Locating the best 4 channel amp can be rough. Yourhotcar has put together this manual and recommended versions that will assist you to discover the best 4 channel amp for audio quality.
Sound quality is dependent upon a range of variables — not only 1 thing. It is important to choose a well-rounded amplifier made with audio quality in your mind.
As class D amps are somewhat more prevalent, I have added some significant info about those too.
Reviews Of 9 Best 4 Channel Amp In 2020
Alpine MRV-F300 – Greatest Amplifier for Door Speakers and Rear Acoustic
Our very first product comes in Alpine, a brand that’s been producing top-quality sound gear for decades. In reality, Alpine is the only brand on the list to catch two stains.
With this particular amp, Alpine has set the top 4 channel car stereo for front door speakers and back acoustic.
Remember, however, there are a few strict constraints if you would like to use this amp for your subwoofer. This amp won’t set the maximum RMS watts to get a bridged 2-channel output signal.
Having a crossover frequency assortment of 50 to 400 Hz, more of these decreased sounds will be told to your own woofer or subwoofer compared with the majority of the additional amps on our listing, but the energy of the subwoofer requires no longer 100W.
Additionally, these amps feature a superb THD that may become as low as 0.03 percentage, based upon your settings –though conducting a 4-channel configuration will probably bump that up into the more standard 1 percentage.
However, with a rather compact profile and add course circuitry, warmth and electricity consumption won’t be much of a problem. What might be a problem, however, is that the background sound that is rather low in 81 dB.
Overall, this will nonetheless produce the best functionality for great sound for your dollar, but the dollar is somewhat high all things considered.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-hMzMUzs9Q
Pros
- Has a rather compact profile
- Has the Greatest crossover range on the listing at 50 to 400 Hz
- Has a Superb THD that ranges from 1% all the way down to 0.03% Depending upon Your settings
Cons
- An S/N ratio of 98/81 CEA dB is pretty bad
- A bit pricey for what you get
See also: Alpine MRV-F300 Reviews
JL Audio RB XD400/4v2
Consistently a car stereo business pioneer, JL Audio has been proven worldwide for excellent audio, hard-hitting electricity, and a number of the best engineering you can purchase.
Their approach to creating a super-compact and ultra-efficient class D was supposed to take the ordinary approach to lamp layout and toss it away — and utilized their distinctive NexD circuitry that employs a considerably faster switching rate than low-end amps perform.
The end result is improved power delivery and lower sound levels. So far as sound quality goes, it is among the very best modern car amps which money can purchase.
The XD400/4v2 is just one of the finest sounding and best-designed amps in its course.
The crossover features are constructed facing the very best (that features an optional decorative cover) to get a simpler way to achieve them in several systems.
Be aware you will need the included hex wrench to tighten and loosen the higher-grade pipes terminals. It is a fantastic amp!
Specified in an under-rated 75W RMS x 4 into 4 Ohms (100W RMS x 4 to 2 Ohms) it is capable of exceeding its rated power.
Measuring a mere 8.52 in. X 7.09 in. X 2.05 in. (217 mm x 180 mm x 52 mm) it is among the couple in its size class that may accept 4-gauge cable.
Flexible 50-500Hz low/high pass crossovers are all provided for good system versatility and to assist you obstruct distorting bass while forcing full-range speakers. The 2/4 channel change enables forcing an entire front and back system with no requirement for back RCA inputs.
Furthermore, a set of RCA outputs makes it effortless to link it to another amp for system growth. Wire terminals are audiophile-quality and it is among those best-rated amplifiers marketed now.
PROS:
- Very compact — matches under chairs!
- Class D power efficacy
- 2/4 ch. Input switch
- Fantastic power (75W RMS x 4, 100W RMS x 4)
- Bridgeable (200W RMS x 2 @ 4 Ohms)
- Fantastic sound quality
- Advanced course D (NextD) technologies
- Top-of-class calibre and electricity
- Includes controller cover to fine install
- Green power-on accent lighting
- High-level speaker inputs
- Adaptive high/low-pass crossovers
- Optional remote level (HD-RLC)
- Fantastic buyer ratings
- Brushed aluminium and black powder coat finish
- CEA-2006 Compliant
- 3 remote-on methods (auto-sensing)
- Two RCA pass-through jacks
- 4 gauge wires competent
CONS:
- Optional remote sold individually
- No bass boost attribute
- Speaker-level inputs need RCA splicing
- Expensive
Rockford Fosgate R300X4 Prime
While searching for a car amplifier, it’s necessary to select the ideal amplifier prejudice, as the various types arrive with various perks and quirks.
