At this present time our store location is open by appointment only.

Amplifiers

Automotive and Marine Audio Amplifiers.

Automotive, Power-Sport and Marine Grade Amplifiers

Amplifiers are the power plant of your car stereo system. They may be built to exist in the head unit and they are included on active speakers. Amplifiers are usually found externally as stand alone units between your head-unit and your speaker driver in the signal flow process. They come in various power output levels called watts. The amp essentially takes your media output from your receiver and boosts that signal to power a speaker driver. If your vehicle has an upgraded factory sound system like a Bose, Alpine or JBL then you most likely have a factory amplifier. Real Time Analyzation, or RTA tuning and time correction can make a dramatic difference in the final sound quality of your car stereo system and should be taken into consideration when updating the amplifier in your car.

Some amplifiers like the JL Audio VXi Series have built in time correction and tuning capabilities like a 9 band parametric equalizer per output channel. Amplifiers like the VXi amps have in depth tuning capability and are especially great for today’s newer cars with infotainment systems that are difficult to replace. RTA tuning is a process of time measuring the distance between the listening position and each speaker, and then measuring the frequency response of your speakers and your vehicles acoustic properties. After analyzing this information we can then begin to make real time adjustments with crossovers, parametric EQ’s and level balancing. When finished, the optimum tuned system will have the sound from each individual driver reach the listening position at the same time. Each speaker would be optimally level balanced to be the same volume and to reproduce all frequencies as flat as possible with adjustments to fight the acoustical imbalances of your vehicle.

Adding or replacing your amplifier?

Did your car stereo’s amplifier finally bite the dust? Do you want to level up on your car stereo game? Do you just require an upgrade in sound quality or do you just want some low end funk in your trunk? Whatever your reason may be Jackson Tint and Sound can help you pick out the right amplifier and provide you with simply the best professional installation within your budget.

Location: Finding a home for your car stereo amplifier can be a challenge. A great go to first spot is under a seat but, will the amplifier’s height allow clearance to be mounted there? Will you be able to raise it up off the floor a bit to keep it away from moister? Will all the wires be safe from moving parts? Will the rear passenger’s feet hit the amplifier? Finding a location to mount your car or truck amp is not always easy and is not something you want moving around or near water. A good amplifier location should be dry, secured, vented and protected.

RMS power: The RMS power rating of any car-amp is the continuous power rating that the amplifier is designed to output at a maximum volume rating. The RMS rating is one of two numbers to go by when pairing your speakers with a power-plant. As an example a speaker with a 100-Watt, or 100W for short, RMS rating should be paired with a 100W RMS amplifier. We usually recommend an amplifier to be over powered by 10 – 20% RMS so that the amplifier does not have to work at 100% capacity to get 100% efficiency from your speakers. This will keep your amp from overheating during long periods of continuous operation.

Ohms: The Ohm rating, or resistance rating, of an amplifier is the second most important when pairing drivers with power-plants. An amp that is 750W @ 2-ohms might only generally be 500W or less @ 4-ohms. When purchasing a car stereo amp, the correct pairing of a speaker’s RMS wattage and Ohm ratings with the correct power-plant output rating is absolutely essential.

Signal to Noise Ratio or S/N: The measurement of volume in any sound system is noted by the Decibel, or dB for short. 6dB is perceived by the human ear to be double the volume. 96dB is essentially twice as loud as 90dB. With that said, the S/N ratio of your car stereo amplifier is the measurement of dB’s between the inherent noise produced by the electronics within the amplifier and the level of amplified source volume. The S/N rating is by all means a measurement of how quiet that piece of audio gear is. It is a measurement of separation.

Every piece of audio electronics will have an induction of noise and should have a S/N ratio measurement in the specifications. Noise is usually introduced during the analog to digital, or A/D for short, and digital to analog, or D/A for short, conversions. Every time a piece of your car car stereo gear has to make this conversion noise is introduced into your sound system. Analog amplifiers can be noisy due to the analog electronics amplifying the input signal. Digital amplifiers eliminate this noise but still have some noise in the A/D and D/A converters.

