM-A4704 - well shakes 4 speakers or 2 speakers and a sub.
• The GM-D8604 is the most popular amplifier in the Pioneer lineup among motorists.
• GM-A6604 is a decent and stylish amplifier, sound and power are at their best.
• RS-A99, RS-P99 - optical, digital devices, sound champions, very compact.

If you enjoy music streaming from all the front and rear speakers, plus connecting a subwoofer, 4-channel car amplifier Is the best option.

Supra - Impeccable Amplifiers

Devices of the popular Supra brand are somewhat cheaper than analog models from other brands, but at the same time they are practically not inferior to them in functionality, assembly and sound purity. If you want to enjoy great sound with reasonable price, Supra amplifiers are a suitable option. The most popular devices:

• Monoblock, one channel TBS-A1400. 400W into 4 Ohm, 600W into 2 Ohm with 20 Hz subsonic filter.
• Two-channel SBD-A2120, 2130. Filters for high and low frequencies, rated power: 2x60 - 4 Ohm, 1x200 - 4 Ohm, bridge connection.
• SBD-A2120 Dual Channel with RMS Single Channel 240W 4 Ohms, 75W Dual Channel. Perfectly filters high and low audio frequencies.
• The two-channel model TBS-A2160 is a fairly powerful amplifier 2x80 W, 1x260 W - for 4 Ohms, 2x250 W, 2x120 W - for 2 Ohms.
• 4-channel version of SBD-A4120 - excellent sound, optimal power, affordable cost.
• SBD-A4270 with four channels. It conveys well all the nuances of recording with a sufficiently high sound volume.
• SRD-A4300 is a decent model, four channels, the nominal value is 75x4 and 250x2 for 4 Ohms and 120x4 for 2 Ohms, an excellent range of frequency filters.
• The four-channel TBS-A4350 is a decent amplifier, drives the speakers well, powerful and clear sound.

Which is the best auto amplifier from the Supra company? Much depends on the speaker system - how many speakers you want to connect, how much you expect, which filters you use more often to cut off frequencies. An unambiguous recommendation: any amplifier will work according to the characteristics declared by the manufacturer, if it is installed correctly, use the wires of the required cross-section and correctly connect.

You can choose high-quality supra and pioneer power amplifiers at the lowest price in our "Autoacoustics" store. Additionally - competent advice from our employee. For our part, we guarantee profitable terms payment and delivery of goods.

Bass Amplifiers are an integral part of a home sound reproduction system. They are used as power amplifiers for low-power playback devices and for achieving signal parameters that can "shake" the speaker system. There are also playback devices with built-in power amplifiers, but often their technical specifications and functionality is poor. Therefore, many high-quality sound lovers often resort to buying an external amplifier that best suits their needs. In this article we will try to help you understand which amplifier to choose for your home.

Amplifier types

According to their functions, amplifiers are divided into three groups:

1. Preamplifiers. They are used to prepare a low-power input signal for further amplification. They are usually placed close to the signal source to avoid pickup and interference from other electrical and electronic devices... As a rule, they consist of an input switching unit, a volume and tone control unit and the amplifier itself, which amplifies the signal to a level of 1-2 V. Preamplifiers require the use of a power amplifier;
2. End amplifiers (power amplifiers). Their purpose is to amplify the signal to the level and power required for normal work acoustics. They, as a rule, do not have the ability to adjust any signal parameters;
3. Complete amplifiers. They simultaneously perform the functions of a pre-amplifier and a final amplifier, therefore, they provide more operational convenience. In addition, their cost is often less than the total cost of separate preamplifiers and final amplifiers.

By the type of element base on which amplifiers are built, they are divided into:

• Tube amplifiers. Their advantages are:

• high quality sounding with a relatively simple scheme;
• less harsh and warmer sound;
• lower noise level;
• softer signal limiting during overload;
• resistance to short circuits in the load.

Many high-quality sound lovers prefer tube amplifiers;

• Transistor amplifiers:

• They are based on the use of field-effect and bipolar transistors as amplifying elements. To achieve approximately the same parameters with tube amplifiers, transistor amplifiers require more complex circuitry. Also, unlike tube amplifiers, special requirements are imposed on them to protect the output stages and power supplies from overloads and short circuits. Today, instead of transistor amplifiers based on discrete elements, devices based on integrated circuits are often used;
• Amplifiers on integrated circuits. Typically, an integrated circuit chip contains all the main stages of a full amplifier. The advantages of such amplifiers include their compactness, the minimum number of external elements and high maintainability;
• Hybrid amplifiers. They use simultaneously both electronic tubes and semiconductor devices and integrated circuits with all their advantages and disadvantages.

