Sometimes, you can’t just get the kind of sound quality out of the stereo you have in your car. And that’s fine because not all car stereos can amplify the sound of your favorite songs.
Most of the time, you need an external sound source, which is mostly a car amplifier. Most car owners are torn between buying a 2-channel amp and a 4-channel amp.
That shouldn’t confuse you. Both of them are great. The only difference is that most car owners prefer to go with the 2-channel amp – and the reasons are justified. With a 2-channel amp, you can power the two speakers in your car. Besides, the 2-channel amp is most versatile, giving you more options to flex your sound.
Although the 2-channel amp may not be as powerful as the 4 and 5-channel amps, it does carry some punch. You can be confident of bridging the amp so that it would be possible to run a subwoofer.
Why do You Need an Amplifier in Your Car?
Car amplifiers, irrespective of the number of channels they have, are essential for the improved sound quality in your car.
It doesn’t matter if you like to play your tunes high or you are more of the humming type. With the right car amplifier (such as the 2-channel amp), there would be no limit to the high-quality sound you will get.
Also, car amplifiers tend to deliver crystal clear music, which you need to get through your day and enjoy your ride.
Of course, there are many other reasons why you need to install a 2-channel amp in your car. These advantages include but are not limited to:
- Adaptability
- Increased sound
- Clearer sound quality
The 5 Best 2-Channel Amplifiers for Your Car
It is 2021. You are driving the best car, and you want to play a vibrant tune to go along with the ride. You need distortion-free sound to improve the intelligibility and clarity of the music you are playing.
Of course, there are lots of 2-channel amps out there. While most of these amplifiers aren’t pricey, some can cost an arm and a leg, depending on the specifications.
But the price is not all there is to finding the best 2-channel amp for your car. Other factors, such as the output power and the frequency response, are also worth considering.
It is on that note that we present to you the list of the best 2-channel amplifiers for your car.
1. Pyramid PB918 2-Channel Bridgeable Amplifier
You don’t just want to buy any amplifier in the market. You want the best. And the Pyramid PB918 2-Channel Bridgeable Amplifier is a definition of what a good 2-channel amplifier can do.
First, the amplifier is designed with some of the best functionalities to ensure that the signal isn’t lost when transmitting audio. It features the MOSFET Pulse Width Modulation Power Suppl that provides a distortion-free signal. The transmission of the signal to the compact speakers results in clear audio – something you need to enjoy your music experience.
The other aspect of the sound quality is gotten via the silver-plated RCA ports that play a big role in eliminating the loss of signals. The RCA ports also come with a subsonic filter specially designed to deliver the highest audio quality by cutting off the low-end interference.
Finding a place to install the amplifier doesn’t have to be a problem because its slim design allows for convenient installation in the choicest location in your car.
Pyramid PB918 2-Channel Bridgeable Amplifier Specifications
- Output Power: Up to 2000W bridgeable output
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): < 0.04%
- Weight: 7.4 pounds
Pros:
- Fully protected circuitry
- Power and protection LEDs
- It comes with a fully-adjustable electronic crossovers
- The amp is stable
Cons:
- The amp appears to be extremely overpowered
- Doesn’t always give a nice, clean deep sounding bass
- 2000 WATT POWER: The Pyramid 2 Channel Car Amplifier is perfect for your vehicle's sound system. Gives you up to 2000W bridgeable output. Features variable bass boost, variable gain control, and fully adjustable electronic crossovers
- SILVER-PLATED RCA PORTS: The car audio amplifier features RCA ports that are silver-plated for eliminating signal loss. The subsonic filter allows low-end interference to be cut so your speakers will always deliver the highest quality audio
- MOSFET PULSE: The MOSFET pulse width modulation power supply allows for a clean distortion-free signal to your compact speakers providing you with crisp and clear audio for outstanding music experience. Also features pulse width modulation system
- FULLY PROTECTED CIRCUITRY: To keep both your car and the stereo amp safe, this model is equipped w/ overload and short circuit protection. Has been specially designed from the bottom up to provide safe and high-quality sound in a sturdy form factor
- SLIM SIZE DESIGN: The car amp's small size makes installation a breeze, easy finding a spot for this little yet powerful device. Additional features include remote turn on, soft turn on/off the circuit, heavy-duty aluminum alloy heat sink & LED indicator
2. Lanzar Amplifier Electronics Crossover
Are you looking for a 2-channel car amplifier that puts out a serious amount of power and yet doesn’t cost an arm and a leg?
