Better car audio, Tip #3: Add an amplifier
Heads up!
Welcome to this article from the Crutchfield archives. Have fun reading it, but be aware that the information may be outdated and links may be broken. 
You may be saying, "My factory stereo puts out 200 watts, and that's plenty of power." But there's a huge difference between 50 watts peak power per channel produced by your car stereo and 50 watts RMS from an outboard amplifier. A separate amplifier will provide more clean power than any car stereo, and that'll make a night-and-day difference in sound quality. Your system will sound better, whether you listen to Mahler at a conversational level or Megadeth turned up to 11. An amplifier is essential to getting great sound in your car.
If you're adding high-quality aftermarket speakers or component systems to your vehicle, they may require more power for peak performance than your existing in-dash receiver can provide. Subwoofers require significantly more power than a brand-name or factory in-dash receiver can provide. With subs, a separate amp is a necessity.
Amplifiers do not come with wiring you need to connect them to your stereo. Wiring Kits provide everything you need to send signal and power to your amp.
Learn more about car amplifiers.
This post is excerpted from a recent article in our Learning Center, Jeff's Tips for Getting Maximum Sound Quality in Your Car.
Reader comments (0 responses)
Please share your thoughts below.
by Crutchfield's
Meet Jim Richardson
Why do we write? So you can find gear that makes you jump and shout.
I edit the home A/V and pro audio articles on Crutchfield.com. It's a cool gig for a guy who's been seriously into audio since way before 1974.
I started buying records, guitars, and gear with the money I made mowing lawns and delivering newspapers. Now the way I earn my money has changed for the better, but where it goes hasn't changed too much.
I was employee #007 when I started at Crutchfield back in 1976. Seriously, I was the seventh person Bill Crutchfield hired. Back then we all did a bit of everything. I spent time answering customer calls, packing boxes for shipment, purchasing merchandise, and writing catalog pages.
I left Crutchfield in 1983 to finish college. Then I worked as a newspaper reporter and editor before returning to Crutchfield in 1993.
I returned just in time to participate in the launch of Crutchfield.com, the first big ecommerce site in consumer electronics. Having a hand in that process was a thrill and an honor. And just look at how much we've grown since then. It blows old 007's mind.
About Jim
More from Jim Richardson
Man cave ideas for the pandemic
So, you need a simple, portable, powerful PA system?
Complete beginner's guide to wireless microphones
PA amplifiers buying guide
Klipsch vs Polk
What you need to know about sound masking