To select the right car amplifier, consider the specifications of your existing system and find an amplifier that's compatible. Look beyond the advertising ploys used by manufacturers to mislead customers into thinking they're getting more bang for their buck by understanding what all those numbers on amplifier boxes really mean in practical terms.
Instructions
1. Check your car's owner's manual if you have a factory-installed radio or CD player, or the owner's manual that came with your aftermarket unit if you purchased one. See whether your stereo/CD player has a low-level output capability. If it doesn't, you'll have to use its high-level output capability, which means you'll have to select an amplifier that is designed for high-level input.
2. Check the continuous power output of any amplifier you're considering, rather than the maximum power output. Many manufacturers draw attention to the maximum power output on the amp's packaging to lure consumers in, but it's a misleading bit of information, since that power level can usually be achieved only for a short time (seconds or fractions of a second). Compare units by locating the continuous output specs on the amplifier's packaging and seeing which units maintain the highest power levels.
3. Keep in mind that power isn't everything--you don't actually need all that much power to fill your automobile with rich, full sound. In addition, it's important to look at the impedance specifications of the amplifier. Since most amps run at an impedance of 4 ohms, you should compare continuous power outputs of different amplifier units at 4 ohms to get a clearer idea of how much power your amp will be capable of in practical terms.
4. Match your amp to your speakers by comparing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The higher the SNR, the better the amplifier is. Compare the SNR and continuous power output of your amplifiers against the specifications of your speakers. If your speakers aren't capable of handling high-power outputs or don't respond to higher SNR ratios, you don't need to spend a lot of money on a top-of-the-line amplifier.
5. Select a car amplifier that offers a "gain control" feature. This feature allows you to match the sound and equilibrium levels of both your speakers and your amplifier.
6. Compare units online for both their specifications and pricing. Top-selling makers of car amplifiers include Legacy, MTX, Boss, Rockford, Pioneer, Pyle and Lanzar, in price ranges from about $100 up to $600 and more.
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