A car stereo amplifier with a S/N ratio of 90db will hiss twice as loud than an amplifier with a 96db S/N ratio when silent. Essentially this rating transmits to unwanted hum and hiss from your speakers and degradation in the quality of your car stereo speaker system's performance. Some amplifiers like the JL Audio VXi Series have Toslink optical inputs for connecting digitally to other Toslink devices. This keeps the incoming audio signal clean and reduces numerous analog to digital conversions. When comparing differences between multiple amplifiers of equal wattage, the S/N ratio should be taken into consideration when budgeting for an amplifier.

So Many Choices, Where Do I Begin?

Budget: With more affordable and moderately priced amplifier options from Kicker and Alpine to the high end audiophile quality of JL Audio’s VXi series amplifiers, the cost of installation is the same. Even if you are one of the do-it-your-self type, the effort required is still the same. Spending an extra $100 to $200 for an amp could very well last longer, will usually sound better, and will generally keep you satisfied with your car stereo purchase for years to come.

How many channels do you need? Are you going to amplify your door speakers or just your subwoofer? Maybe both? If so you need a 5ch amp. Maybe a 5ch amp won’t give you the power rating you desire for your subwoofer. If so you need a 4ch amplifier for your door speakers and a monoblock, single channel power plant for your sub.

RMS and Ohms: Is the power rating and resistance rating going to match the ratings of your door speakers and subwoofer? Will your amplifier produce at least the RMS level of your drivers? Balancing your amplifier power and resistance ratings with your speakers is critical to the design and budgeting of your car stereo for correct operation.

Functions and Capabilities: Why are you replacing or adding an amp and what kind of functionality do you want from it? Will it be exposed to water, dust or salt? Marine grade amplifiers for these applications one might find in a boat, convertible or an ATV are specially designed to be water resistant and host corrosive resistant components and added protection from salt water, dust and debris.

Essentially no matter what speakers, amplifiers or subwoofers you have in your car these devices only sound as good as the quality of the source media and the dedication to building them. Pairing a full set of JL Audio speakers and subwoofers for instance with a Pioneer amplifier is a waste of your JL Audio speaker system's potential. With that said, your amplifier will only sound as good as your media type. Compressed audio from an MP3 streaming over BT will never sound as good as a 16bit 48kHz audio file, like what you would find on a CD, or a 32bit 96kHz high quality audiophile format, like what you would generally find on a Blu-Ray disc or now FLAC files. Now you can even put everything onto a USB thumb drive as a media option.

6 products

  • JL Audio MHD600/4-24V : 4ch 24V Marine Amplifier, 150W x 4 @ 1.5-4Ω JL Audio MHD600/4-24V : 4ch 24V Marine Amplifier, top side.

    JL Audio MHD600/4-24V : 4ch 24V Marine Amplifier, 150W x 4 @ 1.5-4Ω

    Pre-Order Today!

    MHD-Series 4-Channel Class-D 24-Volt Marine Grade Amplifier, 150-Watts x 4ch @ 1.5-4-Ohms This compact, multi-channel powerhouse employs JL's Single-Cycle Control switching design and R.I.P.S. technology to deliver 150W x 4ch or 300W x 2ch's. Tight power supply regulation keeps distortion down and maximizes sound quality. The MHD600/4-24V is the ideal satellite amplifier, delivering huge dynamics with pristine resolution. It can also be deployed, on its own, as a very capable 3-channel system amplifier with 150W x 2ch to the satellites and 300W x 1 to a subwoofer system. This marine amplifier features white and gray powder-coat finishes, a gasketed cover for the controls and stainless steel hardware for durability in the marine environment. This amplifier is designed for operation in vessels with 24 volt, negative-ground electrical systems. Use of this product in vessels with positive ground and/or voltages other than 24 V may result in damage to the product and will void the warranty. Specifications @ 4 Ω 150 W RMS x 4 @ 3 Ω 150 W RMS x 4 @ 2 Ω 150 W RMS x 4 @ 1.5 Ω 150 W RMS x 4 Bridged @ 8 Ω 300 W RMS x 2 Bridged @ 4 Ω 300 W RMS x 2 Frequency Response 6 Hz - 30 kHz (+0, -1dB) S/N Ratio, referred to highest rated power >110 dB (A-weighted, 20 Hz - 20 kHz noise bandwidth) S/N Ratio, referred to 1 W >88.2 dB (A-weighted, 20 Hz - 20 kHz noise bandwidth) Damping Factor @ 4 Ω >300 / 50 Hz Damping Factor @ 2 Ω >150 / 50 Hz THD+N @ Rated Power <0.03% @ 4 Ω per Ch. Input Voltage Range @ RCA Inputs Switchable from 200 mV - 2 V RMS to 800 mV - 8 V RMS Min.Copper Power / Ground Wire Gauge 4 AWG wire Fuse Rating 25 A (AFS, AGU or MaxiFuse™) Filter Mode(s) Low-Pass or High-Pass Filter Slope(s) 12/24 dB/octave Filter Frequency Range 50 Hz - 500 Hz Detented, Calibrated Filter Freq. Potentiometers Yes Filter Defeat Function Yes Remote Level Control Optional (HD-RLC) Remote Level Modes 2 or All Channels Channel Input Mode Switch Yes (2/4 ch.) Pass-Through Preamp Output Buffered Source Channel Selection for PreOuts Yes JL Audio MHD600/4-24V Manual

