Amplifiers


 * What is an Amplifier?**

An amplifier, often just called an amp, is the main power source in a large car audio system. Amps work by taking input power and matching it to specific requirements of speakers. An amp gets it's input power from the car's battery, or batteries in very powerful systems. The amplifier uses this input to power speakers. Amplifiers also come with controls for bass boosts and gain on subwoofers and other speakers.

Most cars don't come equipped with an amp because the stock speakers inside the car get enough power to work from the head-unit. Amps are seen more often in powerful aftermarket audio systems where the head-unit isn't capable of supplying the speakers with enough power. For example, any car with a subwoofer will need an amplifier. The subwoofer requires too much power to run off a head-unit. Since amps can become warm during operation, and often because of their size, they are usually placed in the trunk of a car.

Below: on the left and right you can see two basic car audio amps. In the middle you can see an amp with a clear faceplate, revealing the internal components.


 * The Different Types of Amplifiers **

There are several different types of car audio amplifier categories such as class A, class AB, class D, mono-channel, and multi-channel. Each of these amps have their own specific applications and different mechanical composition. Explaining each of these amps is an entire Wiki in itself.

Class A amplifiers are rarely used today because of their inefficiency and inability to dissipate heat that it produces. This heat can be harmful to the amp if it is in use for extended periods of time. These amps do however offer significant sound quality because of the low distortion of power signals.

Class AB and class D amplifiers are more efficient amps that can dissipate heat better. Of the two, class D are superior in efficiency but there is more distortion in the signal. This distortion, however, is often inaudible to the human ear because it is filtered out by head-unit controls.

Mono-channel amps supply power to a single channel. These amps are best for single speaker applications, such as a single subwoofer. Although, mono-channel amps can still supply power to more than one speaker. Multi-channel amps are like mono-channel amps, however, as the name says, there are multiple channels to which power is supplied. These amps can have anywhere from 2 to 6 channels in most situations. These amps can be used to power subwoofers however they are often used to power all the mid-range or coaxial speakers because of the number of channels already set up.

Below: Two photos of both connecting ends of a Kicker ZX300.1 amplifier. These sides contain the inputs, outputs, gain control, crossover, bass boost and other controls for the amp.



Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Car_audio http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_amplifier http://www.howstuffworks.com/amplifier.htm

Image Sources: http://i01.i.aliimg.com/photo/v0/214363121/Car_Amplifier_EMP_Series_.jpg http://img.diytrade.com/cdimg/576804/3953634/0/1184287183/Digital_Car_Amplifier.jpg

http://caraudiomag.com/sites/default/files/images/00000/41/26/alpine_pdx_amplifier.jpg http://images.sonicelectronix.com/images/373893/big/10zx3001.jpg http://images.sonicelectronix.com/images/649808/big/11zx3001.jpg