Top 4-Channel Car Amp
With many high quality amps available on the market, it’s not easy understanding which is the best 4-channel amp and getting the suitable one generally is a daunting course of if you happen to don’t know what t look out for. Unless you purchase a high-end car, you will have one to power your tunes, as a result of factory stereo techniques are subpar. An funding in a good high quality amplifier will enhance your sound system no finish, even if you happen to don’t add some other components, so if you happen to actually need to pump these tunes, it’s the very first thing you should look to improve.
But what’s the best 4-channel amp? As with all the things within the car audio business, there’s no single best 4-channel amplifier, and far of it boils all the way down to your style and your stereo system. In this review, I’ve put collectively a list of among the best 4-channel amplifiers available on the market. There are many others and I’ve tried to be as various as possible, and guarantee there’s an amp for all wants and prices. After the review there’s an in-depth Car Amp Buyer’s Guide to assist be sure to perceive precisely the best amplifier to get for you.
#1. Alpine MRV-F300 – Best 4-Channel Car Amp for Door Speakers and Rear Acoustic
My first product comes from Alpine, a model that’s been making high-quality audio tools for many years. In truth, Alpine is the only model on my list to seize two spots. For this product, Alpine has put out the best 4-channel amp for the entrance door speakers and rear acoustic.
Keep in thoughts although, there are some strict limitations if you happen to intend to make use of this amp in your subwoofer, because it won’t put out the utmost RMS watts for a bridged 2-channel output.
With a crossover frequency range of fifty to 400 Hz, extra of the decrease sounds will probably be directed to your woofer or subwoofer than with a lot of the different amps on my list, however the power of the subwoofer want no extra 100W. The amp features a wonderful THD that may get as little as 0.03 %, relying in your configuration, although working a 4 channel configuration will bump that as much as the extra commonplace 1 %.
Still, with a reasonably compact profile and a D class circuitry, heat and power consumption won’t be a lot of an issue. What could also be an issue, however, is the background noise which is pretty low at 81 dB. All in all, this can nonetheless produce the best efficiency for good sound for the buck, even when it’s barely larger in worth.
#2. Rockford Fosgate P600X4 Punch – Best Car Amplifier For Sound Quality
While Rockford might not have the identical legacy standing as Alpine or Kenwood, it’s a model within the car audio house that’s recognized for producing among the best gear accessible. With this 4-channel amp, Rockford hasn’t let its model picture down, and has even gone the additional mile, making a product that may work with a a lot wider range of different {hardware} than a lot of the car amplifiers on my list. Specifically, the Rockford can settle for input from way more sources than most amps with an input sensitivity that ranges from 150 mV all the way in which as much as 12 volts.
This is usually about 50 mV decrease and a pair of volts larger than the following closest competitor. If for some purpose you have got an 8-track, that is the amplifier for you. This amp additionally produces a high-quality soundscape and this AB class amp is an appropriate 4-channel amplifier for sound high quality. First, the S/N ratio on this amp is above common with a 150/85 dB, relying in your setup, although, 85 dB is extra correct for many trendy requirements.
If you might be working highly effective 2 ohm speakers, this amp will push 150 watts by way of every channel. However, in case your speakers are 4 ohms, this amp won’t carry out as well and can only push 75 watts per channel.
It’s a high high quality amplifier, and can enhance any car audio stereo, however it’s a bit expensive and if you happen to’re packing outna smaller car, this amp is perhaps a bit bulky for you.
#3. JL Audio JD400/4 – Best 4-Channel Amp For Mids and Highs
JL Audio is a revered model within the car audio business, and have produce some good high quality amplifiers over time. This 4-channel car amp is one other product that maintains the model’s recognition with my only choice to have preamp outputs. With a 4 volt preamp output, this amp will can help you run the sign from the JL Audio in your 4-channel 6×9 setup right into a second amp for a subwoofer.
While the primary Alpine on my list can run a subwoofer competently, it is going to battle to blow anybody away, figuratively or actually. Besides, if you happen to actually need to run a powerful system with a robust sub, I like to recommend you get a dedicated monoblock amp for that function.
Meanwhile, the JL Audio is nice to run your extra pedestrian 6x9s, and it might probably push some spectacular power to these speakers with 75 watts RMS for 4 ohms or 100 watts RMS for two ohms. It’s additionally bridgeable and can can help you push 2 channels at 200w RMS.
With a sensitivity of 104/84 dB, this is likely one of the noisier amps on my list, and this amp will push some louder and crisp music because of JL’s NexD switching know-how that ensures most effectivity and minimal distortion.
The amp’s small profile makes it easy to place virtually wherever, leaving loads of room in your larger amp if you happen to’re going for a multi-amp arrange. And at an inexpensive worth entry this amp is nice to work by itself or in a multi-amp arrange.
#4. Kicker CXA300.4 – Best 4-Channel Car Amplifier For The Money
Kicker doesn’t get the identical respect as among the different manufacturers on my list, and to be trustworthy it’s in all probability proper. That’s to not counsel that this amp from Kicker is a poor product, so don’t be delay.
If you’re watching what you spend this amp is arguably the best 4-channel amp for the cash. While not strictly the least costly amp on my list, it does come fairly shut, however pound for pound, it’s good worth. The amp’s S/N ratio of 95 dB is definitely fairly good – surprisingly good at this worth level. And with an input sensitivity range of 125 mV to 10 V, this amp is nice at working legacy head items.
This Class AB amplifier delivers as a lot as 75 watts per channel if you happen to’re driving all 4 channels, or 150 watts into two units of bridged channels. The amp makes use of Kicker’s trademark bass increase KickEQ™, which supplies you as a lot as a 12dB further bump, and with a robust 12dB crossover is included, it is going to shortly tune your system to your liking.
Unfortunately, this Kicker is likely one of the bigger amps on my list, so if house is tight, it is perhaps higher to look elsewhere. That stated, the amp makes use of Kicker’s environment friendly heat sinks will maintain it cool even when house is tight.
#5. Kenwood KAC-M3004 – Compact Amp for Motorcycles And Boats
Outside of Alpine, Kenwood is the opposite legacy model on my list that’s been producing top high quality car audio tools for many years. In latest years the company has misplaced a few of its lustre, however it nonetheless manages to seek out niches out there the place it shines. Case in level, that is the best 4-channel amplifier on my list for bikes. As want for a bike, this amp has a really very compact measurement and has switchable, adjustable crossovers.
It may do that for both a 4 channel or a 2 channel bridged configuration, and being a category D amp it won’t want as a lot power as most amps on my list. The amp additionally advantages from the use a conformal coated foremost pcb (printed circuit boards) which presents further layers of safety to combat towards moisture or damp air, which not only confirms its place because the best amplifier for a bike however can be superb for boat homeowners trying to power your cruiseliner.
Sadly, this amp suffers from noise points because the S/N ratio is a low 76 dB, whereas the frequency range is a tad low at 20 Hz to twenty okHz, too. The RMS wattage of 50×4 at 4 ohms, and the 75×4 at 2 ohms is a bit low, however the amp is bridgeable, and can power 150W at 4 ohms on 2 channels.
#6. MTX Audio THUNDER75.4 – Powerful Amplifier With Sub Output
Much like Rockford, MTX will not be probably the most well-known model out of the products on the list. However, once more like Rockford, this model has additionally made a reputation for itself by producing high-quality audio techniques, although usually for a extra cheap worth. Likewise with this car amp right here, because the Thunder sequence 4 channel amplifier captures my best all-around worth slot. First, this amp pushes loads of power with 100W RMS at 2 ohms and a powerful 75 watts RMS at 4 ohms. Moreover, this amp features one of many best soundscapes with a frequency range of 15 Hz to 25 okHz – about 5 Hz decrease and better than common. Finally, that is only one in all two amps on my list, together with Alpine, to function a THD below 1 %.
However, you get what you pay for, and the MTX isn’t the most cost effective of amps, however nowhere close to the most costly on the list. Being an AB class amp, the MTX will produce loads of heat which can restrict the place you may put it.
If you run a good system, two 6.5s and two 6×9 speakers, this amplifier will match something on the list and deliver a unbelievable throughout sound high quality, regardless of the music you play.
#7. Alpine X-A70F X-Series – Best 4-Channel Amp For Performance
As has been established, Alpine is a high-end model within the car audio market. That is why it should come as no shock that the Alpine X-A70F is the best performing 4 channel amplifier on my list. In truth, that is really a greater amp for a lot of of my chosen niches that different amps take the title for. But in fact this high quality comes at a price, and this little magnificence is by far the most costly amp on my list, and possibly out of most individuals’s worth range. The amp pushes 120 watts of RMS power per channel at 4 ohms impedance.
This is definitely the only amp on the list able to doing so. What’s extra, the soundscape of the Alpine X-A70F is by far the broadest with a unbelievable 5 Hz to 100 okHz frequency range. No different amp on the list comes wherever close to that worth. In one other best, the X-A70F additionally has the least quantity of noise at 115/95 dB and ties for first with the MTX with a powerful THD of 0.05 %.
The only actual downsides to this amp is its lack of versatility. This is likely one of the larger amps on my list, though it’s a class D topology, so heat shouldn’t be an issue. This amplifier is the best amp on my list, but additionally the most costly. If you may stretch your budget that far, you’ll have an amp that may produce insanely loud music with crystal readability.
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What Is A 4-Channel Amp?
A 4-channel amp is a tool that receives {an electrical} sign and, because the title implies, amplifies that sign. It then sends that sign alongside its channels to be received by speakers, whether or not loudspeakers, dedicated tweeters, or subwoofers. As the title suggests 4 channel amplifier places out equal power to all 4 channels. 
However, some 4 channels amps have the flexibility to mix the power from a number of channels through a course of referred to as bridging. This will usually double the amp’s output, however this isn’t all the time the case, particularly amongst decrease high quality amps.
4 Channel Amp vs 2 Channel Amp
A 4-channel amp is usually used to power both 4 speakers–often 6x9s + entrance speakers, or 2 entrance speakers and a subwoofer with 2 channels bridged. Of course, if you wish to power all 4 speakers as well because the subwoofer then you definately’ll both have to get a 5-channel amp or, extra seemingly, buy a monoblock, which is separate amp for the subwoofer. When bridging, you may wire the speakers in parallel, however the resistance of the speakers may lower so you want to take note of amplifier impedance ratio.
Granted, it’s completely possible to power 2 commonplace 6×9 speakers with a 2-channel amp, however 2 channel amps are usually not actually designed for this function. Instead of merely powering two commonplace speakers, a 2-channel amp is usually be used to power one or two subwoofers as a substitute. It should be famous, a 2-channel amp will usually put out extra RMS wattage by way of every of its channels than a 4-channel.
This extra power serves the 2-channel amp’s true function: to push the bass. Keep in thoughts, it isn’t altogether unusual for an amp arrange with each a 4-channel amp and a 2 channel amp. The former will power the speakers, whereas the latter powers the subwoofer or subwoofers. And on this case, your car audio speakers may have some superb power.
Watts Per Channel and Impedance
These two wattage values will decide the power that your amp can push to the speaker system. However, Peak Power is usually used as a advertising ploy with RMS being the extra vital of the 2. RMS wattage pertains to the power that may be pushed at a continuing rate by way of every channel, whereas peak wattage refers extra to the utmost wattage the amp can push in a single burst. For RMS wattage, there’ll usually be two or extra completely different values relying on the impedance of the speaker.
Generally, the upper the impedance, the decrease the RMS wattage per channel. However, there are a couple of amps that push the identical quantity of wattage per channel, regardless of the impedance. While impedance will not be essentially a high quality regarding the amp completely, it’s nonetheless one of many extra vital facets of your speaker system for producing the best audio high quality.
Your speakers may have their very own impedance ranking, and no matter it’s, the amp wants to have the ability to push power by way of its channels at that ohm degree. You can’t hook up fewer speaker impedance than amplifier impedance. For instance: Amp – min 4 ohm to channel Speakers – 2 ohm (can’t) Speakers – 8 ohm (okay, however requires extra power)
Look For How Big The Amp’s Fuse Is
The measurement of the amp’s fuse will decide whether or not or not the amp can really produce the continual wattage it advertises. The system for that is to a number of the watts by 2 then divide by the car battery. For instance, if an amp places out 250 watts, you first a number of that by 2 – the numbers of watts coming in. Then you divide that by the car battery’s voltage, often 14.4 volts.
This provides you 35 amperage. If the amplifier doesn’t use fuses with no less than a 35 amperage ranking, the amplifier will be unable to continuously push all 250 watts.
Compatibility Of Head Unit With Amplifier
Kicker line-out converter In phrases of input plugs, most factory head items don’t have preamp outputs (RCA). If the amp can obtain a speaker degree sign, the pinnacle unit doesn’t matter. However, if the amp can only obtain a preamp sign, then the pinnacle unit might want to add a line-out converter (LOC). The LOC then converts a speaker-level output sign into an RCA preamp-level sign. This helps you to join the stereo to the amplifier, and it may also be used to attach a brand new stereo to a car’s factory amp.
