4-Channel Car Amplifiers
Best 4-Channel Car Amplifiers
Finding the greatest 4-channel amplifier might be difficult if you don’t know what to look for since there are so many high-quality amplifiers available on the market. You will need one to power your music unless you get a high-end car since default sound systems are inadequate. Therefore, even if you don’t add any further components, investing in a high-quality amplifier can significantly enhance your vehicle audio sound system.
Therefore, a high-quality automobile amplifier should be the first item you seek to update if you truly want to crank those tunes. But which 4-channel amplifier is the best? There isn’t a single greatest 4-channel amplifier in the vehicle audio business, and a lot depends on your preferences and the stereo system you already have. I’ve compiled a list of some of the top 4-channel amplifiers available for every kind of car in this study.
There are plenty more, and I have made an effort to include as many different types of amps as I can to meet all demands and budgets. An extensive Car Amp Buyer’s Guide is provided after the study to ensure that you know precisely which amplifier is ideal for you.
What Is The Best 4-Channel Amp?
| Product | Max RMS | Why? | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Alpine X-A70F X-Series | 350W x 2 | The best 4-channel car amp on the market | Check Price |
 | Rockford Fosgate P600X4 Punch | 150W x 4 | Perfect sound quality | Check Price |
 | Planet Audio Anarchy AC1200.4 | 450W x 2 | Best 4 channel amp under $100 | Check Price |
 | JL Audio JD400/4 | 400W x 2 | Perfect for mids and highs | Check Price |
 | Kicker CXA300.4 | 150W x 4 | Great amplifier for car door speakers | Check Price |
 | Kenwood KAC-M3004 | 150W x 2 | Best for marine, motorcycles and ATVs | Check Price |
 | MTX Audio Thunder 75.4 | 175W x 2 | Easily power dual subwoofers | Check Price |
 | Alpine MRV-F300 | 75W x 4 | Compact Amp will fit in any vehicle | Check Price |
 | Memphis Audio SE1200.4 | 150W x 2 | Great value for money | Check Price |
 | DS18 Select S-1500.4D/RD | 130W x 4 | Best full range 4-channel amp | Check Price |
Alpine X-A70F X-Series – Best 4-Channel Amp For Overall Performance
The first item on my list comes from Alpine, the only company to get two choices and a company known for producing high-quality automobile audio equipment for many years. Simply put, this Alpine Amp X-A70F 4-channel amplifier tops everyone’s list for overall sound quality and performance in the vehicle audio industry. In many of my selected areas, it’s really a better amp than other amps that compete for the title, but it has a price. The price of this amplifier is quite high and may be beyond the means of the majority of individuals.
The amp is the most powerful amp on my list, pushing 120 watts of RMS power per channel at a 4 ohm impedance. Naturally, the power is unlimited. You may push 175W RMS @ 2 ohms for extra power. This will let you to install four high-performance speakers throughout your car, creating a sound environment that is probably superior to anything you have ever heard in a vehicle. This amplifier is bridgeable and may be used to power a 3-channel or 2-channel amplifier if you need even more power. A typical setup will provide some of the highest loudness at 350W RMS x 2 @ 4 ohms. Some folks really want their automobile to shake excessively. Due to its D Class and heatsink design, the amplifier runs effectively for extended periods of time without becoming too hot, despite having all that power.
Additionally, it’s not just the power. With a frequency range of 5 Hz to 100 kHz, this amplifier offers the widest frequency range. No other amp on the list even comes close to that value, which makes for some incredible fidelity. The Alpine X-A70F also offers the lowest S/N at 115/95 dB and the lowest THD at 0.05 percent, all of which contribute to the amp’s unrivalled ability to reproduce powerful, lifelike sound. I want to give each amplifier an equal chance, but I haven’t even discussed the controls yet. All I’ll say is that you get what you paid for with this Alpine amp; however, it’s also its lone drawback.
Rockford Fosgate P600X4 Punch – Best Car Amplifier For Sound Quality
Rockford continues to uphold its reputation as a manufacturer of high-end, powerful automotive audio equipment with this 4-channel amp. More than most of the vehicle amplifiers on my list, the company has gone above and above by creating a device that can be used with a considerably larger variety of other gear. With input sensitivity ranging from 150 mV to 12 volts, the Rockford is able to receive input from a far wider variety of sources than other amps. This is typically roughly 2 volts higher and 50 mV lower than the next closest rival. This amplifier is for you if you still have an 8-track for whatever reason.
It would take a lot to surpass the sound quality of this A/B class amp, which also creates a high-quality soundscape. First off, this amplifier has an above-average S/N ratio of 150/85 dB; nevertheless, depending on your setup, 85 dB is more realistic for the majority of contemporary standards. This amplifier will produce 150 watts RMS through each channel when using strong 2 ohm speakers, as opposed to 75 watts through each channel when using 4 ohms. The amplifier is bridgeable, however, so if you need additional power via your bridged channels, you may do so. The RCA inputs provide you additional setup options since they can take both high- and low-level audio signals without the need of a signal converter.
Additionally, Rockford’s CLEAN setup and variable 12 dB/Oct Butterworth crossovers in the amplifier guarantee a crystal-clear signal is supplied to your drivers. The Punch EQ option with +18dB boost @ 45Hz, which gives some intense bass if you have the correct subwoofer, will appeal to both those who appreciate bass and those who don’t. Overall, this amplifier is of good quality and will enhance any automobile audio system. The only drawbacks are that it’s a touch pricy and that this amp could be too heavy for you if you’re loading out a smaller car.
Planet Audio Anarchy AC1200.4 – The Best 4 Channel Car Amplifier Under $100
This Planet Audio Anarchy amplifier can do the trick and more if you’re looking for a 4-channel amp for less than $100 while yet wanting to create an impression. For the lowest price on my list, this Class A/B adaptable 2 Ohm to 4 Ohm 4-Channel bridgeable amplifier will power your car radio system, producing an outstanding and clear loudness. The MOSFET power supply enhances the amp’s power efficiency, and when all four channels are run at 4-ohms, you can push 113W RMS per channel.
The amplifier maintains stability at 2-ohms, giving you a remarkable 225W RMS per channel. The amplifier is bridgeable, as was already said, and depending on how you set it up, you’ll be able to output some incredible power. You may get a 450W RMS power output by connecting it to a 2-channel amp at 4-ohms, for instance. Whoa, what! You would anticipate having fewer control over the music with something so inexpensive, yet Planet Audio is renowned for providing value for money. With Bass Boost, Fixed High Pass Crossover, and Variable Low Pass Crossover, you can simply alter the sound to get the exact sound you want. Although the S/N Ratio is captivating 102 dB, the Frequency Response is typical at 20-20k HZ, guaranteeing clear complete range at maximum volume.
The power connectors and fittings on this Anarchy series amp aren’t of the finest quality, which is to be expected at this price point. It can get a little warm because of the A/B configuration, but the heavy-duty black anodized heatsink that is required for this amp helps to combat the heat. But depending on where you live, you might want to keep in mind that it can get a touch too hot in hotter climes. The greatest 4-channel amp for under $100 is available to you for this price, and it will unquestionably enhance your car entertainment system while also making your vehicle stand out and vibrate.
JL Audio JD400/4 – Best 4-Channel Amp For Clear Mids and Highs
JL Audio is a reputable name in the auto audio sector, and over the years, it has produced some amplifiers of high quality. And this JD400 4-channel vehicle amp, which is my sole option for having preamp outputs, is another item that upholds brand awareness. This Class D amplifier, which was just produced in 2022, has a 4 volt preamp output and enables you to feed the signal from your 4-channel 69 JL Audio setup into a second amp for a subwoofer.
The amplifier supports either 75 or 100 watts RMS @ 4 or 2 ohms. Additionally, it is completely bridgeable, giving you even more strength and freedom to deliver an amazing 200W to 2 channels into 4 ohms. Thanks to JL Audio’s proprietary NexDTM high-speed switching technologies, this amplifier is not only potent but also generates some incredibly clean signals. As a result, the amplifier can produce a tonne of pure power with little distortion and outstanding efficiency. High-pass or low-pass 12 dB/octave filters with constantly variable frequency selection from 50-500 Hz are included in the signal processing features for added clarity. Additionally, the amp offers you extra freedom with differential-balanced inputs that can take speaker-level or line-level signals, as if that weren’t already enough. Still not convinced?
