Best 4 channel amp for sound quality full#

Best 4 channel amp for sound quality full#

For example, at times some manufacturers exaggerate their amplifier specs or use the SNR value full power output, which is normally much higher. It’s important to note, however, that unfortunately sometimes the specs are confusing. That’s often found on more expensive and better-designed amplifiers. Amplifiers with great sound quality tend to have an SNR of 90dB and higher with some reaching above 100dB.

It’s a ratio used to mathematically compare the level of noise that an amplifier’s electronics create vs the audio signal’s level.Īs a general rule of thumb, the higher the SNR, the better. The SNR specification, measured in decibels (dB), is a standard amplifier measurement used to compare noise levels against others. The noise I’m describing often appears a slight “hiss” when no music is playing and the amp’s gain is high.īetter amplifiers have a higher signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio. For example, a SNR of 90dB and above is a good rule of thumb to look for. Ideally the amount of noise compared to the signal level will be very small, represented as a larger number.

It’s measured in decibels (dB) and helps you to decide between a better product and a lower-performance product. Signal to noise ratioĪ signal-to-noise (SNR) measurement describes the ratio of the level of noise (undesired) to the desired musical signal. You’ll also want the ability to block distortion-causing bass by using high-pass crossovers on your tweeters or midrange speakers. For most applications, I recommend 50W RMS per channel minimum. Sound quality and the signal-to-noise (SNR) specsīasically, you’ll want an amp with good sound quality that can give a decent amount of power.What to shop for in good quality car ampsįor mids and highs, it’s ideal to focus a few basic factors when shopping:

Not that 4 channel amps are normally more compact than 2 separate 2-channel amps of the same type. These voltages are then used to drive speaker outputs which are an amplified version of the input signals from your car stereo. Both work exactly the same way: a +12V supply from the battery is boosted (“stepped up”) to create a higher positive and negative voltage supply. 2 channel vs 4 channel car amplifier diagramĪ diagram I’ve provided illustrating the differences between 2 and 4 channel amplifiers. The specific features you’ll find vary from brand to brand and model to model. Some also feature different options like a bass boost for the rear channels (normally #3 & 4). Because of this, they offer more flexibility for custom car audio systems than a single 2-channel amplifier can. This means that if you have a source unit with only 2 RCA jack outputs you can still get 4 channels of sound to use from the amp.Īdditionally, most 4 channel amps sold today are bridgeable, meaning that each pair of channels can be used to drive a single speaker for more power than each individual channel can provide. In order to work in more applications, some 4 channel amps feature a 2/4 channel input switch. For example, car stereos can only use about 12V to drive speakers, resulting a lower power that distorts easily.Īccording to Ohms law more power requires a higher voltage and that’s exactly what powerful car amps are designed to use.Ĥ channel amps are also a bit more compact in size as the additional 2 channels take up a bit less space than 2 separate 2-channel amps used separately. That’s necessary to provide sufficient power that can drive your component speakers or highs and mids at a better volume with low distortion. Just like standard 2-channel amps, they contain a special section that steps up a vehicle’s 12V supply to deliver a higher one (often around positive and negative 28 volts or so) The main difference is that 4 channel amps contain a 2nd pair of amplification stages to boost the input signal and drive speakers. There are a few differences to know about when shopping and just to have a better understanding.

★ 5 of the best amps for mids and highs ★Īs you might have already guessed, 4-channel amps are a bit different than others.

What to shop for in good quality car amps.