8 BEST CLASS D CAR AMPLIFIER - Updated

A good Class D amplifier can help your speakers produce great sound that is enjoyable to listen to. If you’re looking to buy a new amplifier for your home theater, our reviews and recommendations can be helpful.

Class D amplifiers are a newer type of amplifier that work well with home theater systems and can produce sound that is similar to what you would hear in a professional studio. Even though they are reliable and efficient, people are still interested in discovering what else they can do.

Best Class D Car Amplifier: If you’re looking for the best class D car amplifier, then you’ve come to the right place. This post will help you learn everything you need to know about class d amplifiers and how to choose the best one for your needs. But When shopping for a class D car amplifier, there are a few factors you’ll need to consider. Below, we will discuss each of these factors in more detail.

WHAT IS A CLASS D AMPLIFIER?

Class D means that the amplifier has a power rating of less than 100 watts and Class D amplifiers are highly efficient amplifiers that provide excellent sound.

WHAT IS A CLASS D AMPLIFIER USED FOR?

The Class D amplifier is used in many different applications. It can be used in home stereo systems, televisions, and computer speakers. It can also be used in automobiles, such as in the car stereo system.

TOP 3 EXPERT’S CHOICES:

[affiliate able id=‘118497′]

BENEFITS OF CLASS D CAR AMPLIFIER:

Class D car amplifiers have several benefits that make them a popular choice among car audio enthusiasts. Here are some of the key benefits:

HIGHER EFFICIENCY:

Class D car amplifiers are highly efficient, meaning they can convert more of the electrical power from your car’s battery into usable power for your speakers. This results in less wasted energy and less strain on your car’s electrical system.

SMALLER SIZE:

Class D amplifiers are typically smaller in size compared to other types of amplifiers, making them easier to install in your car and saving valuable space.

LESS HEAT DISSIPATION:

Because of their high efficiency, class D amplifiers produce less heat compared to other amplifier classes. This means they can be installed in tight spaces without the risk of overheating.

LONGER LIFESPAN:

Due to their efficient design and lower heat output, class D amplifiers are generally more reliable and have a longer lifespan compared to other types of amplifiers.

BETTER SOUND QUALITY:

Class D amplifiers can provide better sound quality, with lower distortion and a cleaner, more powerful sound.

Overall, the benefits of class D car amplifiers make them an excellent choice for those looking for high-quality sound and efficiency in their car audio systems.

WHAT ARE THE CLASSES OF CAR AMPLIFIERS?

When we talk about car audio, we normally refer to an amplifier, which is the heart of a stereo system. There are three different classes of amplifiers, and each class has its own unique purpose.

Each class is characterized by the way in which the amplifier handles the input signal (i. e., the music), and the differences are quite significant. Let’s take a look at the three different classes of car amplifiers.

CLASS A:

Class A amplifiers are designed for high fidelity audio reproduction, and they typically deliver a low level of distortion and are usually equipped with separate volume control.

Class A amplifiers are the most simple type of amplifier. They are always conducting electricity which means they will get hot after prolonged use.

Class A amps are designed for people who want the highest fidelity sound reproduction and Clean output.

CLASS B:

Class B amplifiers are usually the most common type of amp, and they are the ones we find in most cars. They provide a low level of distortion and are characterized by single volume control.

Class B amps are designed for people who want the best sound reproduction at a reasonable volume. This is efficient, has a smaller size, and creates less heat.

CLASS AB:

Class AB amps are designed for medium fidelity, and they typically deliver a medium level of distortion. Combining two different class circuits provides a unique combination of features that are only found in high-end audio equipment.

Biased diodes are found in their Class B-type chain, helping to reduce the characteristic distortion from this type of circuit. They are characterized by the fact that they have a separate volume control for bass and treble, and are usually equipped with a crossover switch for separating the left and right channels.

Class AB amps are designed for people who want a reasonable level of sound reproduction and a good balance between volume and distortion. In short, these are more efficient than class A; less distorted than class B.

CLASS D:

Class D amplifiers are extremely efficient and designed for the lowest level of distortion, and they usually deliver a low level of distortion. Class D amplifiers are efficient because the output transistors don’t retain any electricity when they’re switched off.

They provide a highly linear sound response as well as an incredibly deep, rich, powerful bass. Hence, no idle electricity is converted to heat. They are characterized by the fact that they have a separate volume control for bass and treble, and are usually equipped with a crossover switch for separating the left and right channels.

Class D amps are designed for people who want the least amount of distortion, at any volume setting.

«Our Product Review Process»

TOP 8 BEST CLASS D CAR AMPLIFIERS REVIEWS 2023

The most important thing you can do to improve your car audio system is to invest in a high-quality amplifier. The best class D car amplifiers are available at a wide variety of prices, but you’ll want to make sure that you’re getting a quality product.

Here, we’ve compiled a list of the top eight class D car amplifiers, including their features, specs, and reviews.

1. BEST CHEAP CLASS D CAR AMPLIFIER

The RP-350. 1D is a class D amplifier that provides 350 Watts of peak power at 1 Ohm, and 350 Watts RMS at 1 Ohm. It is a high-efficiency monoblock amplifier that can be used in a number of applications, including powering a subwoofer.

It features a remote subwoofer level control for fine-tuning the level of the subwoofer. The amplifier features four-way protection circuitry and eight-awg power and ground input terminals for maximum current flow.