The Lanzar Amplifier Electronics Crossover is what you should buy. You can decide not to take our word for it, but hundreds of other car owners share the same view.
This is the kind of 2-channel car amp that gives the others in the same niche a run for the money and still wins the cash prize.
So, what makes the Lanzar Amplifier Electronics Crossover one of the best 2-channel amplifiers for your car?
The first feature is the interconnectivity of the amp. This comes in handy for car owners who want to add more amplifiers to the pack to get more sound quality. The Line-Out Jacks on the Lanzar Amplifier Electronics Crossover is the secret to doing that. All you have to do is to bring one set into the amp before using the Line-Out Jacks as a feed to connect the amp to other amps. This way, you will get to build several amplifier systems without necessarily needing to distribute the signal via splitter cords.
Lanzar Amplifier Electronics Crossover Specifications
- Frequency Response: 10Hz~45KHz
- Signal/Noise Ratio: 90dB
- Output Power: 1000-watt
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): < 0.01%
- Weight: 2.11 kilograms
Pros:
- Bass boost circuit
- Speaker-short protection
- A secure connection between amplifier and speakers
- Easy to install
Cons:
- The amp overheats very easily
- No variable high pass crossover adjustment
- AUDIO EVOLUTION: This car speakers amp features regulated MOSFET Pulse Width Modulated that maintain rated power over a wide range of battery voltage. Excellent frequency response rates place these amps in a class of their own.
- SOUND SPECIALIZATION: This high-powered Power Amplifier is cutting edge technology at its finest. Nickel-plated RCA connectors and speaker screw-down terminals ensure a secure connection between amplifier and speakers that allow distortion-free sound.
- INTELLIGENT DESIGN: The car audio amplifier 2 channel safety features include power and protection LED indicators; soft turn-on/off; and thermal, overload, and speaker-short protection.
- RCA JACKS: The Line-Out jacks allow you to build multiple amplifier systems without having to use splitter cords to distribute the signal. This makes it easier to bring one set into the first amp, then use the line out jack as the feed to the next amp.
- POWER INPUT: The mosfet amplifier connections are for input power, chassis ground,& remote turn-on function. Use 8 gauge wiring for power & ground connections. The terminals will handle up to 4 gauge wiring with no negative effect or distortion of audio.
3. Pyramid Dual Channel Bridgeable High Power Car Amplifier
Some car amplifiers do not turn out to be what they claim. Some can have features that are way below what they had in their specifications.
Yet, that doesn’t take away that most of those car amps end up throwing more punches than imagined. The Pyramid Dual Channel Bridgeable High Power Car Amplifier falls into that category.
The first thing you will notice is that it is not truly a 1000-watt car amp. At least, most of the users reckon that it may not get to 1000 amps.
However, the amp has lots of other great features to make you forgive the quoted amp. For example, the RMS is what anyone that loves car audio should be looking for. The amp can comfortably drive both a 15” and a 12” subwoofer for hours on end. Likewise, you can use it to push a set of 12” and 10” subwoofers without giving out a lot of the power.
This 2-channel car amp may not crack windshields nor give you earth-shattering bass. But one thing it does so well is to hold its own. With the right tuning and pairing to a decent subwoofer, you can get quality sound to enjoy the rest of your ride.
The Pyramid Dual Channel Bridgeable High Power Car Amplifier is also built with thermal protection and a high-level low impedance MOLEX input connector.
