Showcasing the Best in the Mobile Enhancement Industry
This month's car audio question asks what sub amp you should buy for a specific set of subwoofers. It seems like a pretty simple question, right? However, considering all the variables, the selection process gets impressively complicated. Let’s consider seven criteria when picking the best subwoofer amplifier for a specific set of subwoofers. 1. Subwoofer Power Ratings We’ll Read more
If you’ve been following us recently, you’ll know we’ve upgraded our lab with new power supplies. As such, many of the products that have been on the BestCarAudio.com test bench have been re-tested for revised power measurements. In this spotlight, we will bring the Rockford Fosgate M5-800X4 and M5-1000X1 test numbers up to date with the ANSI/CTA-2006-D standard. Let’s see what Read more
A short while ago, while testing an amplifier's maximum power output, we observed how significantly the power increased with higher supply voltage. This observation made us realize that we’ve never thoroughly examined the relationship between a vehicle's battery voltage and a car audio amplifier's maximum power output. It’s time to address that. Why Does Battery Voltage Matter Read more
In January of 2024, we had the privilege of reviewing the Rockford Fosgate T500-1bdCP amplifier. Based on our experiences with amplifiers from the company, it was no surprise that the amp sounded amazing, was impressively efficient, and exceeded all of its power ratings. The latter is the focus of the re-test. We’ve recently upgraded the power supplies in the BestCarAudio.com Read more
Recently, we were sent a link to a YouTube video in which someone was trying to make power measurements of a factory-installed amplifier on a motorcycle. We see videos like this all the time. Unfortunately, the numbers presented in these videos are not just inaccurate but often completely illogical. Let’s talk about how we make power measurements and what information some of Read more
In late October 2023, we had the opportunity to give the Rockford Fosgate R2-1200X1 subwoofer amplifier a thorough Test Drive Review (https://www.bestcaraudio.com/test-drive-review-rockford-fosgate-r2-1200x1/). We were very impressed that this entry-level amp had features and performance that dramatically outperformed entry-level and mid-level products from other brands. Power Read more
It’s May 1, and car audio enthusiasts are shopping for system upgrades. Car audio amplifiers are one item consumers find difficult to quantify regarding performance, quality and value. We often see people buying noisy, low-efficiency, unreliable amplifiers, and it hurts our hearts. As such, we’ve put together this mega-article for the Question of the Month to help consumers Read more
Car audio Amp power ratings are often the least important aspect in differentiating amplifier options. Sure, it matters whether you buy a 500- or 1,500-watt amplifier. Neither number tells you anything about either amplifier’s quality, performance or reliability. Surprisingly, many companies are still slapping inaccurate and often impossible power ratings on their products. We Read more
Social media conversations are often a great source of content ideas here at BestCarAudio.com. We were recently talking to someone about why loading down an amplifier isn’t an ideal solution. As we’ve demonstrated in our Test Drive Reviews, lower impedances result in more distortion in most cases. In all cases, lower impedance loads reduce amplifier efficiency. Let’s discuss Read more