If clarity is important to you, this little amplifier’s Signal-to-Noise Ratio of 104 dB is astounding, and its THD at 2-ohms per channel is less than 1%. This amp is excellent and offers you a variety of setup possibilities due to its bridgeability. Although it’s not the most affordable vehicle amplifier on my list, it’s also not the most expensive. You will enjoy this JL Audio amplifier if you need a compact device that drives a clear signal effectively.
Kicker CXA300.4 – Best 4-Channel Car Amplifier For Car Door Speakers
The Kicker CXA300 is the item I have listed after that. amplifier with four bridges. Since it isn’t the most powerful item on my list, its ideal application is as door speakers, preferably in conjunction with a subwoofer amplifier if you want to go all out. If all four channels are being driven, this Class AB amplifier can output up to 75 watts RMS per channel @ 4 ohms, 150 watts RMS at 2 ohms, or 4 ohms bridged into 2 channels. Considering the amp’s budget, its S/N ratio of 95 dB is actually rather impressive.
And it will drive power effectively to the necessary components with an input sensitivity range of 125 mV to 10 V. The amp makes use of Kicker’s patented KickEQTM bass boost, which can raise your bass output by up to 12dB when you need it most. Additionally, a strong 12dB crossover is provided, allowing you to swiftly adjust your system to your preferences.
The Frequency Response is wider than most amplifiers on my list between 109 and 20k Hz. It’s also a fantastic amplifier to match with a factory head unit because it has high and low level inputs. If room is limited, it might be best to search elsewhere because this Kicker is one of the largest amps on my list. Despite this, the amp features effective heat sinks from Kicker to keep it cool even in a small environment.
Kenwood KAC-M3004 – Best Marine Amplifier
On my list of legacy brands for 4-channel amp reviews is Kenwood, which has been making high-quality automotive audio gear for decades. Some claim that the corporation has lost some of its lustre in recent years, but in my opinion, it still manages to carve out niches in the market where it excels. For instance, whether you need a 4-channel amplifier for a car, marine life, an AVT, or a motorcycle, this one is the best. Whatever your requirements, this amp has a very small size to fit in just about any tight space in your car, as well as any storage area on a boat or motorcycle.
The primary printed circuit board is conformal coated, which adds additional layers of defence against moisture or damp air. This makes the amplifier excellent for usage in environments where exposure to the elements is likely to occur frequently. It is a Class D amplifier, thus it uses energy very efficiently. Although the RMS continuous power outage is only 50 watts at 4 ohms and 75 watts at 2 ohms, the amp can be bridged and will power 150 watts at 4 ohms on two channels. If you want some volume that is loud and clear, this will have a significant impact. Installation is simple because the amp accepts a signal from almost any source, whether you’re using RCA connections from an aftermarket receiver or speaker wires from a factory radio.
The amp offers switchable, adjustable crossovers that give you more control to create the sound you want, but the S/N ratio is just 76 dB, which is disappointing. However, you won’t notice if you’re in a high-powered vehicle like a boat or a motorcycle. This 4-channel amplifier isn’t the most potent or even the finest on my list, but it has a noticeable effect in any vehicle and is reasonably priced. And it ought to be your first pick if you enjoy off-road sports.
MTX Audio THUNDER 75.4 – Very Powerful Amplifier – Ideal With Dual Subwoofer Output
In the realm of automobile audio, MTX is steadily building a reputation for itself. The Thunder 75.4 4-channel amplifier upholds the reputation of the American audio company, which has been producing high-caliber gear for three decades. Since the Thunder brand of amplifiers has been around for more than 20 years, MTX Audio has remained at the top of the heap when it comes to driving some significant volume. If you bridge to two channels, this A/B Class amp boasts a staggering 175W @ 4-ohms, which will be more than enough for the MTX Terminator Dual 12-inch Subwoofers. And let me underline that: regardless of the size of your dual subs, this little beast can easily power them.