Basic parameters of amplifiers

The sound quality of the amplifier in most cases is determined by the parameters of the final amplifier, both separate and included in the complete amplifier. Therefore, further discussion on the choice of an amplifier for the home will relate specifically to the final amplifiers.

What parameters should you pay attention to when choosing a home amplifier? These parameters include:

• The number of amplifying channels;
• Power developed in load;
• Distortion factor;
• Working frequency range;
• Slew rate of output signal;
• Signal to noise ratio.

Amplifier channels

The number of channels is selected depending on the configuration of the speaker system according to the principle "each speaker should work only from its own channel, and no channel should work for more than one speaker." Only this principle will ensure the highest quality sound. It should be said about the choice of amplifiers for music reproduction and AV-receivers for home theater. The first of these should have two channels to play stereo formats in which most of the music is recorded. Home theaters can be equipped with speakers with a configuration from the most affordable 5.1 to top-end 9.2. This is the criterion for choosing the number of channels in an AV receiver.

Power developed in load

Professionals in the field of audio engineering give this advice: if there is a need to purchase an amplifier and a speaker system, then you should first select and buy acoustics, and then the amplifier. Firstly, it is much easier to choose an amplifier for acoustics than vice versa, and, secondly, the acquired acoustics provides some guidelines for choosing an amplifier, at least in terms of its power. These guidelines are as follows:

• Most amplifiers will perform at their highest performance at about 70% of their power. For acoustics, the same parameter is approximately 90%. Therefore, the most optimal is the ratio of acoustics power to amplifier power, equal to approximately 1: 1.6. In other words, the amplifier must provide 60% power. high power acoustics;
• Many manufacturers tend to indicate the maximum power of the amplifier. You need to focus on its nominal power, since it is it that determines the long-term reproduction of sound with a given level of distortion;
• The power of the amplifier is related to the sensitivity of the acoustics. The latter is measured in decibels. There is a simple relationship: reducing the sensitivity of the system acoustics by 3 dB requires a twofold increase in the amplifier power to obtain the same volume.

Distortion factor

It consists of two indicators - the intermodulation distortion factor and the harmonic distortion factor. Both of them are set in percentage and determine the level of sound distortion at the amplifier output. As a rule, Hi-Fi class amplifiers comply with the DIN 45500 standard, which specifies the following values \u200b\u200bfor these parameters:

• Intermodulation distortion coefficient - no more than 3% in the frequency band 250 - 8000 Hz;
• Harmonic distortion is less than 1% in the frequency range 40 - 12500 Hz.

It is on these values \u200b\u200bthat you should be guided.

Working frequency range

The hearing organs of most people are able to perceive sounds with frequencies from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. An ideal amplifier should have a direct amplitude-frequency response (AFC) in this range. Real amplifiers usually rarely have a direct frequency response, as a rule, it has some unevenness in the operating frequency range, especially in its high-frequency region. Therefore, it is advisable to choose an amplifier with the widest possible frequency range, the optimal upper limit of which should exceed 20 kHz several times.

Slew rate of output signal

This parameter determines the ability of the amplifier without distortion, more precisely, with a given value of the distortion factor, to reproduce sharp bursts of the sound signal - the so-called signal edges, which often occur, for example, when hitting cymbals. In professional audio engineering, the term "response time" to a step change in the input signal is often used. This parameter is inextricably linked with the upper limit of the reproduced frequencies - the higher it is, the higher the value this parameter... For a high-quality amplifier, this parameter should not be less than 5V / μs.

Minimum permissible load

The power developed by the amplifier and its reliability and reliability depend on the resistance of the load, that is, the speaker system. Obviously, a 4-ohm speaker will load the amplifier channel much more than an 8-ohm speaker. Conclusion - for acoustics with low impedance, a more powerful amplifier is needed. But do not forget that connecting a 4-ohm acoustics to an amplifier designed to work with an 8-ohm load, it can overload and even fail. Therefore, it is the minimum permissible load value that should be taken into account. On the other hand, if the amplifier is designed to work with a 4-ohm load, then on loads with high resistance it may not develop full power, which is not so important with a large supply of it.