The Rockford Fosgate R300X4 is a type A/B amplifier which is more effective compared to class A amplifiers and produces less vibration than class B amps.
The Rockford R300X4 Prime is a world-class illustration, of course, A/B amps. It is available in a fairly compact bundle. It stones classic styling with a prominent Rockford Fosgate emblem on top.
The rear panel includes the straps, while the upper side gets the controllers. The rear panel has GND, REM, and B+ straps, along with a quartet of the two back and front speaker-level connectors.
The rear panel also comprises front and rear low-level inputs (standard RCA connectors) and high-level input straps. On the upper panel, you will discover the rear and back speaker controllers, in addition to the 2/4 channel style selector.
Sound-wise, the R300X4 features lots of electricity plus a crisp tone in any noise level. It’s rated at 50W x4 in 4ohm or 75W x4 in 2ohm, and also the four stations can be bridged to 150W x2.
In a frequency response of 20-20,000Hz, the ranked total harmonic distortion is less than 1 per cent. The entire peak electricity is 600W along with also the overall RMS power is 300W.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2puZ0Bqtybw
Pros
- Class A/B bias
- 2 and 4-channel manners
- 0/6/12dB frequency punch
Cons
- Greater distortion than class-A amps
Planet Audio AC800.4 Anarchy
Packing a great deal of power into a reasonable amplifier usually suggests that the sound quality must suffer considerably. But every so often there is a version that’s strong, affordable, and works well in a vast array of settings.
The Planet Audio AC800.4 Anarchy is a four-channel class AB amplifier using a maximum strength of 800W and outstanding sound quality.
All things considered, the AC800.4 Anarchy is fairly compact for a Class AB amp. The total dimensions are 10″ (W) x 10″ (L) x 2/4″ (H).
The home design does not deliver anything revolutionary to the table, sporting the business emblem, version name, maximum power inscription, and power index on the very top.
Some of the principal features include a variable low pass filter (35-160Hz) plus also a stationary high pass filter (80Hz). The variable bass boost maybe 0 to 18dB, whereas the A-weighted S/N ratio is 102dB.
The AC800.4 Anarchy also features non and high-level inputs, MOSFET transistors, and overheat and short-circuit protection.
This amp is rated at 150W x4 in 2ohm and 75W x4 in 4ohm. Bridged, it provides 300W x2 in 4ohm.
The audio quality in low and moderate profit levels is greater than commendable, with just the smallest brightness at high-profit levels. Additionally, you should keep an eye out for heat.
Pros
- Variable low-pass filter
- MOSFET transistors
- Variable bass boost
- Switchable input sensitivity
Cons
- Can Find a bit hot at large gain
Kicker CXA300.4 — Best Amp for the Cost
The kicker doesn’t receive the identical respect as a few of the different brands on our listing, and to tell the truth, it doesn’t really deserve it. That isn’t to imply that the Kicker is a bad product.
However, this amp wins in 1 place and that’s the best 4 channel amp for the price. While not the cheapest amp on the listing, it does come pretty close.
What’s more, it’s obviously better than the least expensive amp on the list. In reality, its own S/N ratio of 95 dB is really pretty good–amazingly very good at the price point.
Additionally, with an input range of 125 mV to 10 V, this amp is excellent at running legacy mind components.
Regrettably, Kicker is just one of the bigger amps on our listing, making finding a place for it harder but includes effective heat sinks to cool. Lastly, the RMS wattage, if 4 ohms or two ohms, is among the cheapest on our record.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWEgCjvI1Is
Pros
- Among the cheapest amps on our listing
- Has quite the Great S/N ratio of 95 dB
Cons
- Not Incorporate a built-in fuse
- A single station RMS of 40 watts at 4 ohms and 75 watts at 2 ohms is fairly low
- Among the bigger profile amps within our listing
MTX Audio Thunder 75.4
Arranging a system which wants a little more power? I completely get it — in my machine, I am using 4 channel amps using 75W per channel. It is great with that power tap.