A pair of 6.5″ speakers and two 6×9″ speakers can be used to operate all four channels if you want a wide range of mids, highs, and lows. If you want a little bit more power, you can either send 100W RMS into each speaker or 75W RMS x 4 @ 4-ohms. With a broad frequency range of 15 to 25 kHz, or around 5 Hz lower and higher than usual, this 4-channel amp creates one of the greatest soundscapes. Due to its tiny chassis size, it can be placed in almost any car. Its power capacity and wiring flexibility make it the ideal choice for running multi-channel speaker systems without compromising musical output or quality. At this pricing point, the crossover is pretty much expected: Variable LPF 50Hz to 750Hz (Rear), Variable HPF 10Hz-200Hz (Front), Variable HPF 50Hz-750Hz (Rear), and 12dB/Oct are all available, but it’s comforting to know that MTX isn’t skimping on controls after providing so much power for the money.
Although the S/N Ratio of 80 dB is a little conventional, it’s still not bad, and with a Total Harmonic Distortion of less than 1%, you are getting an extremely potent and energising amplifier. The main drawback of this four channel amplifier is how rapidly it tends to heat up. It may not be the greatest option for you if you want something that will fit snugly because this is to be expected with an A/B Class amp.
In conclusion, the MTX Audio Thunder 75.4 amplifier is a potent 4-channel amplifier. It doesn’t outright win or lose in any of the categories on my list, but it’s a good amplifier, and you need look no further if you want to run some dual subwoofers.
Alpine MRV-F300 – Compact 4-Channel Amp For Any Size Vehicle
This MRV 300 Alpine amp is the second one I’m reviewing. The small Alpine V power amps can fit in most cars, even under or behind seats, thanks to a 40% lower footprint than their predecessors. But don’t believe that Alpine’s lack of size means that they have given up on influence; in fact, they are far ahead of most of their competitors in the field of automotive audio innovation. All Alpine V automobile amplifiers are strong and punchy, it should be noted.
More of the low-frequency sounds will be delivered to your woofer or subwoofer with an amp that has a crossover frequency range of 50 to 400 Hz than with the majority of the other amps on my list, but the power of any paired subwoofer should not exceed 100W. Nevertheless, the Bass EQ function and LPF provide you greater control over the bass and enable the woofers to produce the frequencies for which they were designed. Depending on your arrangement, the Alpine amplifier has an amazing THD that can reach as low as 0.03 percent; however, using a 4 channel system will raise that to the more common 1 percent.
The amplifier is more effective with MOSFET power supply and Class D circuitry, and the Thermal Management Processor enables this 4-channel amp to never get too hot. This enables you to play your music loudly for an extended period of time without any distortion or, better yet, any breaks. This 4-channel amplifier will provide bright and crisp highs and bass that is impacting to say the least when used with some high-performance speakers and a subwoofer. The sound quality is what you would expect from an Alpine amplifier.
Memphis Audio SE1200.4 – Powerful 4-Channel Car Amplifier, Great Value For Money
Memphis Audio has established a 50-year reputation in the audio sector by consistently creating some high-quality goods at extremely competitive prices. And the power of this amplifier is in line with what one might anticipate from a premium Memphis Audio amplifier. You can push 50W per channel if you run all four channels at 4 ohms. Since the amp is stable at 2-ohms, you can push 75W per channel if you need more power.
Although not the strongest on my list, it is nevertheless effective. Your car radio system will give you more options if you want to bridge the amplifier, and converting it to a 2-channel car amplifier at 4-ohms will give you 150W RMS x 2. The High Pass and Low Pass Filters in this amplifier guarantee that there won’t be any distortion as your music switches from the highs to the lows, making it ideal for anyone looking for a full-range sound with mesmerising clarity at high volumes. While the S/N is respectable at 85 dB and the 20 Hz – 20k Hz Frequency Response is similarly standard, the THD is only 0.1 percent, so you shouldn’t expect perfection for the price. Variable Crossovers, a 0–12dB Bass Boost at 45Hz, and an Infrasonic Filter are additional advantages that contribute to a loud, distortion-free soundscape.
The Extruded Aluminum Heatsink is required because the amplifier is known to become hot. The terminals and fittings aren’t of the greatest quality, but investing a few extra dollars will fix that issue. Although this amplifier won’t win any awards, it offers amazing value for the money and allows you to push it to its absolute boundaries without worrying about damaging it.
