Having great sounds while driving is non-negotiable for most people. It can get rid of the disturbing external noise. If you’re driving alone, music makes good company. Also, a road trip is always better with your favorite soundtrack playing on loop. Learn the number of channels you need in your car amp below.
What are channels?
Channels are a source of power. The channels on your amp will power up your speakers. So how many channels do you need for your amplifiers?
Usually, you have to base the number of channels on the number of speaker cabinets you want to connect. A regular amplifier would often have two channels. Thus, allowing you to connect to a mono or stereo mode.
Related: Best Affordable Cars for College Students
How many channels do I need?
The standard practice is to base it on the number of your stereos. A two-channel amp can power up to two speakers, while a three-channel amp can fuel three speakers, and so on. This 1:1 ratio has been the standard guideline.
If you want a more elaborate setup, you can have four or even eight channels for your two speakers. Some power amplifiers have this feature. The more channels in a speaker make a more sophisticated multi-channel sound system.
What is the advantage of more elaborate setup? It allows you to connect more speakers to your amp. But of course, you have to spend more moolah on that. Thus, a more sophisticated system warrants a higher cost.
Pros of a 1:1 channel amp
A 1:1 channel amplifier ratio isn’t necessarily bad. Aside from a lower cost, it can have other advantages too.
This channel amp ratio can be inferior compared to the more elaborate setup. However, it eliminates the occurrence of impedance and distortion between channels. As a result, these will draw less power since there aren’t multiple channels that need to be fueled.
It’s possible to put in a series of channels in a single amp or speaker. You can even put more than four speakers in a four-channel amp. Also, it’s common for people to squeeze in as many speakers as they can. Be careful thought, since overloading it can be counterproductive.
Common channel setups
1. Two-channel amp
The two-channel amp seems to be the most popular. This type of amp setup can play a full spectrum of sound. Hence, it’s ideal to power a set of car speakers.
It’s also the most multi-purpose, and you can bridge it together to power a subwoofer. A subwoofer can produce lower radio frequency, such as the bass.
You don’t need to install a subwoofer in your sound system setup. But it can make dramatic changes to your music and sounds. Furthermore, it can enhance your overall sound system.
2. Four-channel amp
This setup is ideal for those who want to play their four-door speaker. It is much like the two-channel amp. They’re also bridgeable so you can get that dramatic bass sound.
3. Mono
A mono channel is primarily intended to power a subwoofer. This setup allows you to access only a single channel. Hence, there’s no left and right differentiation.
A mono setup is not high powered, so it’s not a full range system since subwoofers don’t require a high frequency. This setup can power 1-2 subwoofers at a time. Aside from lending a dramatic effect on your sound system, subwoofers are also a great way to upgrade your electronics.
4. Five-channel
Five channel amplifiers are the least common. It is for those who don’t want multiple amplifiers in their sound system.
This setup is mainly a combination of the four-channel amp and the mono amp or the subwoofer. And these two are combined in a single chassis. Yes, it can be complicated, but this setup is advisable if you have a mid-tier audio system.
5. Three-channel
A 3-channel amp is a junior version of the five-channel amp. It’s a combination of a two-channel amp plus a subwoofer (mono). This setup is perfect for powering just the front speakers and a subwoofer in a budget sound system.
Conclusion
Your car amplifier will be the driving force of your car’s sound system since it powers up your speakers. But a high-quality amp isn’t the only thing that you need to consider. Having the
Read Also:
