Best 4 Channel Amp: Reviews, Buying Guide, and FAQs 2023
by Chris Lewis.
Even though cars come equipped with factory speakers and pre-installed radio and sounds system, there are many reasons to change them.
The most popular reason why it is a good option is that the factory speakers and pre-installed sound system sometimes don't always sound great. This might be because of faults in the speakers while it is being assembled by the manufacturer. It could also be as a result of the speaker being cheap due to the low cost of the car itself.
However, changing the factory speakers and sound system of your car is easier said than done. Most standalone vehicle sound systems with optimal quality to improve the sound experience in your car are very expensive. Fortunately, there is a cost-effective alternative to outrightly changing them.
This alternative involves pairing a top-quality amplifier with your vehicle's factory sound system. The difference this makes is huge. As a result, there are a wide array of amplifiers on the market today. This makes selecting one for your vehicle more difficult since each amplifier comes with unique features and specs that differentiate it from the others.
Top 4 Channel Amp 2023 by Editors' Picks
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Contents
In this guide, we have prepared a list of the best 4 channel amp 2023 as well as a buying guide to help you make better buying decisions.
Best 4 Channel Amp Review
1. Hifonics BRX616.4 Brutus 4-Channel Amplifier
The Hifonics BRX616.4 Brutus 4-Channel Amplifier is a superclass A/B amp capable of supplying 640 Watt of power to speakers through its 4 channels.
To ensure anyone who loves the device is satisfied, the brand also has models of the product that comes with higher power output - up to 3000 Watt. Although for this review we only consider the 4 channel model, the product also has a mono channel and a 5 channel model.
At about 14.7 x 9.8 x 2.4 inches, it is quite compact. It comes equipped with Ultra-fine circuits that ensure absolute power efficiency without sacrificing any quality in speaker sound. The amplifier features indicators that let you keep track of the amplifier's performance.
It is battery operated but does come with a Warranty.
NOTE: The brand is based in China.
Pros
- Provides monster performances by improving the signals being sent to the speakers of your car.
- Depending on the model you buy, the power output is incredibly amazing
- It does not overheat
- Comes with a remote bass control knob
- Features subsonic and low pass filter
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Battery operated which can be a big deal-breaker since you have to regularly spend money on batteries for the amp to work
- Wiring the amp can be quite tricky. Incorrectly wiring it can lead to poor performance from the amp.
2. BOSS Audio Systems R1004 4 Channel Car Amplifier - Link
The BOSS Audio Systems R1004 4 channel amp is one of the cheapest amplifiers reviewed on this list. It is a class A/B amplifier and comes with a wide range. It is a riot series and has a maximum power output of 400 watts.
While it is a great addition to improve the sound quality of your car's speakers and stereos, there are a few drawbacks. This is only expected since it is cheaply priced.
One of the first things you should keep in mind is that the BOSS Audio Systems R1004 amp only comes with optimized support for 2 ohms impedance speakers. It does support 4 ohms speaker setups but the performance isn't as great.
Although it is a class A Amplifier which means it draws in a large amount of current with no audio signals, it does not have a good power output.
That said, it comes with a feature called "Variable Gain Control". This variable gain control lets you adjust the amount of signal that is amplified after passing through the receiver.
NOTE: The gain control feature does not adjust the volume but it does influence the overall loudness.
The BOSS Audio Systems R1004 also comes with low and high-level input monitors so you can track how signals are being transmitted. The amp itself is lightweight and compact.
It also comes with a huge 6-year platinum online dealer warranty provided you buy the product via the brand's Amazon page.
Pros
- Offers great value for money
- It is a Class A/B full range amplifier
- It comes with variable gain control that lets you adjust how much the amp affects your speaker's performance.
- It comes with an amazing 6 years platinum warranty.
Cons
- It requires professional installation for the proper functioning of the amplifier. This also ensures you do not damage the amp or your car speakers while wiring.