The RP-350. 1D is a rugged, high-quality monoblock amplifier that is designed for long life and maximum reliability.

Pros

  • It’s a high-quality monoblock amplifier.
  • It’s rugged and designed for long life and maximum reliability.
  • It has a remote subwoofer level control.
  • Cheap car Amplifier

Cons

  • Sometimes due to incorrect hooking, you can face protecting mode issue

Sample Customer Review:

“Before I purchased this, I youtube a dyno test on it. And it did what it was rated. So I knew what I was getting when I bought it. It’s quiet, does what it’s rated, and drove my 12” JlAudio easily. So far no problems."

2. BEST MONOBLOCK CLASS D CAR AMPLIFIER

The BOSS Audio Systems AR3000D is a digital high performance, high power Class D amplifier with digital signal processing.

Its ability to provide clean and precise sound reproduction is made possible by a powerful, yet extremely efficient Class D power supply.

The AR3000D features a high power output of 3000 Watts and a high current rating of 30 Amps. The AR3000D amplifier is a monoblock amplifier with a MOSFET power supply.

This amplifier is able to provide a stable output with a low noise floor. The amplifier has a high output power of 3000 Watts and a high current rating of 30 Amps. The amplifier has a variable subsonic filter, variable low-pass crossover, and variable high-pass crossover.

This amplifier is capable of providing the ability to strap two AR3000D amplifiers and double the power being sent to your subwoofers. This amplifier is able to provide an impedance matching of 1-Ohm and 2-Ohm for the lowest possible loss.

The power loss is converted to a more useful form of energy and stored until it is needed. This allows the amplifier to be used in applications where it would not normally be able to operate without causing overheating.

Pros

  • Cheap Price
  • High power output
  • High efficiency
  • Strapping Capable
  • Class D power supply
  • Variable subsonic filter
  • Variable low-pass crossover
  • Variable high-pass crossover
  • Mosfet power supply

Cons

  • Overall no serious issue was found

Sample Customer Review:

“I got this BOSS 3000 watt amp pushing 2 skar audio 15"s and it’s unbelievable the sound they put out. Flexes my body panels and windows. And you can’t beat the price. I have under $450 in the speakers and with the amp around $600 all together. Then $150 for the box on Amazon.

So for under $800 I have a system that out preforms most in my area. But at an audio store, you would pay $1200 to $1500. I highly recommend this setup.”

3. BEST AFFORDABLE CLASS D CAR AMPLIFIER

The Planet audio AC3000. 1D is a single channel amplifier. It is a high output, high efficiency, class D amplifier. It is designed to power your subwoofers. It has a variable low pass crossover, variable bass boost, variable subsonic filter, and variable low pass crossover.

The AC3000. 1D can strap two of these amplifiers together and double the power that is being sent to your subwoofer(s). You can now connect more subwoofers to take advantage of the extra power.

It is able to power up to three 1 Ohm loads and two 2 Ohm loads. It is able to run continuously on 1 Ohm loads.

Pros

  • LED is nice
  • Strap two amplifiers together and double the power
  • High efficiency
  • Variable Low Pass Crossover
  • Variable Bass Boost
  • Variable Subsonic Filter

Cons

  • Good enough but price accordingly

Sample Customer Review:

“I originally blew my audiobahn amp years ago pushing two alum10ns. Money was tight so I bought the 3000.1 and it pushed the audiobahns with no issues and sounded great. Around 2016 I bought a new truck and had to get a new fix box. My audiobahns wouldn’t fit it so I bought two JL Audio 10W3s.

I know this amp is way oversized for them so I turned it down and have been running those ever since. Well I am on to another truck and will be running the same amp and 10s in it. Just will be buying another fox box. Typically I don’t write reviews but I’ve had expensive stereos and cheaper ones. This has been the only amp I’ve ever had that has lasted 7 years and still going.”

4. BEST 1 OHM STABLE CLASS D CAR AMPLIFIER

This Boss Audio R3400D amplifier is perfect for subwoofers that demand the heavy power load requirements to be able to perform the way they were made to. The amplifier is able to supply the maximum power of 3400 Watts x 1 @1-Ohm, 1700 Watts x 1 @2-Ohms, 850 Watts x 1 @4-Ohms.

Boss R3400D amplifier is able to continuously power loads of 1 Ohm without encountering difficulties such as overheating. It is also capable of producing up to 3400 watts of continuous power, and up to 1700 watts of continuous power for 2 ohms.

Typically made to power up subwoofers that demand the heavier power load requirements to be able to perform the way they were made to.

R3400D is a Class D amplifier designed for use in subwoofers and active speaker systems. This amplifier is able to drive a maximum of 2 subwoofers, or one subwoofer with a single input. The amplifier can also be used as a single channel amplifier for a subwoofer, active speakers, and active monitors.

This amplifier is made with a MOSFET power supply, a Mosfet is an electrical switch that allows the flow of electrical current. It also features a variable subsonic filter, and a variable low-pass crossover.