Signal to noise ratio

This parameter determines the ratio of the power of the useful and noise signals. Measured in decibels at the maximum position of the volume control with the input signal turned off. The higher the value of this parameter, the better quality the sound being played. It is advisable to choose an amplifier with a value of this parameter of at least 90-100 dB.
- The choice of an amplifier model does not always come down to its cost and manufacturer's prestige. However, buying a too cheap model is also unreasonable - you should not hope for a miracle, although they do happen.
- Buy an amplifier in stores that do not have the opportunity to check it in real conditions, it is possible only after having decided in advance on the choice of its model.
- It is necessary to choose an amplifier with a power reserve so as not to operate it at powers close to the maximum, because this sharply reduces the reliability of the device. For example, an amplifier with maximum power 100 watts will provide long-lasting and reliable performance only at about half the power.
- It is also necessary to focus on the area of \u200b\u200bspace in which the sound reproducing equipment will be used. The approximate power of each channel is 3 - 5 W / m2. If the area does not exceed 15 sq. m., then you need to be guided by the first figure, and with areas of more than 20 sq. m. - the second.
- It is advisable to choose an amplifier for which the acoustics are connected not using spring latches, but using terminals with threaded clamps. This is, firstly, a more reliable fastening of cables, and secondly, it is some evidence of the constructive quality and belonging of the device to the Hi-Fi class.
- It is not necessary to buy the most latest model... It happens that an amplifier that has been lying on a shelf or warehouse for a long time becomes significantly cheaper without affecting its quality.

OEM car audio systems are real headache for those who are used to high-quality sound. I already talked about possible ways their upgrade, today I will dwell on one of the elements - car amplifiers. Their specificity is sometimes very different from home ones.

Why did the standard amplifier go wrong?

I think it would be wrong to skip this question. There are several reasons to change the standard amplifier.

First, the power output. In this case, it is not needed for loudness at all, or, strictly speaking, not only for it. In standard systems, very simple amplifiers and low impedance speakers are most often used. If we're going to build new system, it is not at all a fact that the new speakers from the standard amplifier will sound good. They can have, for example, higher impedance, lower sensitivity, and with them we are more likely to get God knows what. The exceptions are acoustics, which were initially positioned by manufacturers for upgrading the "staff", but we seemed to be aiming for more serious improvements, and this option has already been left behind.

Standard audio systems are mainly made not by the car manufacturers themselves, but by third-party companies commissioned by car manufacturers. But not everyone puts their nameplate on the front panel.

Secondly, because the systems are developed for quite stringent requirements - both price and design. If you openly announce that, for example, Pioneer and Alpine make audio components for Honda, this could damage the reputation of these brands.

Third, the equipment. The standard amplifier is designed for one single version of the system and has zero point tenths in terms of additional settings. And if we just need to turn on the HPF in the front or rear channels? And if you need to adjust the low-pass filter in the subwoofer channels to dock it with the speaker systems? And if you have more serious intentions?

So, it turns out that when the system is upgraded, a simple replacement of acoustics does not always work, and the new amplifier becomes a must have.

Where to start looking for the right amplifier?

As always, the choice should be made based on needs. In other words, first we design the composition of the system, and from it it becomes already clear what the amplifier should be. The simplest thing is to take a piece of paper and draw where which speakers you will have installed.

Decide on the type of speaker connection - through passive crossovers or channel-by-channel with active band division. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, but this is a topic for a separate discussion. For now, I will just note that the first option is simpler, and the second has more options for setting up and "mixing" bands. Depending on the option chosen, we will select amplifiers with the required number of channels and functionality.

The audio system can be quite complex. Active-division per-channel amplification and processors are common in high-end automotive systems

Already at this stage, estimate what will be the source in the system. If the head unit has conventional line outputs, then there are no problems. If you are dealing with a regular "head", then here you almost always have to look for workarounds. I have already considered this topic in more detail in the article "", now I will only note what concerns the connection of amplifiers.

So, there are several options. The easiest is to connect directly to the outputs of a standard amplifier. For this, the new amplifier must have, in addition to the usual inputs, high-level ones. If they are not there, then so called “high-to-linear converters” can be used.

High-level inputs are included in many car amplifier models

This option is simple, but not always applicable. Most often, the standard amplifier outputs best case corrected signal, and at worst, you have to deal with multiband amplification at all. In this case, the original signal can only be "collected" by a specialized processor, and only then the amplifier can be connected to it. This also includes variants of standard systems with a MOST bus, from which a special adapter can be used to "pull out" an SPDIF or an analog signal.

As more and more such complex systems grow, it is not surprising that amplifiers with a built-in processor began to appear on the market. But about the equipment a little further.

How do car amplifiers differ from home amplifiers?

In fact, the amplifying part itself is nothing special. Unless the power supply unit works here not from household 220 volts, but from the onboard 12-volt network. In my opinion, there are two fundamental differences.