Amp Class
This refers back to the “topology” of the amplifier’s structure. While there are technically 4 kinds of amplifier topology, you’ll mostly run throughout two inside automotive audio techniques: AB and D class. AB Class tends to supply higher sound high quality. However, even many audiophiles will acknowledge the difference is usually negligible if you happen to may even pick it out.
This topology additionally produces way more heat than the D Class. For a D Class topology, the high frequency copy is technically inferior, though the registers are often past some extent of significant distinction. The D Class is way more vitality environment friendly and produces much less heat than the AB Class. The difference between the AB and D Class high frequency registers might have been extra pronounced at one time, however it’s usually accepted as a minimal difference in trendy amps. However, vitality consumption and heat output stay an enormous difference.
Sound Quality
There are a couple of features and factors that may in the end affect the best sound high quality your amp can present. Some of those embody filters, frequency response, sensitivity, sound-to-noise ratio, and complete harmonic distortion (THD). All of those have an effect on completely different qualities of the soundscape, and relying on what you’re listening to, some will probably be extra vital than others. Filters – There are 3 filters used, two of that are discovered on most first rate amps and one that could be a bit specialised. The two filters discovered on most amps will probably be high go and low go. 
If a sign isn’t high pitched, working alongside a decrease however nonetheless medium degree range, the low go filter (LPF) will only ship that sign to channels working speakers which is able to play that frequency – often the midbass or subwoofer. Conversely, a high go fade (HPF) will filter out the upper frequency indicators and only ship them to speakers designed to play the upper frequency registers–usually the tweeters and tremendous tweeters.
Frequency Response – This high quality determines the utmost range of frequency indicators the amp can push. The larger the quantity, the broader the soundscape. However, frequency response generally is a bit deceptive as lots of the highest and lowest frequencies are inaudible to the human ear, which ranges from 20Hz to 20kHz. Once a frequency is simply too low, it enters the subharmonic stage, although these frequencies can usually nonetheless be felt, simply not heard. Likewise, as soon as a frequency will get too high, it enters the superharmonic section, however these frequencies are usually not only inaudible however can’t be felt both.
THD – Total Harmonic Distortion determines how precisely the amp replicates the input sign because it pushes it by way of to the speakers. The decrease this worth the higher. Essentially, because the sign reaches the amp and is decoded to then be pushed at a better power to the speakers, the sign can turn out to be modulated and distorted. Better amps may have the bottom THD and extra precisely reproduce the sign at larger power values. Beware of amps with a THD above 3 % as you’ll begin to discover the difference in sound high quality, and the precise sounds will probably be completely different than on a greater system.
Sound-to-Noise Ratio or S/N, is a worth that determines how a lot “noise” or interference the sign carries by way of the amp and is measured in decibels. The larger this quantity the higher.
Size
Older amps had been usually giant, heavy slabs that generated a substantial amount of heat and wanted loads of open room to disperse that heat. As know-how advances, firms have began producing extra compact amps that may slot in smaller and smaller locations. However, that doesn’t stop the amp from nonetheless producing a substantial quantity of heat. As such, the scale of the amp will restrict and decide the place you may place it. Smaller amps can usually be positioned under a seat and nonetheless have entry to sufficient airflow to stay at equilibrium.
Getting The Best 4-Channel Amp For You
The best 4-Channel amps available on the market is all the time up for debate, and there’s no science that factors to 1. If you have got the disposable revenue, however, there actually is nowhere else to go besides the Alpine X-A70F. But in fact, it is extremely costly, and if you happen to can’t stretch the budget that far, the opposite amps in every area of interest are value being attentive to. If you need one thing that’s nice worth throughout, the Kicker CXA300.4 is a good amp that has a large range of versatility to go well with extra configurations than most.
If you plan to run an amp in your speakers and an amp in your subwoofer – one thing I extremely suggest – then the JL Audio JD400/4 is the place you should look. Of course, if you happen to simply need one amp to rule all of them without breaking the financial institution, you can’t go incorrect with the Alpine MRV-F300. Regardless, there’s an amp that may suit your wants on the list it doesn’t matter what you’re searching for.
And with the assistance of my complete purchaser’s information, you should now be capable to make a extra knowledgeable choice in your subsequent improve. Whichever 4-channel you get, and for no matter purpose, I’m positive it is going to improve your each drive. Have enjoyable.