Pros

  • MOSFET power supply
  • Variable subsonic filter
  • Variable low-pass crossover
  • 1-ohm stable
  • Lightweight, easy to hook up.
  • A great alternative to higher-priced amps

Cons

  • Very powerful but not exact 3400 watts

Sample Customer Review:

“I’m dictating this through the Google speech so I’m not going to correct the errors that is made. I’ve had the amp for a very long time. it’s been working great. I have 2 p3s 12in Rockford Fosgate running off 1 ohm setting through the 3400 amp. I’ve been using it forever it works great until recently I made a mistake and now it’s in protective mode.

At no fault of them I think it was cuz of what I did. If I wouldn’t have done that it’s been working great since the day I got it and when it didn’t they were more than happy to fix it for me I send it to them and fix it for me. that was a long time ago. I got this amp back when it was on sale for $90. That should tell you how long I’ve owned this amp in particular. you cannot find it for that price anymore.

All the negative reviews I hear don’t match up to my experience. If for some reason I need to buy another amp I’m definitely going to get the same one or better of the same brand because it’s been working great for me so take my words or do not. It’s up to you. all I know is I’ve had a good experience with the product and if I have to I will be buying another one.”

5. BEST 1 OHM STABLE MONO CLASS D CAR AMPLIFIER

The Sound Storm EV4000D Evolution 4000 Watt, 1 Ohm Stable Class D Monoblock Car Amplifier with Remote Subwoofer Control is a high performance, high power, solid state monoblock amplifier with remote subwoofer control.

This unit is a high power monoblock amplifier with a high efficiency, high power MOSFET power supply. It has a high power to low power ratio, making it suitable for both a main system and a subwoofer.

It is a very powerful amplifier with a high power rating, capable of producing a maximum of 4000 watts into a 4 ohm load with a maximum of 1000 watts RMS power into a 4 ohm load. The EV4000D is designed for the installation of a single subwoofer or dual subwoofers.

It features a phase control, a variable low pass crossover, variable input gain control, remote subwoofer control, and a short protection circuit.

Pros

  • Variable Low Pass Crossover, Bass Boost, Subsonic Filter
  • Remote Subwoofer Control
  • Strapping Capable
  • Phase Control
  • Short Protection

Cons

  • Sometimes the bass knob does not work but not for every item

Sample Customer Review:

“First and Foremost, I’d like to say that I have always bought high end audio equipment. The amp I had in my vehicle before this one was a $500 Amp, and it was 1800W. Unfortunately, someone decided to steal just my amp and not my woofers, so I wasn’t completely crap out of luck.

I decided to turn to Amazon for a car amp, something I had never considered doing before, even though I use this site for practically everything. I had thought to myself “hmm, they usually have cheap as hell prices on items that I may not have heard the brand, but the quality is there, and the other user reviews definitely help.”

I’m sure there is an amount of bad stuff on here, but when you read reviews, much like this one, you learn a lot about how the products operate, because they are written mostly by people like you and me. The other reviews on here sum it up, it runs cool! It pounds. I have it hooked up to 2 Alpine Type R 12” DVC Woofers. The power is definitely there, and the cutout safety works every time. I listen to a lot of dubstep and even with this much power between the amp and the subs it still kicks off the safety.

You have to turn your deck off and on to get it to kick in again. The nifty little thing (although I could see it as being a downside to some people) is that it comes with a control knob you can mount on your dash board that allows you to turn your subs up or down.

It never turns them down all the way, but if you’re getting cutout at some songs you can turn them down to avoid the issue and then turn it back up when it needs that extra kick. I’ve haven’t blown a fuse as of yet and I’ve owned this thing for over three months at this point."

6. BEST CLASS D POWER AMPLIFIER REVIEWS

The Rockville dB15 is a full range, 6000 watts monoblock amplifier. This amplifier provides a full range of power from 10 watts to 6000 watts and is ideal for home or professional use.
The amplifier provides power and power handling capabilities that are well beyond the typical subwoofer amplifier.

The Rockville dB15 is equipped with a high-current power supply, a low-pass filter, and a subsonic filter. These components ensure that the device provides optimal performance for most applications.

A built-in high-current power supply provides a stable output signal.  The subsonic filter cuts out frequencies above 3 kHz. The low-pass filter reduces high-frequency noise and interference. The Rockville also offers a phase control switch, a fully adjustable crossover, and a mute and delay soft start system.

For those who want to take the music further, you can opt for a subwoofer to give you better bass. Last but not least it also has a remote dashboard subwoofer control, a status LED indicator, a remote control, and a fully adjustable bass equalizer. The Rockville dB15 is also equipped with a 15 amp fuse and a 12 volt preamp circuit.

Pros

  • Fully Adjustable Bass Equalizer
  • Remote Dashboard Subwoofer Control
  • 8 Volt Preamp Circuitry
  • RCA Preamp Line Output
  • Built-In High-Current Power Supply
  • Phase Control Switch
  • Doesn’t get hot

Cons

  • Led on the remote gain control is crazy bright

Sample Customer Review:

“Works good. The price is nice for what your getting. Installed in my pickup.”

7. BEST HIGH RATED CLASS D CAR AMPLIFIER

The Rockford Fosgate R500X1D is a quality made Mono D car amplifier that is rated at 500 Watt x 1 Channel @ 2 Ohms RMS. The amplifier features a MOSFET power supply, cast aluminum heatsink, and muted turn on, short circuit protection, over current protection, RCA pass thru outputs, high level inputs, real time output and power supply thermal sensing, phase switch, the amplifier is CEA-2006 compliant and comes with a remote bass control.