    Pre-Order Today!

    $1,449.99

  • JL Audio MHD600/4 : 4ch Marine Amplifier, 150W x 4 @ 1.5-4Ω JL Audio MHD600/4 : 4ch Marine Amplifier, top side.

    JL Audio MHD600/4 : 4ch Marine Amplifier, 150W x 4 @ 1.5-4Ω

    Pre-Order Today!

    MHD-Series 4-Channel Class-D Marine Grade Amplifier, 150-Watts x 4ch @ 1.5-4-Ohms This compact, multi-channel powerhouse employs JL's Single-Cycle Control switching design and R.I.P.S. technology to deliver 150W x 4ch or 300W x 2ch. Tight power supply regulation keeps distortion down and maximizes sound quality. When using the MHD750/1 to drive a subwoofer system, the MHD600/4 is the ideal satellite amplifier, delivering huge dynamics with pristine resolution. It can also be deployed, on its own, as a very capable 3-channel system amplifier with 150W x 2 to the satellites and 300W x 1 to a subwoofer system. This marine amplifier features white and gray powder-coat finishes, a gasketed cover for the controls and stainless steel hardware for durability in the marine environment. Specifications @ 4 Ω 150 W RMS x 4 @ 3 Ω 150 W RMS x 4 @ 2 Ω 150 W RMS x 4 @ 1.5 Ω 150 W RMS x 4 Bridged @ 8 Ω 300 W RMS x 2 Bridged @ 4 Ω 300 W RMS x 2 Frequency Response 6 Hz - 30 kHz (+0, -1dB) S/N Ratio, referred to highest rated power >110 dB (A-weighted, 20 Hz - 20 kHz noise bandwidth) S/N Ratio, referred to 1 W >88.2 dB (A-weighted, 20 Hz - 20 kHz noise bandwidth) Damping Factor @ 4 Ω >300 / 50 Hz Damping Factor @ 2 Ω >150 / 50 Hz THD+N @ Rated Power <0.03% @ 4 Ω per Ch. Input Voltage Range @ RCA Inputs Switchable from 200 mV - 2 V RMS to 800 mV - 8 V RMS Min.Copper Power / Ground Wire Gauge 4 AWG wire Fuse Rating 50 A (AFS, AGU or MaxiFuse™) Filter Mode(s) Low-Pass or High-Pass Filter Slope(s) 12/24 dB/octave Filter Frequency Range 50 Hz - 500 Hz Detented, Calibrated Filter Freq. Potentiometers Yes Filter Defeat Function Yes Remote Level Control Optional (HD-RLC) Remote Level Modes 2 or All Channels Channel Input Mode Switch Yes (2/4 ch.) Pass-Through Preamp Output Buffered Source Channel Selection for PreOuts Yes JL Audio MHD600/4 Manual

    Pre-Order Today!

    $1,349.99

  • JL Audio HD600/4 : 4ch Amplifier - 600W RMS @ 1.5-4Ω JL Audio HD600/4 : 4ch Amplifier - 600W RMS @ 1.5-4Ω, top side.

    JL Audio HD600/4 : 4ch Amplifier, 600W RMS @ 1.5-4Ω

    Pre-Order Today!

