Tag: Power Amplifiers

It’s a common question. And it involves making an additional investment in your car stereo purchase which can make a huge difference. So why should you add an external power amplifier to your car?

Let’s take a look at what a power amplifier actually does. Put simply, an amplifier takes the low level output from a source device (CD player, tuner or MP3 player) and brings its output level to a range that can drive speakers. This range, or power output, can vary depending on the size of the amplifier. Many car audio systems- both OEM and aftermarket- contain power amplifiers even though you might not know it. They can range from built-in amp stages that are actually inside the chassis of the radio to separate external amplifiers that can be located under a seat or in a rear side panel of the vehicle.

You might have noticed that automobile manufacturers have been “paying more attention” to the calls for better sounding factory audio systems in their vehicles. Manufacturers are touting systems with components from brands including Alpine, Bose, Infinity, JBL, Pioneer and others- which might lead you to think that there isn’t a reason to look at aftermarket equipment as a logical upgrade.