Together with the Thunder 75.4, you will acquire legendary MTX Audio builds calibre and under-rated power (yes, their amps frequently can go beyond rated electricity!) At a size that fits in significantly less distance. And it is still cheap, too!
MTX has designed the amp in lots of electricity:
- 75W RMS x 4 @ 4 ohms
- 100W RMS x 4 @ 2 ohms
- 200W RMS x 2 @ 4 ohms
The plan employs miniature surface mount technology (SMT) components for shorter sound paths and for exceptional resistance to vibration.
Thermal, DC offset, and short-circuit protection ensures that your amp will protect itself if a problem occurs.
It is based on timeless and proven A/B amp layout with MTX’s very own patented sound design touches.
Having installed both funding and higher-end MTX amps several times, I will tell you they are certainly well worth the cost.
The high-pass crossover is flexible up to some wonderful 750Hz, although the low-pass is flexible to 200Hz maximum. 4 gauge wiring connections are offered and are quite well made — they are a few of the finest I have seen.
Regrettably, speaker-level inputs are not available with this model.
If you need extreme noise quality, then it is probably not for you. But if you are wanted very good audio quality at a bigger, easier-to-install bundle that will not break the bank, it is a fantastic option.
PROS:
- Compact size — fits underneath most chairs
- Class A/B audio quality
- Fantastic power (75W RMS x 4, 100W RMS x 4)
- Bridgeable (175W RMS x 2 @ 4 Ohms)
- Flexible crossovers (hi/low 0-200Hz, 0-750Hz)
- Great audio quality
- Reduced noise design
- MTX style quality &
- Reliability
- Adaptive high/low-pass crossovers
- Fantastic buyer feedback
- 5V competent RCA inputs
- CEA-2006 Compliant
- Contains MTX test certification
- Soft turn-on
CONS:
- No speaker-level inputs
- No distant level alternative
- No auto-on remote characteristic
- No RCA pass jacks
- Less effective than class D versions
- No bass boost attribute
Hifonics ZRX616.4 Zeus
Class AB amplifiers are a fantastic alternative for car owners who’d love to acquire the very best of class A models (specs and audio quality) and category B models (greater efficiency).
The ZRX616.4 Zeus by Hifonics is a cheap four-channel amplifier sporting the hybrid AB topology. This is a good solution for people who need plenty of raw energy at a reasonable price.
The ZRX616.4 Zeus is a medium-sized amplifier packaged in a contemporary metallic case. At the cap of the lamp is adorned with an illuminated Hifonics emblem and laser-etched Zeus series inscription, version name, and electricity designation.
The total size of the amp is 12.6″ (L) x 2.4″ (H) x 10″ (W).
Main features include low-level RCA outputs and inputs, PWM MOSFET power source, Hifonics’ own surface mount transistor layout. Security features include overload, thermal, and short circuit protection.
The ZRX616.4 Zeus may be conducted in 4-channel and 2-channel manners and doesn’t have a provision for remote management.
This amp is rated at 150W x4 in 2ohm or 75W x4 in 4ohm. As an alternative, you can link two stations for 300W in 4ohms. The frequency response ranges between 10 and 45,000Hz, while the peak power is 600W.
The factor hi-pass filter could be placed between 60 and 1,200Hz as well as also the low-pass filter 30 and 250Hz.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzSyoGukox8
Pros
- 2 and 4-channel manners
- Variable high and low-pass filters
- Variable bass boost
- Variable subsonic boost
Cons
- Heats up when performed super high profit for Quite a While
Pioneer GM-D1004
In scenarios where class D amplifiers are too large, you will find the ultra-compact FD versions. On account of their super-small dimensions, these amps normally provide somewhat less electricity compared to straight-up class D versions, but they compensate for in dimension.
The Pioneer GM-D1004 is an inexpensive FD amplifier with 4 stations, 400 Watts of maximum power output, and second dimensions.
The Pioneer GM-D1004 comes at a stealthy black casing with a different company emblem and version name inscriptions at the top. The amp steps 7-1/8″ (W) x 2-1/2″ (D) x 1-1/2″ (H). The home is manufactured from brushed alloy, giving this amp a contemporary vibe.