The dimensions are 8. 50 L x 6. 80 W x 2. 00 H inches. 12dB/octave Butterworth crossover. On-board Punch EQ with +18dB boost @ 45Hz. High level inputs. Remote PLC (Punch Level Control) 0°/180° Phase Switch. Real time output and power supply thermal sensing.

Pros

  • Small and hidden 4 Gauge power/ground connectors
  • Over current protection Short circuit protection
  • MOSFET power supply
  • Muted turn on Cast
  • aluminum heatsink

Cons

  • The remote control is a little bit cheap

Sample Customer Review:

“I’ve had a boss 1150 amp for a couple years hooked up to the 2 12” terminator MTX’s. It’s done it’s job honestly as far as playing music, but it sucked the power out of my car and would overheat easily if turned up. I spent well over in 800-1000$ trying to fix my issues. Competition battery to fix dimming issues, the big three done with 0 gauge wire, high output alternator.

Nothing ever fixed the power issue until I got this. A quality amp that runs cool pushing the power it advertises, even more actually. The old one would burn my hand touching it too long, this one is cool as a cucumber. A quality amp, and quality wires (OXEGYN FREE COPPER, don’t fall for cca, it’s a waste of money) will solve your issues. Wish y’all better luck than I had, and thank you Rockford."

8. BEST BUDGET CLASS D CAR AMPLIFIER

The Kenwood KAC-9106D monoblock is a high-quality, powerful subwoofer amplifier with a built-in 24 dB/octave low-pass filter, variable gain control, and a bass boost control. The KAC-9106D features a speaker-level input for easy connection of factory radios.

It also features a pair of speaker outputs for connecting two subwoofers. The built-in low-pass filter has a continuously variable crossover point, 50Hz to 200Hz. Because this is a subwoofer amp, the crossover is always engaged. The bass boost is adjustable from 0-18dB at 40Hz.

The variable gain control is useful for matching the KAC-9106D to a variety of different speakers. You can adjust the gain control to provide the best possible match between the amplifier and your speakers.

The KAC-9106D also features built-in 24 dB/octave low-pass filter that has a continuously variable crossover point, 50Hz to 200Hz. The crossover is always engaged due to the fact that this is a sub amplifier.

Pros

  • It has speaker-level inputs for easy connection to factory radios.
  • It also features a pair of speaker outputs for connecting two subwoofers.
  • The bass boost is adjustable from 0-18dB at 40Hz.

Cons

  • Pricy but worth it

Sample Customer Review:

“I got two renegade 12in subs in my trunk that are beautifully singing now that everything’s hooked up. I guarantee all the one star reviews have something wrong with their set up, not the amp. I did have issues properly grounding my wire so it was cutting in and out at first. Moved the ground wire to a more conductive spot, haven’t had an issue since. My subs are 300 RMS each, so I bought an amp that slightly bigger than that.

If you buy an amp that’s too small, it won’t work the way you want it to. Even if you do have it installed by a professional audio shop. Be honest with yourself, if you don’t know what you’re doing, ask someone for help choosing an amp that is right for you. Obviously the speakers are important, but if the amp is wrong everything else will be too.”

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING THE BEST CLASS D CAR AMPLIFIER:

If you’re thinking of buying a car amplifier, there are a few things to consider before doing so.

COVERS MATERIAL:

One of the first things you need to think about when you start your amplifier comparison is what kind of cover the product comes in. While some amplifiers are open-backed, there’s nothing wrong with a covered model if it fits your preference.

You want to look for the best value and most durable materials, as you will be subjected to a lot of use and abuse. Here are some common options.

ACRYLIC:

Acrylic is a rigid material, which means it doesn’t absorb sound very well. This can be a benefit for outdoor applications, where outdoor amplifiers are subject to moisture and rain.

CARBON FIBER:

This is a more expensive and durable option but isn’t the best choice for all applications. It’s mainly useful for outdoor models, as it protects the product from the elements, but it doesn’t absorb much sound.

FIBERGLASS:

Fiberglass is a good option for outdoor amplifiers, as it absorbs water but doesn’t absorb much sound.

POLYURETHANE:

Polyurethane is a cheap material, but it is prone to cracking. It’s the most common cover material in the automotive market.

WIRES TO CREATE A NETWORK:

Wireless connections, while convenient, can have problems connecting to multiple devices without switching. Wired connections, on the other hand, provide a reliable experience. Amplifiers for speakers work the same way. This article will share the top 5 Class D amplifiers.

With a wired amplifier, the speaker wire connects to one or two audio systems, while the power line is plugged into a DC outlet. You can still connect it to other devices like laptops, PCs, TVs, smartphones, and Bluetooth devices.

The S.M.S.L AD18 is a great wired amplifier because it offers multiple connectivity options including USB, AUX, optical, and coaxial input systems. In addition to Bluetooth 4.2, it is our favorite due to its flexibility in connecting to different devices.

TIN:

Tin is a good option for outdoor amplifiers because it does a good job of absorbing water. However, tin is not very resilient and is prone to breakage.

THD (TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION):

THD, or total harmonic distortion, refers to the amount of unwanted harmonic frequencies produced by an amplifier. When an amplifier reproduces sound, it can produce distortion that can affect the quality of the sound.