DS18 Select S-1500.4D/RD – Very Powerful, Full Range 4 Channel Amp
DS18 is a newcomer to the vehicle audio scene, but the Miami-based company is swiftly establishing a solid reputation for itself because to the robust and powerful equipment it consistently offers at competitive prices. And the DS18 S-1500.4D/RD 4 Channel amplifier upholds the growing reputation of the company. The brushed red or silver amp from the DS18 Select series is new to the market in 2021 and is undoubtedly the most powerful amp for the money.
Depending on your demands, the Class D amplifier has a range of settings that provide you with various power levels and melodic alternatives. These can power 4 channels at an amazing 130W RMS per channel when run at 2 ohms, compared to 90W RMS x 4 when run at 4 ohms. With such a wide operating range, you can use the most potent midranges, tweeters, drivers, or coaxials to create the desired sound without overtaxing this little beast. The 4-channel amp can be bridged, though, and when used as a 2-channel amp at 4-ohms, it allows you to drive both channels with a mesmerising 235W RMS.
This will enable you to operate a pair of extremely potent dual subwoofers. The amplifier features RCA input/output, gain control, hi/low pass filters, and adjustable crossover settings—all of which are standard—but it’s still comforting to know that you can customise your sound. In addition, the amp has short circuit, thermal, and voltage protection in case the powerful amplifier overheats, which is rare given its Class D efficiency and cutting-edge technology.
Buyer’s Guide
What Is A 4-Channel Amp?
An electrical signal is received by a 4-channel amp, which, as the name suggests, amplifies the signal. It then transmits that signal along its channels for the loudspeakers, specialised tweeters, or subwoofers to pick up. The four channels of a four channel amplifier are all output with equal power.
However, some 4 channel amps have the capacity to bridge, or combine, the power from multiple channels. The amp’s output will frequently double as a result, although this is not always the case, especially with inferior amps.
4 Channel Amp vs 2 Channel Amp
A 4-channel amp is typically used to power 2 front speakers and a subwoofer with 2 channels bridged, or 4 speakers—often 6x9s plus front speakers. Of course, you’ll need a 5-channel amp or, more likely, a monoblock, which is a separate amp for the subwoofer, if you wish to power both the four speakers and the subwoofer. Although you can connect the speakers in parallel when bridging, you should be aware of the amplifier impedance ratio since the resistance of the speakers may drop.
While it is technically possible to use a 2-channel amp to drive two conventional 69 speakers, this is not their primary function. A 2-channel amp is frequently used to power one or two subwoofers rather than just two regular speakers. It should be noted that compared to a 4-channel amp, a 2-channel amp often produces greater RMS watts across each of its channels.
The 2-channel amp’s primary function is to drive the bass, therefore the extra power helps with that. Remember that an amplifier may be configured with both a 4-channel amp and a 2 channel amp. While the latter powers the subwoofer or subwoofers, the former will power the speakers. Your car’s speakers will have incredible power in this situation.
Watts Per Channel and Impedance
The power that your amp can push to the speaker system will be determined by these two wattage numbers. However, RMS is more significant than Peak Power, which is typically exploited as a marketing gimmick. Peak wattage refers more to the maximum wattage the amp can deliver in a single burst whereas RMS wattage refers to the power that can be pushed at a consistent pace via each channel. Depending on the impedance of the speaker, there will frequently be two or more alternative values for RMS wattage.
In general, the RMS wattage per channel decreases as the impedance increases. However, there are a few amps that, regardless of the impedance, push the same amount of power per channel. Even while impedance isn’t always a feature of the amp specifically, it is still one of the most crucial components of your speaker system for generating the highest audio quality. Your speakers will each have a different impedance rating, and whatever it is, the amplifier must be able to drive those ohms through its channels.
Look For How Big The Amp’s Fuse Is
Whether or not an amplifier can genuinely provide the continuous watts it advertises depends on the size of the fuse. To calculate this, multiply the watts by 2, then divide the result by the size of the automobile battery. For instance, if an amp produces 250 watts, you must first multiply that figure by 2 to account for the watts that are coming in. The voltage of the car battery, which is typically 14.4 volts, is then divided by that. You receive 35 amps as a result. The amplifier won’t be able to continuously pump all 250 watts if it doesn’t utilise fuses with at least a 35 ampere rating.