The principal features include the streamlined design, a vast array of installation options, and also the capability to bridge stations.
Comparable to a number of its larger siblings, the GM-D1004 also features large and low-pass crossovers (both adjusted in 80Hz), bass boost, MOSFET output choice, in addition to large and low-pass slopes (both in -12dB/octave).
This amp is rated at 45W x4 to 2ohm. Additionally, you may bridge two stations for 90W x2 in 4ohm. The peak power of the little amp is 400W complete.
In a frequency response assortment of 10 to 40,000Hz, the total harmonic distortion is less than 0.05% (at 1kHz). This small amp provides a sharp, well-defined tone at high gain settings.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOXVNEAnSTs
Pros
- Super-small size
- Built-in high and low-pass filters
- Bass boost
- Works in two and 4-channel modes
Cons
- Not Acceptable for power-hungry speakers
Infinity Reference REF-704A
Electricity and affordability do not count for much if the amp can not deliver superior sound in a huge array of settings.
Sure, it may have the ability to play loudly without costing too much, but you may find a good deal of distortion and warmth at a high profit.
The infinity REF-704A provides on all 3 fronts as a strong and reasonably cheap four-channel amp that seems incredible at precisely the exact same moment.
Design-wise, this amp is a small bet, standing out in the widespread all-black colour scheme imposed by other producers.
The Reference 704A is a standard-sized class AB amp bridgeable channels along with a great number of connectivity choices.
The entire peak power is 1,000W, or 400W RMS. The S/N ratio is 86dB or greater in the benchmark 1W output signal at 4ohm. It’s rated at 100W x4 in 2ohm or 70W x4 in 4ohm, in addition to 200W x2 to ohm when bridged.
All three options have a THD+N score of lower than 1%. This version also boasts exceptional tone clarity and contains elastic crossovers and bass boost.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3pD1eHqPeM
Pros
- Exceptional clarity at high volume levels
- Bridgeable
- Variable crossovers
- Variable bass boost
Cons
- Mounting hardware may be better
Buyer’s Guide
What’s a 4 Channel Amp?
This really is a device that receives an electric signal and, as its name suggests, amplifies that sign. It then transmits that signal along its stations to be obtained by speakers, whether 6x9s, committed tweeters, or subwoofers.
A 4-channel amp is an amplifier which sets out equal power to each of four stations.
But, some four stations amps have the capability to unite the power from several channels by means of a process called bridging.
Remember, while bridging 2 stations will frequently double the amp’s output, this isn’t necessarily the case–particularly among lower amps.
4 Channel Amp vs 2-Channel Amp
A 4-channel Glass is usually utilized to electricity either 4 speakers–frequently 6x9s + front speakers–or two front speakers and a subwoofer with two channels bridged.
Obviously, when you would like to power all four speakers in addition to the subwoofer then you may either need to acquire a 5 channel amp, more probable, buy another amp for the subwoofer.
You are able to wiring speakers in parallel, however, the immunity of the speaker declines and you want to look closely at amplifier impedance ratio.
Granted, it’s totally feasible to electricity 2 regular 6×9 speakers using a two-channel amp. But, 2-channel amps aren’t really intended for this function.
Rather, a two-channel amp will normally set more out RMS wattage via every one of its stations.
This extra power functions the two-channel amp real goal: to push the bass. Rather than simply powering two speakers that are standard, a two-channel amp will frequently be used to power a couple of subwoofers instead.
Remember, it’s not altogether unusual for an automotive sound system to generate use of both a 4 channel amp and a two-channel amp. The former will force the speakers, while the latter forces the subwoofer or subwoofers.
Watts per Channel and Impedance
Both of these wattage values will determine the energy your amp can drive to the speaker system. But, Peak is normally utilized as an advertising ploy using RMS being the more important of the two.
RMS wattage is related to the energy which may be pushed at a constant rate through every station, while peak wattage describes to the max wattage of the amp may push in one burst.
To get RMS wattage, there’ll often be a couple of different values based on the impedance of the speaker. Normally, the higher the impedance, the lower the RMS wattage per channel.
But, there are a couple of amps that push the exact same quantity of wattage per channel, regardless of that the impedance.