A switching power supply takes up a large share of the amplifier's internal space

Firstly, most car amplifiers are universal in terms of connection: they provide for both a conventional load connection and a bridge to a pair of channels. This feature allows you to use conventional broadband amplifiers not only for connecting acoustics, but also for connecting subwoofers. The latter are still more "voracious" in terms of power. The simplest version, which can rightfully be called a classic one, is a 4-channel amplifier, two channels of which work for the front acoustics, and the other two are switched on by a bridge to the subwoofer.

A circuit with a 4-channel amplifier that drives front acoustics and a subwoofer is rightfully considered a classic car audio system

The second fundamental difference between car amplifiers and home amplifiers is their equipment. Most of the domestic ones are pure "tips". In the car, at least, you have to use filters.

For example, everything is the same the simplest scheme with a four-channel to which it is connected front acoustics and a subwoofer. In most cases, the acoustic design for the front woofers / midrange speakers is implemented in the doors. Let's face it, it is not the best, which means that it is desirable to weaken the lower bass, and in these channels you need a high-pass filter. The subwoofer, on the other hand, should not sing with a voice, which means that a low-pass filter is needed in these channels. The optimum junction frequency between speakers and a subwoofer is usually between 50 Hz and 100 Hz - slightly lower than what is commonly used in home systems. Passive division will not work here, wind coils the size of spare wheel - no, thank you. But active division is the very thing. Therefore, historically, it happened that the minimum equipment of an amplifier is an active low-pass and high-pass filters. Mostly adjustable, but there are also fixed frequency settings.

Adjustable low and high pass filters are found in the vast majority of car amplifiers

And then - more. For example, if the channel-by-channel switching of acoustics with active division is supposed, then the amplifier should have filters with wider control limits. Some old-school models even have filter slope switches. For example, JL Audio used to trade like this. And so on increasing, right up to equipping the amplifier with a built-in processor and turning it into a real "sound processor".

A song about combiners, or Amplifier plus processor

Now this class of amplifiers with built-in processors (or processors with built-in amplifiers, who is closer to what) can be considered the most promising for a number of reasons.

Firstly, if in a home system you can comfortably sit in the best listening point, then in a car you always deal with disgusting acoustic conditions of the cabin and the devil knows how the speakers scattered around it. "Collecting" the sound from all this mess is oh so difficult. And no matter how contemptuous the audiophile snobs and pure passive connoisseurs may be, this can only be done with the help of a sound processor. If you approach the matter wisely, then the result may surprise even the most spoiled "home sound" audiophiles. Checked repeatedly.

Automotive digital processors are usually controlled from a connected computer or laptop. The program has a fairly intuitive interface that allows you to quickly set up the desired configuration

Secondly, in most cases only a processor can be used to build a system based on a standard head unit. There are many cars in which it is impossible to pull out the original signal from the standard "head" in any way - it is either corrected or even cut into frequency bands.

An illustrative example is the Italian concern Elettromedia, which has long and rather successfully been developing the topic of building new systems from standard head units. The essence of the processors produced under the Audison brand is as follows. You turn off the stock speakers and feed the signal from the stock amplifier to the processor inputs. The setting is as follows. Turn on the disk from the kit and start the setup mode in the processor. The processor "listens" to the inputs, automatically "adds up" the signals cut into frequency bands (including taking into account phase shifts), de-equalizes, and you get a sound signal "restored" like tomato juice from paste. The algorithm for such an addition is the pride of the developers.

Audison prima is one of the family of automotive processors with built-in amplifier. Or, if you prefer, amplifiers with embedded processors

The snobs will probably twist, they say, what kind of audiophilia is there if we are not dealing with the original signal, but collected, excuse me, "from g ... and sticks"? I agree that no one is talking about High End here. But, first of all, the system will still play two heads better than the standard "balalaika". And secondly, and this is the most important thing - the processor in this case is needed in order to correctly fit an additional high-quality source into the system, fully preserving the functionality of the standard head unit.

True, serious sources intended exclusively for automotive applications, to date, not very much. Is that the Sony GS-9, which reads everything, up to the DSD format, and Audison bit Play, which the Italians still bring to mind. Craftsmen, however, with might and main use home players in cars (including yours truly), but this can not be taken into account. Nevertheless, as the character from the old anecdote said, "the trend, however" - the course for Hi Res in the car has already been taken. And processors (including those with built-in amplifiers) are the key link here.

Size matters: even the D-class is different

But we digress, let's go back to the amplifiers. If some five or seven years ago the AV-class had indisputable authority, then today D-class car amplifiers in many cases look preferable.