Pyramid Dual Channel Bridgeable High Power Car Amplifier Specifications
- Frequency Response: 15~30KHz
- Signal/Noise Ratio: 90dB
- Output Power: 1000-watt
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): < 0.04%
- Weight: 4000 grams
Pros:
- Variable Gain Control
- LED Indicators
- Automotive Type Fuse Protection
- Built-in variable subwoofer crossover
Cons:
- The switches seem to be substandard
- May overheat sometimes
- 1000 WATT POWER: The Pyle Dual Channel Car Amplifier is perfect for your vehicle's sound system. Gives you up to 1000W bridgeable output. Features variable subwoofer crossover, variable gain control and high level low impedance MOLEX input connector
- SILVER-PLATED RCA PORTS: The RCA ports are silver-plated for eliminating signal loss. The subsonic filter allows low-end interference to be cut so your speakers will always deliver the highest quality audio
- DISTORTION-FREE: The MOSFET pulse width modulation power supply allows for a clean distortion-free signal to your compact speakers providing you w/ crisp and clear audio for an outstanding music experience
- THERMAL PROTECTION: To keep both your car and the stereo amp safe, this model is equipped w/ thermal, overload and short circuit protection. Has been specially designed from the bottom up to provide safe and high quality sound in a sturdy form factor
- SLIM SIZE DESIGN: This box amp's small size makes installation a breeze, you'll have no trouble finding a spot for this little yet powerful device. Additional features include LED indicators, RCA low level inputs and automotive type fuse protection
4. Planet Audio AC2600 2-Channel Bridgeable Car Amplifier
This is a bridgeable car amplifier that can dramatically increase the power output when you combine the channels of the 2 and 4-channel amplifiers. More volume and power can also be obtained when applying the 2-Ohm stable to power both the subwoofers and the speakers.
You don’t have to bother about the amplifier gets too hot, which can lead to underperformance. This has been taken care of by the automatic short-off protection feature that turns off the amplifier anytime it starts heating up during use.
The crisp sound you get from the Planet Audio AC2600 2-Channel Bridgeable Car Amplifier is not in doubt because the Class A/B amplifiers come with linear circuitry that improves the amplifier’s efficiency and reduces distortion, increases power output, as well as increases the quality of the sound.
You can also rely on the Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors (MOSFET) to deliver high-efficiency output by transitioning from full to non-conduction.
Planet Audio AC2600 2-Channel Bridgeable Car Amplifier Specifications
- Frequency Response: 15~30KHz
- Signal/Noise Ratio: 90dB
- Output Power: 1000-watt
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): < 0.04%
- Weight: 10.4 pounds
Pros:
- Switchable input sensitivity
- Remote subwoofer control with cable
- Variable high pass crossover
- Bridgeable for more flexibility and power
Cons:
- It may not always give a clean power
- Power - 1300 Max x 2 @ 2 Ohms, 650 Max x 2 @ 4 Ohms, 2600 Max Bridged x 1 @ 4 Ohms
- Class A/B Topology - Class ‘A’ amplifiers have enormous amount of current flowing through its output transistors with no audio signal. Class ‘B’ amplifiers have no current flowing through its outputs with no audio signal
- Full Range - With a Full Range amplifier you not only have the option to run your speakers, but also your subwoofers
- Low & High Level Inputs - A low level (RCA) input is measured in voltages. A high level (+/- wire) input is measured in wattages. Both essentially carry signal from your receiver to your amplifier to your speakers
- Variable Low-Pass Crossover - Subwoofers reproduce sound based on a number of different low-range frequencies. You can set exact sound specifications for the bass frequency reproduction
5. Pyle PLA2200 1400W Dual Channel Bridgeable Car Amplifier
This is perhaps one of the 2-channel car amplifiers that have more power to give out. The Pyle PLA2200 1400W Dual Channel Bridgeable Car Amplifier gives 700 watts x 2 and a 1400W bridgeable output. Just enough power to get the amplifier up and running!
In terms of audio, it comes with total audio control. All you have to do is to use the amplifier’s control center to customize your listening experience.
One feature that most buyers like is the Bass EQ. The feature allows you to regulate the impact of the kickback. You can use it for correcting and balancing the frequency range of the sound coming from the amplifier.
There is also the volume control, otherwise called the Level (Gain) Control. The work of this control is to regulate the incoming signal from the amplifier. Ideally, you can use the volume control to adjust the signal coming into the amplifier to match the level of the other amplifiers you have in the car. You can also use the volume control to strike a balance between the functionality of the amplifier and the head unit of your car.
