4-channel Amplifiers at Crutchfield.com (2024)

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If the sound gets muddy when you turn it up, you need the added power of an amplifier. You probably know the difference in sound between your TV speakers and a home theater system. An amplifier in your vehicle can make that kind of difference. You'll hear a bigger, fuller sound, with more detail and greater impact, especially if you've installed better speakers in your vehicle.

The first consideration is how many speakers you'll be powering and how much power each speaker will handle. Once you know that, you'll know how many amplifier channels you'll need and how much power you'll want.

Yes, you can, as long as you have a basic knowledge of electronics and you're handy with tools. You'll have to run a power wire from your vehicle's battery back to your amp's location, and then a ground wire from the amp to your vehicle's chassis. It's important to do the job correctly so you don't damage your vehicle. Our Tech Support people can help you if any issues come up.

Check your speakers or sub to see how much power they can handle in terms of "watts RMS." For a subwoofer, you should select an amplifier that produces approximately that much RMS power. Speakers are more forgiving, so you don't always have to max them out, although more power always sounds better.

The easy answer is "one speaker per channel." You'll need two channels to power a pair of speakers, four channels to power your front and rear speakers, or one channel to power a subwoofer. There are plenty of exceptions to this rule, so contact an Advisor to get the best advice for your situation.

• Car amplifier buying guide How much power and how many channels should your amp have? How much power do your car speakers need? This guide will help you choose the right amplifier for your car's sound system. by Crutchfield's Buck P.
• Car amplifier installation guide Here's a step-by-step guide to installing a car amplifier, including how to run the cables through your car and how to wire the amp. by Crutchfield's Buck P.
• Subwoofer wiring diagrams There are many ways to connect subwoofers to an amplifier. Our wiring diagrams will help you find the best way to wire your subs and amps so you'll get the most powerful performance out of your gear. by Crutchfield's Buck P.
• Amplifier wiring diagrams These wiring diagrams illustrate how amplifiers connect to your audio system, which will make it easier to shop for the gear you need for the system of your dreams. by Crutchfield's Buck P.
• How to install a car amplifier Check out this overview of a typical installation to see the steps involved when you install an amplifier in your vehicle. by Crutchfield's Zak B.
• Car amplifiers FAQ Our Amplifier FAQ answers many common questions like: How can I add an amp to my system? Where should I mount it? What wiring do I need? How many channels do I need? Read our article for these answers and many more. by Crutchfield's Buck P.
• Car amplifiers glossary Car amplifier audio terms - like watts, volts, and efficiency - are explained. by Crutchfield's Crutchfield Writing Team
• Amplifier wire gauge chart What size of wire should you should use when installing an amplifier? Use our handy wire gauge chart to find out. Without proper wiring, your amplifier can't deliver the power that your speakers need. by Crutchfield's Buck P.
• Tuning your subs What does the gain control do anyway? How should you set the low-pass filter? This article describes how to tune your amplifier so that your subwoofer sounds just the way you want it to. by Crutchfield's Buck P.

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