First, it is compact. At home, the amplifier is the size of a nightstand, although it looks bulky, but still does not cause such serious problems. In a car, a difference in body length of just 5 cm can be decisive. Not everyone today wants to flaunt audio system components and spend a lot of money on installation. And the compact D-class allows you to make the installation hidden. The ability to fit an amplifier under a seat or under a dashboard, say, seems very attractive.

For all their compactness, some car amplifiers based on modern D-class chips have quite adult output power indicators and very decent sound.

Secondly, energy efficiency. Again, compared to home appliances, this issue is especially acute in the car. Especially with the increase in the number of electric vehicles and hybrids. Letting more than half of the energy consumed into heat, you see, is not the most rational way to spend it. However, it is still not worth hiding such amplifiers under the upholstery, the heat release, although not the same as that of the AV-class, is still not zero. At least some kind of air exchange should be provided.

The new generation of amplifiers uses D-class chips with might and main, with efficiency above 95%

Well, the third argument in favor of the D-class is, oddly enough it may seem to many, the sound quality. I do not take into account expensive amplifiers now high class, there is a different alignment. But in a moderate price category at comparable prices, the AV-class most often really loses to the modern D-class. Five years ago, this would have been a controversial statement, but with the advent of new chips operating at carrier frequencies under half a megahertz, this is already a fact.

Features of connecting a car amplifier

There is an interesting phrase that "amplifiers don't really amplify anything, they just modulate the power." One of the significant differences between a car amplifier and a home amplifier, which I mentioned in passing at the very beginning, is the work from the car's on-board network. The nominal voltage in it is 12 Volts (actually a little higher, but now this is not the point). This means that in order to obtain sufficient power at the output, the current consumption must be quite serious - tens, and even hundreds of Amperes in the signal peaks. Hence the special requirements for the power connection. At first glance, this all looks a little scary, but in fact, if you stick to a few simple rules, there should be no problems.

Firstly, the amplifier should never be connected to the standard wiring. It is not designed for such currents. Take separate cables and run them from the amplifier directly to the battery. You can have both plus and minus, but you can only plus (in this case the minus goes along the "mass"). There is probably no definite answer which option is better, but personally I prefer the first method. If only because in current cars too many electronics, which are also "tied" to the body.

Accuracy of wiring is a guarantee of reliability and safety

Do not be greedy, use specialized automotive cables for connection - they have soft insulation that is resistant to temperature extremes. Fans of using all kinds of KG-25 and other similar industrial cables in a year will behold crumbling rubber insulation in the engine compartment. I observed this repeatedly, fortunately, not at home.

By the way, keep in mind that cheap cables may not be copper, but the so-called CCA (Copper Clad Aluminum), "copper-clad" aluminum. They are less durable, corrode more and weaken faster at the contact points. Pure copper in this regard is still better, albeit more expensive. Better yet, tinned copper.

Secondly, select a sufficient cross-section of the supply cables based on their length and the current consumption of the amplifier. Even tenths of an Ohm in the supply line can cause a voltage drop in the signal peaks by several volts. And this not only affects the sound, but also fraught with failure of the amplifier's power supply. For the same reason, try to immediately calculate the required cable length to avoid unnecessary joints.

When choosing a cable section, you can be guided by the tables that are in the rules of any car audio competition

Third, be sure to insert a fuse in the break in the power cable. It should be located as close to the battery as possible. Unlike the fuse in the amplifier itself, you do not protect the equipment with it, but the cable itself. Choose the denomination based on the section. For example, for a cable with a cross section of 4 Ga (21 sq. Mm), you can use a fuse of no more than 100 A, and for a cable with a cross section of 2 Ga (33 sq. Mm), no more than 150A.

Five conclusions about car amplifiers

So, I'll summarize. If you seriously decided to upgrade the stock audio system, a new amplifier is definitely needed. This time.

Decide on the source. If this is a standard HU, from which it is impossible to output a linear signal or "digital", then you will need to either convert the high-level signal to a linear one by a separate device, or choose an amplifier with high-level inputs. Or if standard system with band gain and signal correction, you will have to "recover" the original signal by the processor. These are two.

Any car amplifier has additional equipment - from simple low-pass and high-pass filters that allow you to separate acustic systems and a subwoofer, to all the same advanced processors built into the amplifiers themselves. Make the choice depending on the tasks. These are three.

Decide on the type of installation. If this is "for show", then there are practically no restrictions. If it is a hidden installation, then it makes sense to give preference to compact D-class amplifiers. It's four.

Finally, pay due attention to nutrition. High-quality food is the key to normal amplifier operation. It's five.