THD measures the amount of this distortion and is typically expressed as a percentage. A lower THD value indicates less distortion and therefore, better sound quality.

COVER DESIGN:

What type of amplifier cover will you choose for the amplifier you buy? If you can afford it, get one with a nice, decorative design. After all, your amplifier is the centerpiece of your home entertainment center. Your cover should complement the style of your home and the type of music you play.

A common design is to have the amplifier on the front, with the speaker on the back. Another popular design has the speakers on the bottom and the amplifier on the top. Still another option has the amplifier on the bottom, while the speakers are on the top.

If you have the money to spend, you may want to look at some of the best-looking covers on the market, which include:

PAINTED:

Painted covers are available in most colors and may have multiple designs and logos on them.

PRINTED:

These covers have full-color graphics, and they may include the name of the brand on the cover.

DECORATIVE:

These covers may be solid or may have several color options. They may have pictures of the product on the front, and the back may be plain.

STYLE:

Amplifiers may be designed to fit your interior’s particular look and design. This means you’ll have to decide between one that looks like a piece of art or one that matches your existing decor.

SOUND QUALITY:

Quality is important when you are buying an amplifier, especially when you’re paying a large amount of money for it. This is why you need to pay close attention to the specifications and reviews of your potential amplifier.

SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO:

Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is a measure of the quality of an audio signal. It compares the level of the desired signal to the level of background noise.

In other words, it measures the amount of signal power to the amount of noise power present in an audio signal. A higher SNR value indicates less noise and better sound quality.

SNR is usually expressed in decibels (dB), and a higher value (such as 100 dB) indicates better sound quality than a lower value (such as 70 dB).

FREQUENCY RESPONSE:

There are two types of frequency response – linear and nonlinear. Linear is the most commonly used, and it shows the true, linear response of the device. Nonlinear is typically the more difficult to achieve, as nonlinearity is the ability to make changes in response to a small variation in input.

The more nonlinearity you get, the more difficult it will be to achieve a specific, consistent frequency response.

Most amplifiers will have a flat, linear response, which means that they’ll respond uniformly to a range of input frequencies. This is also called “flat,” which is the opposite of “peaked,” which means that it will only respond to one input frequency.

In most cases, flat frequency response is preferred, so you don’t end up getting too much bass and not enough mid-range or treble. It’s generally more important to match your amplifier to the speaker’s frequency response.

DISTANCES OF BLUETOOTH TECHNOLOGY:

Amplifiers and speakers nowadays come with Bluetooth connectivity, so you don’t need extra cables. This makes it easier to tidy up your TV stand or bookshelf.

Newer versions of Bluetooth, such as 4.2 or 5.0, allow more data to be transmitted quickly and efficiently. However, the version of Bluetooth can affect the quality of the sound that the speaker produces. In this article, we will discuss the top 5 Class D Amplifiers with Bluetooth connectivity.

NUMBER OF CONNECTIONS:

There are generally three types of connections for amplifiers – digital analog, and optical. Digital is a common connection method in many car amplifiers. Analogue is the most common connection type in stereo equipment, including radios.

INPUTS FOR AUDIO DEVICES:

Our team talked about the inputs that amps need, but it’s important to figure out which specific inputs you need for your car sound system or home speakers.

You should also check that the inputs are easy to access. We included a model with side mounts that makes it easier to see the amp and its inputs, which is a unique feature.

POWER OUTPUT:

Before choosing a car amplifier for your car, you need to figure out what kind of output power you want. In general, the more wattage you require, the larger the speakers will need to be. A lot of people buy subwoofers with 100-150 watts of power because it sounds great.

However, those who want to pump more power into their vehicle may need to look for 300 watts or more. There are usually two different ways to output power:

1. Amplified power: This type of power amplification allows the amplifier to work much harder than a traditional amp would be able to, so if you have a subwoofer with a rating of 70-100 watts, you might be able to bump up the volume by a lot if you were to amplify your power source.

2. Non-amplified power: A non-amplified amplifier will only handle a certain amount of power, so while a 100-watt rated subwoofer could potentially be pushed up to 150 watts, a non-amplified amp will only push up to 100 watts.

The former is generally used in higher-powered cars, while the latter is most often used in low-powered vehicles.

POWER CONSUMPTION:

This is one of the most important things to consider when buying a car amplifier. The higher the power requirements, the more electricity you’ll be consuming. This can be especially important for high-powered vehicles that often require recharging of their batteries.

However, the higher the power consumption, the less time you’ll be spending listening to music in the car. So it’s usually best to go with a low-powered amp for a car that requires a lot of power and a high-powered amp for a low-powered vehicle.

SUBWOOFERS POWER:

Subwoofers are rated in watts and you need to make sure your car amplifier supports a certain wattage before you decide on what size to go for. For example, a car amplifier can support up to 200-300 watts of subwoofer power.

It’s important to note that the more wattage a subwoofer needs, the larger the speakers you need. This means you should make sure that your amplifier can accommodate this power and is supported in your vehicle.

SIZE:

Another important thing to think about when buying a car amplifier is the size. The size of the amplifier you go for will determine the size of the speaker you’ll need to go for. In general, a speaker of larger size means that you will hear better highs and bass as well as have better sound output.

But if you’re looking for a subwoofer, you’ll generally want a smaller one, as you’ll have to go up against the size of your car’s roof, so the smaller the subwoofer, the better.