- The maximum power output could be better.
- It also requires a 9VDC signal for the remote function to work.
3. Planet AUDIO AC1600.4 1600W 4 Channel Amp
The Planet Audio Ac1600.4 amplifier is just one of 12 different models all of which come with the same specs except for the power output.
It comes with a full range and provides all the functions a Class A/B amplifier brings to a sound setup. It uses the MOSFET power supply, which although isn't the most power-efficient, would not drain your battery unnecessarily.
The amp comes with a feature that lets you bridge the channels for more powerful power distribution. On default settings, the planet audio AC1600.4 amp has a maximum power output of 400 W x 4 at 2 ohms and 200 W x 4 at 4 ohms. However, bridging the power takes this to 800 W at 4 ohms although it reduces the channels to only 2.
It also comes with filter features as well as a control to adjust the bass boost of your speaker. Another cool feature is the blue backlit illumination it comes with that is only noticeable at night.
It comes with a 6-year platinum online dealer warranty.
NOTE: Professional installation recommended for best results.
Pros
- Lets you control the low and high-level inputs
- Features a variable filter and bass boost.
- Comes with remote subwoofer control
- Backlit illumination for seeing in poor lighting
- 6 years warranty from the manufacturer
- Option to bridge the channels for maximum power.
- Compact
- Can supply up to 1500 Watt of power
Cons
- Fuse sometimes sporadically cuts even when on low settings.
- The RMS provided by the manufacturer is exaggerated
4. DS18 CANDY-X4B Amplifier - Link
The DS18 CANDY-X4B Amplifier is a class D 4 channel amp with a maximum power output of 1600 Watts. It is digital and it supports both 2 ohms speakers and 4 ohms speakers.
It comes in an impressively compact size with a dimension of only 9 x 5 x 2 inches. It also comes with a wide range of applications. For instance, not only is it capable of connecting to 2 to 4 ohms speakers, it can go as high as 8 ohms speaker setups. The best thing about this is that you do not have to worry about the DS18 CANDY-X4B not being compatible with your speakers.
Another impressive feature is that it does not draw a lot of power from your car's battery. This makes it very efficient in power usage. It is wireless and comes out of the box with an instructions manual as well as mounting hardware to install it.
Pros
- A powerful and compact amplifier that improves the loudness and quality of your vehicle speakers
- Suitable for use in cars as well as on motorcycle speakers
- Provides a lot of power (up to 1600 watts) with a wide range of application
Cons
- Despite the brand being quite popular, it does not offer a warranty on this product.
- The customer service is quite slow to reply to queries and inquires.
5. BLAUPUNKT 1600W 4-Channel Full-Range Amplifier - Link
If you are in the market for a powerful 4 channel amplifier for your car, the Blaupunkt 1600W is one of the best options out there.
One of the things that catch one's eye with this amp is its incredibly compact size, especially when compared to how much power it provides. The installation process is very easy although it is recommended to install it via professional help.
In terms of performance, the Blaupunkt speaker can deliver a maximum output of 1600 Watts - which is equally distributed over its 4 channels.
It comes with support for both 2 and 4 ohms speakers. It only supplies 55W RMS maximum power output to 4ohms speakers but delivers 79W to speakers with 2-ohm impendence (per channel). This is great because the sound quality you get especially on 2-ohm speaker setups is great.
The frequency response on the Blaupunkt speaker is also noteworthy. It has a frequency response range of 10Hz to 30kHz which is quite significant.
To cap it all, the amplifier also comes with a 1-year warranty card.
Pros
- Compact and easy to install
- The maximum power output of 1600 Watts
- Impressive frequency response range of about 10Hz to 30kHz
- Capable of delivering 79Watts RMS x 4 output for 2-ohm speakers.
- Capable of delivering 55Watts RMS x 4 output for 4-ohm speakers.
