TOP 5: car amplifiers

Pioneer GM-A3602

A low-cost amplifier is always a 2—channel amplifier with class A/B. Today, car amplifiers can be found mainly in two classes: A / B (they are also called analogue) and class D, which is called digital or pulse. In short, A/B class is considered more musical (although there is a lot of controversy about this), and Class D has a higher efficiency (and this is an indisputable fact).

The nominal output power of the Pioneer GM-A3602 amplifier is slightly higher than the average generally accepted value — 2x60 W when connected to a 4-ohm speaker and 2x90 W when connected to a 2-ohm speaker. Of course, Pioneer, like most 2-channel speakers, can work in a bridge connection, but only on a 4-ohm load — a bridge power of 180 watts is just right for low-cost subwoofers.

This amplifier is not rich in settings, but the most necessary ones are present: smooth adjustment of the sensitivity of the RCA stereo input from 6.5 volts to 0.3 volts and a switchable filter for low frequencies (80 Hz with a slope of 12 DB/ost), i.e. for a subwoofer. There is also a high-level input for connection to standard tape recorders or head units that do not have line outputs.

The connection is carried out through the screw clamp of the "plug" terminals. All terminals are signed, including the BRIDGET bridge connection. The status indicator light is located on the side, next to the acoustic terminals.

Similar models that are also worth paying attention to are Mystery MK2.80 and Blaupunkt GTA-270 with the basbust function.

Alpine PMX-F640

This is a 4-channel A/B class amplifier, although it is almost identical in size to the above-mentioned 2-channel amplifier (this is practically invisible from the photo). A distinctive feature of most amplifiers of the Japanese company Alpine is compactness. This greatly simplifies the hidden installation.

In radio recorders, it is customary to indicate the maximum output power, which is more advertising, and for external amplifiers, the rated power is more relevant. In this case, we have 4x50 watts at 4 ohms or 4x75 watts at 2 ohms. Also, a more powerful 2-channel 2x150 W can be made from a 4-channel Alpine by connecting two pairs of terminals with a bridge.

The model is equipped with a full set of switchable low and high pass filters (80 Hz 12 DB/ost) for the front and rear channels separately. There is also a three-position bass boost (off/+6dB/+12dB) for rear or subwoofer channels.

There are six gold-plated RCA connectors, four of them are front and rear stereo inputs, and two more are through stereo outputs designed to connect to another amplifier, for example, a sub. Such a draughty RCA output helps to do without splitters in cases when the radio has only 4 line outputs for 4 speakers, and the user wants to connect a subwoofer as well. The terminals for power and acoustic cables of the PMX-F640 are the same as those of the amplifier described above, only gold-plated.

Among the analogues, more bulky models can be noted Pioneer GM-A4604 and Pioneer GM-A6604 .

DLS RM30

This is a 3-channel amplifier, designed to work with two front stereo channels and one mono subwoofer. The 4-channel described above can also be used in 3-channel mode, but there is one difficulty. The fact is that the bridge connection (which cannot be dispensed with) divides in half the dumping factor (attenuation coefficient), which is responsible for controlling the sound coil. Therefore, a 3-channel speaker will be better in an audio system where a subwoofer is used instead of rear acoustics. Also, the 3-channel has more advanced settings for the subwoofer channel. We will begin our acquaintance with them.

The filter for subwoofer frequencies is no longer switched off here, which is logical (high frequencies should not come to the subwoofer) and smoothly adjustable in the range from 50 to 120 Hz. The subwoofer phase switch is implemented. For front channels, the HPF filter is also smoothly adjustable within 50-150 Hz. The PARALLEL INPUT switch parallels a gold-plated pair of 1/2 RCA inputs with 3/4 RCA inputs in case your radio has only one pair of line outputs. And in the absence of line outputs, the DLS RM30 can be connected via high-level inputs.

Gold-plated terminals for cable lugs are located with a downward direction for more convenient wiring connection. The status indicator is located under the power terminals.

Rated power — 2x75 W (4 ohms) or 2x100 W (2 ohms). DLS can also work with a 2-ohm subwoofer, which is not available at all when bridged.

Among similar models, we can advise you to pay attention to DLS CA31 and JBL GTO-3EZ Price from 11 399 up to 11 969 ₴.

Alpine MRX-M240

Exclusively subwoofer, powerful digital monoblock with cast cooling fins. It can output 1500/2400 watts of power to a 4/2-ohm load and even works with a resistance of 1 ohm, but with a not outstanding power indicator of 1000 watts. It is unlikely that this amplifier will be installed under a regular radio that does not have a special subwoofer output. Nevertheless, the Alpine MRX-M240 can be turned on by taking a signal from the acoustic standard wiring. The whole series of Alpine MRX amplifiers is equipped with an acoustic high-voltage input with autostart. The option of connecting the amplifier to a standard radio should assume (for ease of use) remote control. Optionally, a bass level control panel can be connected to the MRX-M240.

Regarding the tuning options: this rather big monoblock has as many as five adjustments, and all only for the subwoofer channel. The first regulator from which it is customary to start tuning any amplifier is the level (sensitivity of the RCA input). This is followed by the regulators of two non-switchable filters that trim the subwoofer frequencies from above and below. The subsonic, cutting from below, is regulated within 5-30 Hz, and the LPF, filtering from above, has an adjustment within 50-400 Hz. Next, there are two equalizer controls: a level with adjustment up to +12 dB and a choice of the centre frequency of this level, i.e. at which frequency we will add +12 db of bass. This controller captures the entire subwoofer range from 30 to 80 Hz. Also note that such a powerful "bass player" needs appropriate nutrition.

Similar, but less powerful models — DLS CAD11 and Helix B One .

Alpine PDX-V9

Completing our selection today is an elite 5-channel with an excellent combination of compactness and power. In this small case (in dimensions comparable to the first model in our review), 4 channels of 100 watts (4/2 ohms) and one subwoofer channel of 500 watts (4/2 ohms) are placed.

Due to the high efficiency and innovative technologies, the amplifier practically does not heat up, consumes less, and therefore amplifies the sound with the least loss, which equals more watts at the output. With this amplifier, Alpine refutes the theory that digital speakers are good only for subwoofers. Alpine PDX-V9 has a transparent and clear sound with a deep drawing of all musical instruments.

Numerous amplifier adjustments are hidden under the decorative lid. To open it, you will need a hex key (included). This amplifier has the same sets of advanced filters as the previous model, so let's focus on the distinctive features. There is a "channel-by-channel" mode (each component has its own independent gain channel) filtering of front acoustics, which allows you to connect 1/2 amplifier channels to tweeters, and 3/4 channels to midbases for more fine-tuning of components and improving sound quality. Frontal acoustics with a competent "channel-by-channel" connection will always sound better.

The power and acoustic connection is made in the form of removable terminals, which simplifies the installation and disassembly of the amplifier.

On the upper part of the case, in the middle of the black heat sink plate, there is a blue logo frame, which serves as an LED status indicator. If it's blue, everything is OK with the device, red — it overheats, but it's not scary to him, thanks to a special temperature–controlled processor. The task of the latter is to monitor the input voltage and overheating of the amplifier. When the voltage is lowered or overheated, the PDX-V9 does not enter into protection (turning off the sound), like all other car amplifiers, but lowers the output power slightly, ensuring continuous music playback.

Among similar models, we would note less powerful Ground Zero GZUA 5600DX and Alpine PDR-V75 .