CONNECT AUDIO DEVICES TO AN AMPLIFIER:

Another important feature to consider when choosing a class D power amp is how it will integrate into your audio system. The best class D amplifiers will offer various connectivity options, both wired and wireless.

The type of connectivity you choose will depend on your audio setup, the devices you want to connect, and your personal preferences. Bluetooth is a popular wireless option in amplifiers, and it’s important to check the version of Bluetooth technology included in the device.

The latest version, Bluetooth 5.0, offers improved reliability and stability over longer distances of up to 50 feet and better sound quality than previous versions.

For wired connectivity, you should look for amplifiers that have USB, AUX, optical, and coaxial inputs, depending on what you need for your system. The connection options will depend on the compatibility with the rest of your audio system.

Wired connections for your sound system are reliable since you won’t have to worry about losing signals or interruptions over long distances. But wires limit where you can place your equipment, making them less flexible.

In contrast, wireless connections allow for more flexibility in terms of placement, but you need to ensure that the devices have the same Bluetooth versions for optimal performance.

Fortunately, amplifiers can offer both wired and wireless connections, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds. It’s also essential to consider the remote control options provided with your amplifier. A remote control with various features can be helpful, rather than depending solely on the onboard control panel.

VARIABLE LOW-PASS FILTER:

If you own a car amplifier, chances are, the subwoofers are already hooked up to an amplifier. One of the most common types is a variable low-pass filter, which is simply a variable low-frequency filter on the input of the amplifier.

When the filter is set at a low pass, the amplifier will work hard to process the frequencies, so you’ll get a deep, rich bass sound. However, if you set the filter at a high pass, the amplifier won’t work as hard, so you’ll get lower levels of bass.

While this doesn’t seem like a huge difference, it’s actually pretty important, as it’s a way of making the amplifier louder or quieter to suit your preferences.

VARIABLE BASS BOOST:

Variable bass boost is a great feature to have if you want to improve the performance of your car amplifier. This feature will allow you to turn the bass boost on or off at will, so you can hear better lows and highs in one setting and get a little bit more bass with the next.

WEIGHT:

If you have chosen an amplifier for your car, then it’s very important to know the weight limit of the vehicle. This is because amplifiers can be heavier than you think.

For example, most car amplifiers weigh at least 8 pounds, and this can be too heavy for some vehicles, including smaller ones such as convertibles and hatchbacks.

Also, keep in mind that the weight of an amplifier may increase depending on what type of installation you choose. If you want to use it for a hard-wired installation, it may weigh more than a wireless model.

BLUETOOTH:

Bluetooth is a wireless technology for sending and receiving data from devices using radio waves. It can help you set up your speaker and connect with other devices, such as computers, smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

While Bluetooth is an amazing technology, there are many issues to consider when purchasing an amplifier. For example, you’ll want to make sure your speakers support Bluetooth, and that your device does.

Another issue is that Bluetooth is a short-range technology and may not be able to reach your speaker unless you’re close enough to the device.

You also need to make sure your devices are compatible and can connect to your amplifier. This includes the car radio, smartphone, tablet, or computer.

PROTECTION INTERFACE:

An amplifier can come with various protection interfaces for your devices, such as a USB or SD card. This can help protect your devices against damage from the high power of your amplifier, while at the same time connecting your device to the amplifier.

You’ll also need to consider the protection interface for your amplifier. This will depend on whether you plan to charge the amplifier through a wall socket, USB cable, or adapter.

WARRANTY:

Your amplifier may come with a warranty, which should last at least a few months. This gives you a chance to fix any issues you may have and get the problem fixed as soon as possible.

BUDGET:

After you’ve taken all of these points into consideration, now you can start shopping. There are several factors to consider, such as brand, style, sound quality, and budget.

ENHANCING THE SPEAKER AND SUBWOOFER PERFORMANCE

Amplifiers make your music sound better by improving the quality of the digital signal that the speakers receive, reducing distortion in the sound, and enhancing the bass performance of your audio system. Typically, speakers and woofers cannot produce audio signals that are very low in Hz, which is why external power amps are available for both passive speakers and subwoofers. They can be used for subwoofers only or for both speakers and subwoofers.

CLEAR AND POWERFUL SOUND OUTPUT THROUGH YOUR SPEAKERS

Passive speakers cannot boost or convert weak signals to audible components, and therefore play them in their original form. To play files through passive speakers, you need to use a third-party power amplifier. This is where the 5 Best Class D Amplifiers come in handy.

Active speakers, on the other hand, come with an integrated amplifier and only need a power supply. Passive speakers, however, require both an amplifier and a power source. This is why some amplifiers come with a built-in power supply.

GUARANTEED HIGH-QUALITY SOUND LIKE IN RECORDING STUDIOS

The audio devices we use at home, such as phones, laptops, and TVs, do not have enough power to fully drive speakers, which results in distorted or weak sound quality. To get the best sound from your speakers, you need to use high-quality amplifiers. Check out the 5 Best Class D Amplifiers for more information.

COMPARISON BETWEEN CLASS D AMPS AND OTHER AMP CLASSES

When it comes to amps, there is often a trade-off between sound quality and efficiency. Class AB amps are generally considered the best at balancing both factors, but there is still room for improvement through advancements in technology. In the meantime, let’s take a closer look at class A amps.