- Comes with a 1-year warranty card
Cons
- The build quality could be better
6. Kenwood KAC-M3004 Digital Amplifier - Link
Kenwood is another amazing brand that has consistently delivered car audio equipment that boasts top quality and impressive performance despite not being as popular as it used to be.
The Kenwood KAC-M3004 digital amplifier works well for cars and motorcycles. You can even install it on a boat with the right accessories although you might not get the same results if you install it in a car. It has a compact size which means you can fit it in any little space you manage to find. Despite its size, it comes with specially designed layers of protection so you can use it on your boat without having to worry about moisture or damp air destroying the device.
It is a class D amplifier which means it can provide efficient power to your speakers when bridged. As standalone, it only supplies a low 50W x 4 for 4-ohm speakers and 75W x 4 for 2-ohm speaker setups. Bridging the amp's channels quickly takes it to 150W x 2 at 4ohms which is more than enough to make a huge impact on the volume of your speakers.
Another thing we love about this amp is that its installation is foolproof. Regardless of the cables used during installation, you can be sure they would receive and amplify signals.
It comes with switchable crossovers that you can adjust depending on how you want the sounds to come out. It does come with a low S/N ratio which can be a big dealbreaker
NOTE: This dealbreaker is only noticeable if you install it on poor speakers.
Pros
- Ideal for off-road vehicles, motorcycles, and boats
- The installation process is fast and easy
- RMS power
Cons
- The maximum power output is not the best
- It comes with a low signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio which is especially noticeable if you do not have decent speakers.
7. Alpine MRV-F300 4-Channel Car Amplifier - Link
Talking about reputable brands in the sound system market, another name that is known for making premium products that excel well in both the performance and build quality department is Alpine.
The Alpine MRV-F300 is just one of several 4 channel amplifiers from this brand. This amplifier is great for people using 2 to 4-ohm speaker setups in their vehicles. It does have a relatively smaller maximum power output compared to most amps on this list. With a max power output of 50W RMS x 4 and 75W RMS x 4, it does get the job done! It comes with the same power you will find many small chassis.
It comes with support for evolution to the class D digital platform. Coupled with its compact size, it is safe to say you are getting a bargain with this amplifier.
Pros
- Provides clear enhanced signals free of hum or distortion to your speaker especially at a high volume level.
- Decent power output
- Class D digital platform support.
- Compact design means you get to keep your car's stock interior look
Cons
- It does not have a jack to plug a smartphone or any other aux device into it.
- It does not come with Bluetooth capabilities
- You might be unlucky to get a defective product in which case the Sound Security Online warranty on this product might come in handy.
Best 4 Channel Amp Buying Guide
As aforementioned, unless you pay a premium for your car, there is a big chance its factory sound system needs tunning for you to get rich sounds from it.
A 4-Channel amplifier is a device that lets you do this easily. It receives electrical signals, amplifies them, and then sends them along its 4 channels so your vehicle's speakers can receive them. Typically, a 4 channel amp supplies the same power via its 4 channels. That's said, some 4 channel amps come with technology that allows them to combine their power into a single channel. This feature often doubles the output of the amp which in turn improves the overall experience.
So what should you consider when buying a car amplifier?
Size or Installation Process
The size or form the amp you are trying to install takes should be the first thing you consider. This is important because most cars have limited space to install third-party gadgets. So, the general ideal amp for your car should be compact since you do not have to worry about the amp looking out of place when installed in an unorthodox position.
Usually, people often install their amplifier under the driver's seat and sometimes behind the dash. These two positions keep the wiring nicely hidden with the bulk of the amplifier also staying unnoticeable.
In summary, ensure the space you intend to place the amp in your car is large enough to accommodate the amplifier without damaging it.
Maximum Power Output
The main reason you want to install an amp in your vehicle is to enhance the overall performance of your car's factory sound system. Therefore it is only important that you consider the max power output of any amplifier you intend to buy. By checking this information, you are then able to identify whether or not the amp will improve the sound quality of your car.