    HD-Series 4-Channel Class-D Full-Range Amplifier, 150-Watts x 4ch @ 1.5-4-Ohms This compact multi-channel powerhouse employs JL's Single-Cycle Control switching design and R.I.P.S. technology to deliver 150W x4 or 300 W x 2. Tight power supply regulation keeps distortion down and maximizes sound quality. When using the HD750/1 or HD1200/1 to drive a subwoofer system, the HD600/4 is the ideal satellite amplifier, delivering huge dynamics with pristine resolution. From a pure sound quality perspective, JL invites you to compare the real-world, in-car performance of this amplifier to any other amplifier on the market, of any type, at any price. It can also be deployed on its own as a very capable 3-channel system amplifier with 150W x 2 to the satellites and 300W x 1 to a subwoofer system. This amplifier features a brushed aluminum finish with black powder-coated cast alloy heat sinks and bottom panel. A black powder-coated, gasketed cover is also provided to protect the controls. General Specifications Frequency Response 6 Hz - 30 kHz (+0, -1dB) S/N Ratio, referred to highest rated power >110 dB (A-weighted, 20 Hz - 20 kHz noise bandwidth) S/N Ratio, referred to 1 W >88.2 dB (A-weighted, 20 Hz - 20 kHz noise bandwidth) Damping Factor @ 4 Ω >300 / 50 Hz Damping Factor @ 2 Ω >150 / 50 Hz THD+N @ Rated Power <0.03% @ 4 Ω per Ch. Input Voltage Range @ RCA Inputs Switchable from 200 mV - 2 V RMS to 800 mV - 8 V RMS Min.Copper Power / Ground Wire Gauge 4 AWG wire Fuse Rating 50 A (AFS, AGU or MaxiFuse™) @ 4 Ω 150 W RMS x 4 @ 3 Ω 150 W RMS x 4 @ 2 Ω 150 W RMS x 4 @ 1.5 Ω 150 W RMS x 4 Bridged @ 8 Ω 300 W RMS x 2 Bridged @ 4 Ω 300 W RMS x 2 JL Audio HD600/4 Manual

    Pre-Order Today!

    $1,099.99

  • Alpine HDA-F60 : 4ch Hi-Res Automotive Amplifier, 100W x 4ch @ 4Ω Alpine HDA-F60 : 4ch Hi-Res Automotive Amplifier, top side.

    Alpine HDA-F60 : 4ch Hi-Res Automotive Amplifier, 100W x 4ch @ 4Ω

    Pre-Order Today!

    Using expertise gleaned from over five decades of crafting premium car audio products and trickle-down engineering and design from the Ultra Hi-Res AlpineF#1Status system technologies, the Alpine Status System features exceptional tooling and rich build quality for the best possible sound reproduction. Each component was hand-picked from the highest-quality materials for the highest in-class audio performance, that when used as a complete system, can achieve 192kHz/24Bit playback. Powering a Hi-Res sound system without contributing noise during playback requires efficiency and precision and the HDA-F60 was intentionally designed to provide impressive power output to the system while ensuring the purest audio performance. The amplifier’s wide dynamic range capability provides impressive output in a compact chassis that fits most vehicle applications. The HDA-F60 features a high-efficiency digital circuit design that ensures ultra- low distortion levels for precise sound reproduction and superb sound quality. Intentional designs, like a copper-plated chassis and black circuit board, bring the signal-to-noise ratio up to 83dB and minimize noise and distortion during playback for complete music fidelity that’s true to the original source. Featuring technology unique to Alpine, the amplifier features Alpine’s dual negative feedback control circuit to improve linearity for the most accurate sound amplification. This technology also stabilizes the amplifier output while driving the speakers for ultimate reliability. The HDA-F60 features Alpine’s quick- connect power and speaker connectors for quick and safe installation. The one- sided terminal layout and top-panel sound controls give the user quick access to controls on the amplifier. The Alpine Status System is sold separately and can be used to build a custom sound system. Three sets of true 4V preamp outputs are included to add additional amplifiers if more power is needed. For best results, install the complete Alpine Status system together as a full system to achieve the highest in-class audio performance only second to the Ultra High-Resolution AlpineF#1System. Features Hi-Res Audio Playback (192kHz/24Bit) 4-Channel Amplifier High-Efficiency Digital Circuit Design Alpine’s Dual Negative Feedback Control Circuit High Bandwidth Amplifier Alpine’s Premium Class D Circuit Design Copper-plated chassis Black circuit board One-sided terminal layout Top panel sound controls Quick connect power and speaker terminals Optional Remote bass knob compatible (requires RUX-KNOB.2 or RUX-H01, sold separately) Specifications Dimensions: 11.4375” x 7.5” x 2.125” Power Rating: (14.4V, ≤1.0% THD+N) 100W x 4 @ 4Ω 150W x 4 @ 2Ω Bridged: 300W x 2 @ 4Ω THD+N: 0.02% (10W into 4ohm) S/N Ratio: 87dB (1W into 4ohm) Frequency response: 10-60kHz (-3dB) Damping factor: 500 Selectable input level – HI/LO Selectable 2/4ch input Variable High pass / Low pass crossover Auto-turn on with remote sensing

    Pre-Order Today!