Compatibility Of Head Unit With Amplifier
Kicker line-out converter
The majority of factory head units lack preamp outputs in terms of input plugs (RCA). The receiver is irrelevant if the amp can receive a speaker-level signal. However, the head unit will require a line output converter if the amp can only accept a preamp signal (LOC). A speaker-level output signal is subsequently changed into an RCA preamp-level signal by the LOC. With this, you may connect the stereo to the amplifier and a new stereo to the stock amplifier in a car.
Amp Class
This refers to the “topology” of the amplifier’s architecture. While there are technically 4 types of amplifier topology, you will most commonly run across two within automotive audio systems: AB and D class. AB Class has a tendency to produce better sound quality. However, even many audiophiles will acknowledge the difference is generally negligible if you can even pick it out. This topology also produces far more heat than the D Class. For a D Class topology, the high frequency reproduction is technically inferior, although the registers are usually beyond a point of meaningful distinction. The D Class is much more energy efficient and produces less heat than the AB Class. The difference between the AB and D Class high frequency registers may have been more pronounced at one time, but it is generally accepted as a minimal difference in modern amps. However, energy consumption and heat output remain a big difference.
Sound Quality
The finest sound quality your amp can produce will ultimately depend on a few features and circumstances. Filters, frequency response, sensitivity, sound-to-noise ratio, and overall harmonic distortion are a few of these (THD). Each of these influences various aspects of the soundscape, with some having a greater impact than others depending on what you’re listening to. Three filters are utilised, two of which can be found on most respectable amplifiers and one of which is quite specialised. High pass and low pass filters are the two that are typically found on amplifiers.
The low pass filter (LPF) will only send a signal to channels operating speakers that will play that frequency, usually the midbass or subwoofer, if it is not high pitched and runs along a lower but still medium level range. In contrast, a high pass fade (HPF) will filter out the higher frequency sounds and only send them to speakers made to play those registers—typically the tweeters and super tweeters. The range of frequencies that an amp can push depends on its frequency response quality.
The soundscape is more expansive the higher the number. The human ear can only hear frequencies between 20Hz and 20kHz, so frequency response can be somewhat deceptive because many of the highest and lowest frequencies are undetectable. A frequency that is too low enters the subharmonic stage, yet it may still be possible to feel but not hear these frequencies. Similar to how a frequency reaches the superharmonic phase when it rises too high, these frequencies are typically not only audible but also impossible to feel. Total Harmonic Distortion, or THD, measures how faithfully the amplifier reproduces the input signal as it transmits it to the speakers.
The better, the lower this value. In essence, the signal might become modulated and distorted as it travels to the amplifier and is decoded before being delivered at a higher level to the speakers. Better amplifiers will reproduce the signal more accurately and with lower THD at higher power levels. THD levels exceeding 3% should be avoided because you will start to hear a change in sound quality and the sounds themselves will differ from those on a better system. The Sound-to-Noise Ratio, also known as S/N, is a number expressed in decibels that indicates how much “noise” or interference the signal carries through the amplifier. The better, the higher this number.
Size
Older amplifiers were frequently hefty, massive slabs that produced a lot of heat and required a lot of open space to disperse that heat. Companies have started making more tiny amps that can fit in progressively smaller spaces as technology develops. The amp nevertheless continues to produce a substantial amount of heat despite this. As a result, the amp’s size will have an impact on where you can put it. Smaller amps frequently have access to sufficient airflow under a seat to maintain equilibrium.
Getting The Best 4-Channel Amp For You
There is no science that establishes one as the greatest 4-Channel amplifier on the market, therefore the topic is constantly up for discussion. However, if you have the cash available, your only genuine option is the Alpine X-A70F. Of course, it is pretty expensive, so if you can’t extend your budget that far, you should pay attention to the other amps in each specialty market.
The Kicker CXA300.4 is a superb amp with a wide range of versatility to suit more configurations than most if you’re looking for something that’s great value all around. The JL Audio JD400/4 is where you should look if you want to run an amp for your speakers and an amp for your subwoofer, which I highly recommend.
Naturally, you can’t go wrong with the Alpine MRV-F300 if all you want is one affordable amp to rule them all. No matter what you’re looking for, there’s an amp on the list that can meet your needs. And with the aid of my thorough buyer’s guide, you ought to be in a better position to choose your subsequent update. Whatever 4-channel you choose, for whatever purpose, I’m certain it will improve every drive. A fantastic time.