One of the amazing things about amplifiers is that even the smallest tend to noticeably improve the performance of your car's speakers. The power output of amplifiers ranges from 100 Watts to 1000W. There are more powerful amps with over 2000 Watts maximum output
Impedance
The impedance of your car's speakers can greatly influence how well the amplifier you buy and install performs. This is because the power output of most amplifiers varies depending on the impedance of the speaker your car uses.
So, ensure you buy an amplifier that best supports the speaker in your vehicle. A good way to do this is to check how much impedance the speaker has so you can pick a matching amp for it. That way, you improve the sound quality of your car while also utilizing the full potential of your vehicle.
Frequency response
Another feature to consider so you can get the best quality amplifier for your vehicle is frequency response. All amplifiers come with varying frequency responses.
Factory radio and sound systems in cars do not have good frequency response hence why they often sound flat.
In other words, you need to look for amplifiers with a wider range of frequency responses since they offer incredible sound quality.
NOTE: At times, brands do not specify the frequency response of their devices. This is a marketing strategy but can still be sidestepped. All you have to do is ensure the power output of the amp you intend to buy matches the impedance of your car speakers.
Warranty
Of course, the warranty also plays a part in the long-term usage of the installed amplifier. This is one of the reasons why you can't go wrong by going for a product from a reputable brand. This is because there is a level of quality that comes with trust built over years. And more often than not, products from such brands come with a warranty.
4 Channel Amp FAQs
Do Amplifiers improve the sound quality?
Yes but don't expect magic! The only role of an amplifier when installed in a vehicle is to buff up the strength of the signals it receives so that when they reach the speaker there are more details in it.
That said, coupled with a decent speaker, you should now be able to hear the highs and lows in any song being played over your car's radio or stereo system.
How many speakers can a 4 channel amp connect to?
Theoretically, you can connect 8 speakers to a 4 channel amp. However, to get the best results, it is always better to only connect one speaker to a channel since each speaker can receive maximum power from each channel.
NOTE: Connecting more than one speaker to a channel requires you to carry out parallel connections while wiring. The implication of this is that the power output of the amp is eventually affected due to the increased workload on each channel.
What are 4 channel amps for?
4 channel amps are devices designed to enhance the performance of the four speakers most cars typically come with. They are also ideal when making custom installations to modify the factory radio settings of a car since they allow different configurations to be used between the four available channels including bridging of the channels.
Buy on Walmart
Alpine X-A70F X-Series 4/3/2 Channel Power Density Amplifier - Walmart Link
Rockford Fosgate P600X4 Punch 600 Watt 4 Channel Amplifier - Walmart Link
Planet Audio AC1200.4 4 Channel Car Amplifier - 1200 Watts, Full Range, Class A/B, 2-4 - Walmart Link
JL JD400/4 4-Channel Amplifier - Walmart Link
Kicker CXA300.4 (43CXA3004) CXA300.4 4x75-Watt Four-Channel Full-Range Amplifier - Walmart Link
Kenwood KAC-M3004 Compact 4 Channel Digital Amplifier - Walmart Link
MTX Audio THUNDER75.4 Thunder Series Car Amplifier - Walmart Link