Pyle PLA2200 1400W Dual Channel Bridgeable Car Amplifier Specifications
- Frequency Response: 15Hz~30KHz
- Signal/Noise Ratio: 95dB
- Output Power: 1400-watt
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): 0.04%
- Weight: 10.4 pounds
Pros:
- Soft turn-on circuit
- Excellent slew rate
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Tends to shut down at less than half power
- Goes into Protection Mode without notice
- 1400 WATT POWER: The Pyle Dual Channel Car Amplifier is perfect for your vehicle's sound system. Gives you up to 1400W bridgeable output. Features switchable bass boost, variable gain control, configurable electronic crossover network
- GOLD-PLATED RCA PORTS: The RCA ports are gold-plated for eliminating signal loss. A subsonic filter allows low-end interference to be cut so your speakers will always deliver the highest quality audio. Features switchable bass boost, low level inputs
- MOSFET PULSE: The MOSFET pulse width modulation power supply allows for a clean, distortion-free signal to your compact speakers providing you with crisp and clear audio for an outstanding music experience. Also features anti-thump turn on
- THERMAL PROTECTION: To keep both your car and the stereo amp safe, this model is equipped w/ thermal, overload and short circuit protection. Has been specially designed from the bottom up to provide safe and high quality sound in a sturdy form factor
- SLIM SIZE DESIGN: This box amp's small size makes installation a breeze - you'll have no trouble finding a spot for this little yet powerful device. Additional features include LED indicators, RCA outputs, soft turn-on circuit, remote turn on/off
What to Look for in a Car Amplifier
You already know that having an amplifier in your car could be the single most important effort you will make to improve the sound quality of your car stereo or audio player.
Yet, a couple of factors need to be considered before you decide on the 2-channel amplifier to get.
These are some of the things to look for or the important factors you want to consider before buying an amplifier for your car:
Ease of Installation
This is one of the important factors to consider. The process of installing a car amplifier is usually easy, but it may take you some time if it is your first time doing it.
So, ensure that the installation guide in the car amplifier can walk you through the process in real-time.
Otherwise, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to get someone to help you install the amplifier in your car.
How Many Channels Do You Need?
There are different car amplifier channels, with each of these models featuring important components that improve sound quality.
The 2-channel car amplifier is one of the most bought because of power subwoofers and up to 2 coaxial speakers. The 2-channel car amp can also be bridged to power two sets of coaxial speakers or a single subwoofer in your car.
Head Unit Compatibility
The increased functionality of your car amplifier depends on how compatible it is with the head unit. For this reason, you want to make sure that the car amp can work alongside the head unit.
As a rule of thumb, ensure that the 2-channel car amplifier you are buying has speaker-level inputs. This is required if the head unit does not have a pre-amp. This way, it will be easier to make a direct connection between the amp and the head unit.
On the other hand, you may want to go for a head unit that has pre-amp outputs. This is required if the car amplifier would be built from scratch.
Power is also a Concern
It is also very imperative for you to consider the power of the amplifier against the speakers. The general rule is to ensure that the speakers are not underpowered.
Therefore, the 2-channel car amplifier you are buying should have enough power to match that of the speaker.
It is also essential to find out the Root Mean Square (RMS) of the factory speakers (if that is what you are working with). This way, you will find a car amplifier that can put out about 150% of the speaker’s RMS.
What is the Difference between 2-Channel Amps and 4-Channel Amps?
Why would you rather buy a 2-channel or dual-channel car amplifier when you could as well have bought the 4-channel variant?
The major difference has to do with the number of channels that the car amplifier is joining. The 2-channel car amp works best with two channels, one subwoofer, and 2 speakers.
On the other hand, the 4-channel car amplifier can power up to 4 channels, one subwoofer, two speakers, and one set of speakers.
However, the choice of the one to get between the two boils down to the number of subwoofers and speakers you want to power with the car amplifier.
So, the 2-channel car amplifier would be a better choice if you are looking to set up two high-output front speakers in your car. But, if you want to increase the number (and set up rear speakers), the 4-channel car amp will do the job.
Conclusion
A lot of decisions go into choosing the right 2-channel amplifier for your car. We are confident that you now know the differences between the 2-channel car amp and the 4-channel car amp. You also know some of the factors to consider and the best 2-channel car amplifiers you can readily find.
So, which of these amplifiers fit into your car audio needs and why?
