Car Amp

Your car amp is an essential component of your audio system on the go. Many people with minimal experience setting up audio systems think the amplifier is the least important part of a system because they can't see what it actually does--but it is, in fact, one of the most important elements of a good system. The amp is what transmits the signal from a playback device to your speakers--so no matter how good your CD, MP3, or DVD player and your speakers are, a weak amp can reduce the sound you experience to mediocre.There are several things you need to consider when selecting your car amp. First, there's power. Power is measured in watts, and you can basically use the simple equation that you ought to have about 100 watts per channel for great sound. If you're saving money and aren't looking for perfect sound, you can probably go as low as 50 watts per channel and still have a good listening experience.Next, think about power supply. You may want a regulated power supply, because otherwise you will get voltage drawn from your car battery, which will not be consistent. Also, if you think you may upgrade in the future, make sure you have an amp with the number of channels you think you will want so that you don't have to replace it just to add a subwoofer or rear satellites.There are many other features that can raise the value of an amp and its performance potential. A built-in cooling fan ensures that your amp won't overheat, even if you've installed it in a small space. A built-in crossover is like a good equalizer, making sure that signals go to the different speakers that produce them best. Time alignment is one of the most advanced features, which will correct for the fact that it's unlikely you will be seated in optimal position at the midpoint between all speaker pairs in your car.