Email
whatsapp
![[Audio Knowledge] Practical Tips for Selecting Power Amplifiers in Car Audio Modification](https://ecdn6-nc.globalso.com/upload/p/2659/image_product/2025-01/product-banner.jpg)
News
01020304
[Audio Knowledge] Practical Tips for Selecting Power Amplifiers in Car Audio Modification
2025-02-07
In the field of car audio modification, the power amplifier is an indispensable core component of the audio system, and its importance cannot be underestimated. Today, we will share some practical tips for choosing a power amplifier when modifying your car audio.
I. Accurately Comparing Power Amplifier Power Based on the Same Benchmark
Power is a key parameter of the audio system, reflecting its ability to drive the load. It is also the first aspect we should pay attention to when purchasing a power amplifier. When checking the power rating of a power amplifier, the following three aspects need to be noted:
1. **Battery Voltage**: The voltage of a car battery fluctuates constantly. Labels such as "14.4V/100W" and "12V/100W" represent completely different power specifications. Since the voltage of a car during driving is usually around 12V, the power value measured at 12V is closer to the actual situation. Moreover, for power amplifiers rated based on a continuous 12V voltage, when the voltage exceeds 12V, they can output more power.
2. **Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)**: When comparing the continuous output power of power amplifiers, it should be done under the same (or similar) THD values. The sound quality differences tested under different THD values are significant. Some power amplifiers may have a high - rated maximum power, but they may also have high distortion and noise. Therefore, when checking the maximum power, it is necessary to pay attention to the THD value indicated.
3. **Frequency Range**: The continuous power output of a power amplifier should be tested within the frequency range of its actual use. For the power of a power amplifier, a complete test range label is crucial. Labeling the power value at only a certain frequency is meaningless.
After determining the same comparison benchmark, we can reasonably compare the power of power amplifiers. Generally speaking, the greater the output power of a power amplifier, the stronger its ability to drive speakers. Moreover, the power of the power amplifier should be greater than the rated power of the speaker. If a power amplifier with too small a power is selected, during long - term high - power output, it is not only likely to burn out but also may cause problems such as poor sound quality and distortion.
II. Precise Selection of Power Amplifiers According to Different Purposes
Selecting a power amplifier based solely on the simple parameters in the instruction manual is far from enough. It is also necessary to consider the needs of the entire audio system, refer to the suggestions of other users or professionals, and choose a power amplifier of the appropriate model and brand according to different purposes. Power amplifiers can be roughly classified into the following categories according to their purposes:
1. **Power Amplifier Dedicated to Sub - woofers**: This type of power amplifier has a built - in sub - sonic filter, eliminating the need for an external filter. It is specifically designed to drive sub - woofers.
2. **Power Amplifier with an Equalizer**: It allows for flexible tone adjustment according to personal preferences or different car cabin spaces.
3. **Multi - slice X - card Power Amplifier**: The unique X - card provides the power amplifier with a variety of crossover options, including high - pass, band - pass, low - pass, and even ultra - audio filters.
4. **Electronic Crossover Modular Power Amplifier**: Through the control module, the signal input to the power amplifier and the RCA output can be selected, and the required frequency and crossover point can also be determined. By replacing the module, the power amplifier can be made to have multiple functions.