While impedance isn’t always a quality regarding the amp entirely, it’s one of the more important characteristics of your speaker program for producing the greatest sound quality.
Your speakers are going to have their particular impedance score. No matter the speaker impedance evaluation, the amp has to have the ability to push electricity through its stations in that comes.
Compatibility of a head unit with amp
Concerning input, most mill head units do not have preamp outputs (RCA). If the amp can be given a speaker level signal, the headset doesn’t matter.
But if the plug can simply obtain a preamp sign, then the headset unit will have to include line-out converter.
Amp Class
This pertains to the”topology” of the amplifier’s structure. When there are 4 kinds of amplifier topology, you’ll most commonly encounter two inside automotive sound systems: AB and D course.
AB Class has a propensity to produce better audio quality. But, even many audiophiles will admit the distinction is usually negligible in the event you can even select it out. This topology also produces a lot more warmth than the D Course.
To get a Class D topology, the high-frequency reproduction is inferior–although the registers are often beyond a stage of purposeful distinction. On the other hand, the D Course is a lot more energy-efficient and produces less heat.
The gap between the AB and D Class high-frequency registers might have been pronounced at any time, but it’s usually accepted as a minimum gap in contemporary amps.
On the other hand, energy consumption and heat output stay a large difference. Therefore, we often opt for Class D amps.
Audio Quality
There are a couple of features and variables which will ultimately affect the greatest sound quality your amp may provide.
A few of them include indicators, frequency response, sensitivity, sound-to-noise levels, and total harmonic distortion, or THD.
All these affect various qualities of this soundscape and based on what it is you are listening to, a few will probably be more significant than others.
Filters – You can find 3 filters utilized, two of which can be observed on many adequate amps and one that’s a bit technical. Both filters found on many amps will probably be high pass and low pass.
HPF and LPF amplifier blockers on MTX THUNDER75.4When a sign isn’t high pitched, running along with a lesser but nevertheless moderate level array, the low pass filter (LPF) will just send input to stations running speakers that can perform that frequency–frequently the most midbass or subwoofer.
Conversely, a higher pass fade (HPF) will filter out the higher frequency signals and just send them designed to perform with the greater frequency registers–generally the tweeters and super tweeters.
Frequency Response – This quality determines the highest assortment of frequency signs the amp can drive. The greater the amount, the wider the soundscape.
Nevertheless, this may be somewhat misleading as most of the lowest and highest frequencies are inaudible to the human ear, just reaction of 20 to 20,000 Hz.
After a frequency is too low, it passes the subharmonic phase –however, these frequencies may often still be sensed.
Similarly, once a frequency becomes too large, it passes the superharmonic stage, however, superharmonic frequencies are usually not only inaudible but cannot be felt.
THD – Total Harmonic Distortion decides how accurately the amp replicates the input as it pushes it through the speakers.
The lower this value the greater. Basically, since the signal reaches the amp and can be decoded to subsequently be pushed in a greater power into the speakers, the sign can get modulated and twisted.
Better amps are going to have the smallest THD and much more accurately reproduce the signal at greater power values.
Beware an amp using a THD over 3 percent, because you will begin to observe the difference in audio quality, along with the real sounds will probably be different than on a system that is better.
Sound-to-Noise Ratio or S/N is a value that determines how much”noise” or interference the sign conveys throughout the Sky and is measured in decibels. The higher this number the greater.
Size
Older amps were usually big, heavy slabs which created a fantastic deal of warmth and had lots of open room to distribute that heat.
As technology advances, we’ve become more skilful at miniaturizing amps in the order they can fit in smaller and smaller regions.
But, that doesn’t stop the amp from generating a considerable quantity of heat. Therefore, the dimensions of this amp will restrict and decide where you are able to put it.
Smaller amps may frequently be set under a chair and have access to sufficient airflow to stay at equilibrium.
Last Ideas
All music fans can attest that using high excellent audio systems on your automobile makes driving 100 percent more pleasurable. But most cars, even some expensive ones, include shabby stock setups.
That is where aftermarket speakers and amplifiers came in. While searching for an amplifier, then be sure that you get one with a sufficient number of stations and electricity for your speakers.
Additionally, be certain that you coordinate with the speaker and amp impedance, in addition to picking the ideal amplifier course for your installation.