When do you need an amplifier

If your head unit doesn't have preamp outputs, you'll need an amp with speaker-level inputs. The other option is to use a speaker to line level converter. While both of these methods tend to introduce noise or distortion, the only other option is to buy a new head unit.

Although upgrading a head unit prior to adding an amplifier costs more, it provides the best results. A decent head unit makes finding the right car amp easier.

Head units that contain powerful amps are more expensive than basic models. Often, the more economical choice is to pair a head unit that features preamp outputs with a dedicated amp. One main differentiating factor between amps is how many channels they have. They are available in multiple configurations from mono to six channels, each of which is best suited to different speaker setups.

At least one channel is needed for each speaker, but you can use more than one amp in a single car audio system. For example, a four-channel amp can power four coaxial speakers, and a separate mono amp can be used for a subwoofer.

Each amp must be matched to the system that it's going to power. Some amps have low-pass or high-pass filters built in, which make them ideal for powering woofers or tweeters. Other amps have variable filters, bass boost, and other features. The power of an amp refers to the wattage that it can send to the speakers. Because the point of an amplifier is to increase the audio signal strength, the power of an amp is an important consideration.

The key value here is the RMS , but there is no specific number to look for. The RMS of an amp should be matched to the power handling of the speakers, which is different in every car audio system. So while low-impedance headphones may be loud enough from a portable device, sound quality can be significantly improved by adding a headphone amp.

The size and dimensions of your headphone may provide some basic clues as to whether an amp is warranted. Most earbud and in ear headphones are typically very efficient and less likely to benefit strongly from an amp. However, many larger over ear headphones will become clearer and better sounding with an amp.

A few select audiophile models may even require a headphone amp to reach listenable volume levels and sonic performance, especially if connected to portable devices. If you are listening to your music on a computer, laptop or tablet, a headphone amp with an internal digital to analog converters DAC can significantly improve your listening by employing the better D-to-A processing power available in outboard DACs.

If no line-out is available, use the headphone jack to send the signal over to the headphone amp. Most in ear headphones or earphones are typically highly efficient so they work well with smartphones or other portable devices without requiring an amp. You do not need a headphone amp when using noise-cancelling headphones, as they essentially already have a built-in headphone amp inside.

It prevents an external headphone amp from adding any significant audio benefit. If you love headphones, you'll love our emails.

But one of the most common inclusions is a 3. The idea is that each amplifier handles certain frequencies or channels, instead of one handling it all. By reducing the number of drive units an amp needs to power, you make its job easier and it sounds better. Your amplifier might already have an upgrade path. Some manufacturers such as Naim and Cyrus have dedicated connections for adding external power supplies.

If an integrated amplifier has pre-amp outputs, then using it solely as a pre-amp and passing amplification duties onto another amp, is another great way to upgrade. Whatever the rest of your hi-fi system and your future plan for it, introducing a new stereo amplifier requires some thought and a bit of advanced planning.

During that time she has been fortunate enough to travel the world to report on the biggest and most exciting brands in hi-fi and consumer tech and has had the jetlag and hangovers to remember them by. In her spare time, Becky can often be found running, watching horror movies and hunting for gluten-free cake. What Hi-Fi? Becky Roberts. See all comments 0. While it only needs 1mW at 0.

This set will only need 0. Who will win, the coathanger, or the well-engineered consumer cables? However, the vast majority of all cables available to you will be more than sufficient to support what you need. This is especially true for headphones, which typically have much lower power requirements, and also shorter cables, than speakers do. Go ahead: cheap out on cables. Read next: Best headphone amps. Check Price.

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