Class A amps work at full capacity, regardless of whether there is a signal or not. This causes them to produce a lot of heat which can be a problem. These amps amplify both negative and positive signals, which also adds to the heat. Because of this, Class A amps can become very hot during use.

Class A amps are not very efficient and tend to produce a lot of heat. They have low power loss and work at full efficiency only 25% of the time. Although they produce high-quality sound, they are not recommended because they consume a lot of energy and generate heat.

If you want to customize your car audio system, you should avoid Class A amps. Class D amps are much more efficient and produce less heat than Class A amps, making them a better choice for most people. However, if you are a professional audiophile, you may still prefer Class A amps for their distortion-free and linear sound.

Moving on to class B amplifiers, they have a push-pull setup with two transistors for positive and negative signals, which leads to less load and lower heat generation.

However, because the transistors take turns, the fidelity is lower. Despite being more efficient, class B amps produce a crossover distortion when the transistors switch on and off, which makes manufacturers avoid producing them.

The different types of amplifiers are compared based on their efficiency and ability to produce high-quality sound. Class A amplifiers produce great sound but generate a lot of heat and are inefficient. Class B amplifiers are more efficient, but they produce crossover distortion that affects sound quality.

Class AB amplifiers are a combination of Class A and B amplifiers and offer a balance between high efficiency and high fidelity. They are widely available in the market and operate at 70-80% efficiency, producing significantly lower crossover distortion.

However, Class D amplifiers are still the most efficient and are recommended for installations where heat dissipation is a concern. For home systems, Class A/B amplifiers are a good choice.

WHAT DOES CAR AUDIO SUBWOOFER AMP EFFICIENCY MEAN?

When it comes to car audio amplifiers, such as Class-D subwoofer amps, some of the energy from the car’s battery and alternator is lost as heat instead of being used to power the amp. This is a common issue with electronic devices, but it’s usually not a big problem.

When we talk about amplifier efficiency, we are referring to how much power is being delivered to the speakers compared to how much power is being consumed by the amplifier. To measure this, we used a device called the D’Amore Engineering AMM-1 to test the Rockford Fosgate M5-1000X1 subwoofer amplifier.

We also used a 1-ohm resistive load and measured the output voltage, input voltage, and input current at various levels from idle to 800 watts. The CLEAN circuit put the amp into protection mode once it reached 800 watts.

Here are some human-friendly rewrites:

  • The amp needs some power to work even if it’s not producing sound. At low volumes, this power is much bigger than what’s needed to make sound, so the efficiency is very low.
  • When the amp starts producing sound, the efficiency gets better quickly. By the time it reaches 140 watts, the efficiency is over 70%. At 400 watts, the efficiency is at its highest, which is 76%.

For years, people in the car audio industry have been sharing information about the efficiency of Class-D amplifiers compared to Class-AB amplifiers. They often use a graph to show the benefits of Class-D amplifiers.

However, this graph shows the power delivery on a linear scale, which is not how audio works. In reality, we need to double the power to the speaker every time we want to increase the volume by 3 dB. This means we need to look at the data on a logarithmic scale to get a better understanding of how the amplifiers perform.

When we look at the data on a logarithmic scale, the amplifier doesn’t seem as efficient as before. This is because when we want to increase the output by 3 dB, we need to double the power to the speaker, which is a logarithmic requirement.

At very low volume levels, where you may only need 5 or 10 watts to drive your subwoofer, the amplifier wastes a lot of power as heat. In this range, the efficiency is only 18 to 27%.

This means that only a quarter of the power going into the amp is going to your speakers, while the rest is being used to run the amplifier’s signal processing and being converted to heat.

HOW THE EFFICIENCY OF AN AMPLIFIER IS AFFECTED BY LOAD IMPEDANCE

Let’s take a look at how efficient the amplifier is when it has to deliver more current to the speakers to produce more power. Some people suggest using more speakers or speakers with lower resistance to get more power, but does this come at a cost? We’ll use our test amp to see how efficient it is when driving a 2-ohm load.

The amplifier works more efficiently when it’s connected to a 2-ohm load, which means it uses power better. When it’s connected to a 2-ohm load, the amplifier reaches its peak efficiency of up to 84.7% at an output level of 691 watts, while drawing 58.1 amps of current.

This is better than when it’s connected to a 1-ohm load, which draws 71.5 amps of current to make the same power. When connected to a 2-ohm load, the amplifier also produces more power before the CLEAN output distortion indicator comes on.

It produced 865.3 watts instead of 800.3 watts, which is 8.1% more power with less current draw and less heat. Therefore, it’s not a good idea to overload an amplifier that’s rated to produce similar power levels into 2- and 1-ohm loads.

MORE POWER, MORE EFFICIENCY: THE CONNECTION EXPLAINED

There are three important things to learn from this experiment.

  • First, choose an amplifier that produces only as much power as you need for your speakers. Using a 150-watt amplifier for a midrange driver that requires only 10 to 20 watts is too much.
  • Second, if you participate in SPL competitions, make sure to choose a speaker load impedance that balances power and efficiency. Overloading your amplifier could result in wasted power that turns into heat.
  • Lastly, if the limiting factor in your audio system is the ability to supply power to the amplifier, then choosing the most efficient solution is crucial.

