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Sure, an amplifier will make your music a lot louder than your stereo can. But the true value of an amplifier really comes through at lower volumes. The extra power makes your music sound more clear and full-bodied, even when you also want to be able to have a conversation in the car.
You'll see a lot of options when shopping for an amplifier, and making the right choice depends on what you're trying to do. 4-channel amplifiers offer a lot of flexibility for powering your car audio system. You can power all four of your car's speakers, or you can use two channels to power your front speakers and the other two channels to power a subwoofer box.
If you want to fit the amp in a small, out-of-the-way space, consider getting a compact amplifier. They let you put big power where it would never fit before. They're great in small cars.
For more details, read our car amplifier buying guide.
If the sound gets muddy when you turn it up, you need the added power of an amplifier. You probably know the difference in sound between your TV speakers and a home theater system. An amplifier in your vehicle can make that kind of difference. You'll hear a bigger, fuller sound, with more detail and greater impact, especially if you've installed better speakers in your vehicle.
The first consideration is how many speakers you'll be powering and how much power each speaker will handle. Once you know that, you'll know how many amplifier channels you'll need and how much power you'll want.
Yes, you can, as long as you have a basic knowledge of electronics and you're handy with tools. You'll have to run a power wire from your vehicle's battery back to your amp's location, and then a ground wire from the amp to your vehicle's chassis. It's important to do the job correctly so you don't damage your vehicle. Our Tech Support people can help you if any issues come up.
Check your speakers or sub to see how much power they can handle in terms of "watts RMS." For a subwoofer, you should select an amplifier that produces approximately that much RMS power. Speakers are more forgiving, so you don't always have to max them out, although more power always sounds better.
The easy answer is "one speaker per channel." You'll need two channels to power a pair of speakers, four channels to power your front and rear speakers, or one channel to power a subwoofer. There are plenty of exceptions to this rule, so contact an Advisor to get the best advice for your situation.