Alpine MRV-F300 4-Channel Car Amplifier, 50 Watts RMS x 4 - Walmart Link
Memphis Audio SE1200.4 Street Edge 1200W 4-Channel Car Audio Amplifier - Walmart Link
DS18 S-1500.4D/RD Car Audio Amplifier – 4 Channel, Full Range, Class D, 1500 Watts (Red) - Walmart Link
Title: DS18 V4HL 4-Channel Line Out Converter, High-Level Speaker Signal to Low-Level RCA - Walmart Link
BOSS Audio Systems R1004 4 Channel Car Amplifier – Riot Series, 400 Watts, Full Range, - Walmart Link
Kenwood XR401-4 eXcelon 400-Watt 4-Channel Amplifier - Walmart Link
Pyramid PB618 2,000-Watt 4-Channel Bridgeable Mosfet Amplifier - Walmart Link
MTX Audio WET75.4 400W RMS 4-Channel Class A/B Marine Amplifier - Walmart Link
Rockford Fosgate R2-500X4 500-Watt 4-Channel Amplifier - Walmart Link
4-Channel High Power MOSFET Amplifier - Slim 2000 Watt Bridgeable Mono Stereo 4 Channel - Walmart Link
Pyle Hydra Marine Amplifier - Upgraded Elite Series 400 Watt 4 Channel Audio Amplifier - - Walmart Link
Blaupunkt 1500W 4-Channel, Full-Range Amplifier - Walmart Link
Taramps DS 440X4 2 Ohms 4 Channels 440 Watts Compact Amplifier - Walmart Link
Buy on eBay
Alpine X-A70F X-Series 4/3/2 Channel Power Density Amplifier - eBay Link
Rockford Fosgate P600X4 Punch 600 Watt 4 Channel Amplifier - eBay Link
Planet Audio AC1200.4 4 Channel Car Amplifier - 1200 Watts, Full Range, Class A/B, 2-4 - eBay Link
JL JD400/4 4-Channel Amplifier - eBay Link
Kicker CXA300.4 (43CXA3004) CXA300.4 4x75-Watt Four-Channel Full-Range Amplifier - eBay Link
Kenwood KAC-M3004 Compact 4 Channel Digital Amplifier - eBay Link
MTX Audio THUNDER75.4 Thunder Series Car Amplifier - eBay Link
Alpine MRV-F300 4-Channel Car Amplifier, 50 Watts RMS x 4 - eBay Link
Memphis Audio SE1200.4 Street Edge 1200W 4-Channel Car Audio Amplifier - eBay Link
DS18 S-1500.4D/RD Car Audio Amplifier – 4 Channel, Full Range, Class D, 1500 Watts (Red) - eBay Link
Title: DS18 V4HL 4-Channel Line Out Converter, High-Level Speaker Signal to Low-Level RCA - eBay Link
BOSS Audio Systems R1004 4 Channel Car Amplifier – Riot Series, 400 Watts, Full Range, - eBay Link
Kenwood XR401-4 eXcelon 400-Watt 4-Channel Amplifier - eBay Link
Pyramid PB618 2,000-Watt 4-Channel Bridgeable Mosfet Amplifier - eBay Link
MTX Audio WET75.4 400W RMS 4-Channel Class A/B Marine Amplifier - eBay Link
Rockford Fosgate R2-500X4 500-Watt 4-Channel Amplifier - eBay Link
4-Channel High Power MOSFET Amplifier - Slim 2000 Watt Bridgeable Mono Stereo 4 Channel - eBay Link
Pyle Hydra Marine Amplifier - Upgraded Elite Series 400 Watt 4 Channel Audio Amplifier - - eBay Link
Blaupunkt 1500W 4-Channel, Full-Range Amplifier - eBay Link
Taramps DS 440X4 2 Ohms 4 Channels 440 Watts Compact Amplifier - eBay Link
Conclusion for 4 Channel Amp Buyers
4 Channel amps are great improvements that can potentially make your vehicle sound system great. We have discussed all the important characteristics you need to look out for when buying a 4 channel amplifier for your car to help you choose the right amp for your vehicle. You can also check out our review list of the best 4 channel amplifiers on the market right now! The highlighted specs and features each of the amplifiers reviewed as well as its pricing should make the buying decision making a lot easier.
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About Chris Lewis.
Chris Lewis is a passionate individual with a deep affinity for the world of automobiles. From a tender age, his fascination with cars was nurtured by his father, a seasoned mechanic based in the vibrant city of San Francisco. Growing up under the watchful guidance of his skilled father, Chris developed an early aptitude for all things automotive.
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