Take your vehicle’s audio performance to new heights by choosing a car amplifier
Do cars come with amplifiers?
Amplification is a critical part of any audio system, and cars are no different. Without amplification, the signal generated by the head unit (radio, CD, or streaming audio) won’t be enough to move speaker cones, so there would be no music while you‘re driving. So obviously, all cars and trucks that have a factory installed stereo do come with amplifiers.
But ... The vast majority of them don’t have an external, standalone car amplifier. Instead, the sound systems include basic built-in amplification. The only case where you’ll find a new vehicle that actually ships with a standalone car amplifier is with select high end automobiles that offer optional premium sound systems.
Do car amps improve sound quality?
Installing a car amplifier definitely improves sound quality. A standalone car amplifier is a specialized component with one purpose, and it’s engineered to do that very well. The immediate benefit that many people recognize from a car amplifier is that it is capable of much higher volume than most factory installed audio systems can put out. For example, a car audio system may have a maximum output of 60 Watts RMS, where many car amps can put out 1,000 Watts RMS or more. But there are other benefits as well. Some offer a bass boost for additional punch, and the option to connect a subwoofer for incredibly powerful low end performance.
A dedicated car amplifier can also usually power more speakers than a factory stereo, which lets you expand your vehicle’s audio system for superior sound. A factory system driving four speakers sounds pretty basic compared to the experience of listening to music through eight, 10 or 12 speakers.
Do I need a car amplifier?
If you listen to talk radio on your drive to work and never bother playing music, then no, you don’t need a car amplifier.
But if you really enjoy listening to music, a car amplifier is the key to superior audio when you’re driving. There’s a good reason why this is one of the most popular automobile upgrades.
Build a killer audio system by adding an aftermarket head unit and speakers
It’s possible to keep your factory stereo system and install a car amplifier, re-routing the audio output to the new amp. However, many people choose to replace the factory system altogether with a new head unit and speakers. Doing so takes full advantage of the car amplifier’s capabilities, and aftermarket speakers can dramatically improve audio quality. In addition, with a new head unit, older vehicles can get access to the latest technology including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.