    $799.99

  • 600W x 2ch Marine Amplifier @ 2Ω, or 300W x 2 @ 4Ω : Kicker 44KXMA12002 600W x 2ch Marine Amplifier @ 2Ω, or 300W x 2 @ 4Ω : Kicker 44KXMA12002, top side.

    Kicker 48KXMA12002 : 600W x 2ch Marine Amplifier @ 2Ω, or 300W x 2 @ 4Ω

    Pre-Order Today!

    2-Channel Marine Amplifier, 600-Watt x 2ch @ 2-Ohm, or 300-Watt x 2 @ 4-Ohm This KXM 2ch marine amplifier uses Class D power technology, KickEQ+™ for 18dB of amplified variable bass boost, and a powerful 24dB crossover and subsonic filter to give you onboard acoustic control to quickly tune your setup. A wireless remote controlled bass knob is also included for tuning your subs on the fly. This Kicker KXM 2 channel weatherproof amplifier can be used to power 600W into a 2Ω load or 300W into a 4Ω load. Specifications RMS Power [Watts] @ 14.4V, 4Ω stereo, ≤ 1% THD+N : 300 x 2@ 14.4V, 2Ω stereo, ≤ 1% THD+N : 600 x 2 Length [in, cm] 11 3∕16 , 28.4 Height [in, cm] 2 ⅛, 5.5 Width [in, cm] 8 5⁄16 , 21 Frequency Response ± 1dB 10Hz–20kHz Signal-to-Noise Ratio 95dB Input Sensitivity 250mV–10V Selectable Electronic Crossover OffVariable HP, 10-500HzVariable LP, 40-500Hz; 400Hz–5,000Hz with 10X Switch (BP capable)Slope: 24dB/octave KickEQ™ Bass Boost 0-18dB @ 40Hz CEA Power 300 x 2 @ 4 ohms, 14.4VDC, 1% THD, CEA-2006B (Watts) CEA Signal-to-Noise Ratio -75dB CEA-2006B (ref: 1W, A-weighted) Kicker KXMA Amplifier Manual

    Pre-Order Today!

    $649.99

  • Alpine R-A60F : 100W x 4ch @ 4Ω Amplifier Alpine R-A60F : 100W x 4ch @ 4Ω Amplifier, input and output section.

    Alpine R-A60F : 100W x 4ch @ 4Ω Amplifier

    Pre-Order Today!

    The R-Series amplifiers utilize Alpine’s advanced amplifier platform that takes the classic Class-D amplifier circuit and adds dual post-filter feedback loops for unmatched accuracy and control. This technology., originally launched in the premium X-Series amplifiers,, produces efficient power with enhanced dynamic range, qualifying the R-Series amplifiers to be Hi-Resolution Audio compliant. This new technology minimizes audible imperfections like excessive phase shift and internal noise which can deteriorate sound quality. With an incredibly low phase shift of 46°, the R-A60F 4-channel amplifier delivers accurate imaging compared to well over 100° of phase shift by a competitive amplifier model. This superior phase curve ensures a proper sound stage among the singers and instruments. Specifications Alpine's Class D amplifier circuit 100W RMS x 4 (4Ω, 14.4V, ≤ 1% THD+N) 150W RMS x 4 (2Ω, 14.4V, ≤  1% THD+N) Bridged: 300W x 2 (4Ω, 14.4V, ≤ 1% THD+N) S/N >85dB (ref. 1W into 4Ω) • THD+N≤ 0.03% (ref. 1W into 4Ω) Frequency response =10Hz to 45kHz (+/- 3dB) Damping Factor >500 Alpine R-A60F Manual

    Pre-Order Today!

    $499.99

Login

Forgot your password?

Don't have an account yet?
Create account