The efficiency of an amplifier depends on how loud you play your music. In general, the closer you get to the maximum power output of your amplifier, the more efficient it will be. Don’t just rely on a single number advertised by the manufacturer, it may not tell you the whole story.

When shopping for an amplifier, it’s best to consult with a professional car audio retailer. They can help you choose the right amplifier for your car or truck, and install it properly so that it sounds great and lasts for many years.

HOW MANUFACTURERS INDICATE HOW EFFICIENT THEIR PRODUCTS ARE?

When you check the amplifier efficiency specifications, most likely they are measured at full power. This is because the Class-D amplifier uses the power from your electrical system most efficiently at this level.

In real life, what’s important is how the amplifier behaves when it’s not working at full power, especially when people are listening to music at low or medium volume levels. If the amplifier is more efficient at these levels, it will use less power from the electrical system, which is especially important for marine applications where we might use batteries for extended periods.

Efficient amplifiers can draw half as much current as less efficient models to produce the same output, especially when the amplifier is working with a heavy load.

CAN THE TEMPERATURE OF AN AMPLIFIER AFFECT ITS EFFICIENCY?

We wanted to find out if the Rockford amplifier becomes less efficient as it heats up. We tested the amp at different temperatures, starting at 19 degrees Celsius and increasing it to 60 degrees Celsius. We measured its efficiency at each temperature to see if there was a difference.

However, it’s important to note that this test only applies to this particular amplifier, and we can’t say for sure if other amps will behave the same way. We stopped at 60 degrees Celsius because our testing equipment was making unusual sounds.

If we were asked to guess what would happen when the amp gets hot, we would have expected that its efficiency would decrease. This is because the resistance in the wires, components, and circuit board increases as the temperature goes up. However, the results were surprising and revealed how well the designers at Rockford Fosgate worked on their products.

THE BEST CLASS D AMPLIFIER YOU CAN GET

Choosing the best amplifier from the top five wasn’t easy as all of them were really good. However, I had some criteria in mind, and I wanted an amplifier that could handle all frequencies.

So, I narrowed it down to two amplifiers, the Dual Electronics DBTMA100 and Fosi Audio TB10A. After a lot of thinking, I finally chose the Fosi Audio TB10A as my overall favorite.

The reason I chose the Fosi Audio TB10A as my favorite amplifier was its power output. It has an RMS rating of 100 watts, which is enough to power any speaker without worrying about its sensitivity rating. This was the deciding factor for me.

Being able to connect via Bluetooth was important to me because it meant I could use a variety of devices with the amplifier. This also allowed me to have the amplifier mounted in different locations without needing wires.

Lastly, I listen to music frequently in my car, so having an amplifier that can manage heat well was important. The TB10A has an excellent ability to dissipate heat, making it a great choice for me.

FAQS:

Q.1 HOW DO I CHOOSE AN AMP FOR MY SUBS?

The Frequency response will tell you if an amplifier can work with a sub. It will not be able to handle the sub-bass range of frequencies if the cutoff is over 60Hz.

Q.2 WHY DOES MY AMP GET HOT SO FAST?

Class D amplifiers don’t get hot fast. It could be due to a few factors. Look at how the amplifier is positioned. The amplifier should not be placed under a carpet or upside down. The amplifier will absorb the heat from components under the car. If you don’t have a heat sink, it can heat up quickly.

Q.3 DOES A CAR AMPLIFIER IMPROVE SOUND QUALITY?

Music clarity and intelligibility are improved by the use of a car stereo amplifier. The noise sources are completely overcome by the car audio system at a high volume. Regardless of what is happening outside, an external amplifier allows you to enjoy whatever you are listening to.

Q.4 DO I NEED TO CHANGE THE SPEAKERS IN MY CAR TO USE A NEW AMPLIFIER?

Depending on the type of speakers in your car, it’s important that you choose the right amplifier. If your speakers have a combined capacity that can hold a good percentage of the total RMS supply of the amplifier, then you can use the old speaker.

If you want to be on the safe side, you can get a complete redesign of your car with a new speaker.

Q.5 WHERE SHOULD I SET UP MY AMP?

In your car, there are many places where you can sit. An area out of easy reach is the best place to put the amplifier. If the padding of your trunk isn’t heat-absorbent, it should be looked at beneath it. You can put it under the rear seat of your car. Two of these positions will work.

CONCLUSION:

In conclusion, Class-D amplifiers have come a long way over the years and have become a popular choice for car audio enthusiasts due to their high efficiency, compact size, and ability to produce high-quality sound. From our research, we have found that there are many excellent Class-D car amplifiers available on the market, but some stand out above the rest in terms of overall performance, features, and value for money.

When selecting a Class-D car amplifier, it’s important to consider your specific needs and requirements, such as power output, frequency range, and compatibility with your audio system. We recommend consulting with a knowledgeable mobile enhancement retailer who can help you choose the best amplifier for your vehicle and install it correctly.

We have guided here about the 8 best car amplifiers in this class including their specifications. Also, you should keep in mind the factors to consider before buying this product. If you have any budget issues then Planet Audio AC3000.1D is our expert’s recommendation otherwise Rockford Fosgate R500X1D Prime will fulfill your requirements.

We hope you will be aware about best class D car amplifiers, after reading this comprehensive guide. If you have any questions, feel free to comments below!