In the world of car audio, there are a few different types of output devices that speakers can be hooked up to. One is a two-channel class AB or D amplifier, and two is a 4 channel class AB or D amplifier.
The main difference between a 2 channel and a 4 channel amp is that a 4 channel amp can connect 4 speakers while a 2 channel amp can only connect 2. A 2 channel amp is the perfect choice for you if you have two high-output front speakers. A 4 channel amp is the right choice for you if you have an additional pair of speakers for the rear.
Read on to learn more.
What is a 2 Channel Amp?
A two-channel amp takes in an input signal (from CD players, tuners, etc.), amplifies it, and then sends the amplified signal to two (or more) outputs, which are connected to your speakers.
2 channel amps are an essential part of any Hi-Fi setup. They amplify the audio signal used by your speaker or loudspeakers to produce sound.
A 2 channel amp can be an ideal solution for all but the largest speakers due to their lower power capabilities relative to most 4 and multi-channel amplifiers.
What is a 4 Channel Amp?
4-channel amplifiers are popular with those who want to stay away from the risk of a blown head unit and those with multiple amps and need some extra channels for them. A 4-channel amp is an amplifier with two inputs for four speakers but only one set of outputs.
To hook up your 4 speakers to this amp, you will need a speaker wire running from each set of inputs to its matching set of outputs on your speakers.
Then, there must be another wire going from the left front speaker’s input terminals on the amplifier and output terminals on the right front speaker’s input terminals.
Differences Between 2 Channel and 4 Channel Amps
2 channel vs. 4 channel amps are different in the way they function. There are lots of things that make these 2 different from each other. Let’s enumerate 5 of them here:
1. Power Output
A 2-channel amp can have more power output than a four-channel one on the same wattage. This is because it has an extra “side” to pull out more power through its preamp signal wiring.
It is impossible to compare the power output on both kinds of amplifiers without knowing their respective amperages, ohms ratings, and impedance of speakers, but generally, two-channel amps usually have more output units even though they are mono.
At the same time, there is no difference besides the fact that 4-channel amps can be wired to make two pairs of bridged channels.
2. Functionality
A 2-channel amplifier is better for powering a single pair of speakers, and it is suitable for listening to an MP3 player with the help of its Auxiliary (AUX) input feature.
It is also good at powering just one subwoofer and rear speakers in an audio system, etc. On the flip side, four-channel amplifiers are usually fitted with bridgeable channels.
A Bridgeable channel means that you can use this channel as a separate mono power amp without using its preamp section, and we all know there’s more than one way to wire 4 channels. Therefore, if you think about it, it’s clear that a 4-channel amp is more versatile.
3. Outputs
In most cases, a four-channel amplifier will have more outputs than a two-channel one because it has twice as many channels.
Four-Channel amps can be designed to have some features for each channel while others are shared, just like the remote turn-on and phase switch, etc.
4. Power Supply
The power supply plays an essential role in amplifiers’ performance too. In this case, a four-channel amp is better because it’s built with a giant filter or smoothing capacitors.
Simply put, the internal circuit design of these amps makes them look after their power supply better, so they can give you less noise on your speakers.
5. Price
The price of two-channel amps is usually lower than four-channel ones because it has less capacity to control more power. It does not mean that four-channel amplifiers are expensive, but generally speaking, they cost slightly more than 2-channel amps.
Advantages of 2 Channel Amp
1. Size Advantage
Though having five speakers may seem like the better option, it’s nothing compared to two. Two speakers are much easier to place in comparison because you can put them wherever you want without any issues.
2. Simplicity
The key to a quality sound system is simplicity, and when it comes to 2 speakers, there isn’t anything more superficial than that.
When you have more than two speakers in your home theater or music room, you have to spend a lot of time trying to balance the five sounds so that they are at their peak performance.
3. Price Advantage
As we all know, sound systems can be costly, and most of the time, you get what you pay for in terms of quality and longevity.
If you happen to find a tremendous five-speaker system that’s within your budget, then by all means, go ahead and buy it, but if not, two speakers will do just fine without breaking the bank.
4. Flexibility
Since two speakers are much simpler than five, they also offer more flexibility in terms of placement, which is a huge plus in many circumstances.
When you go to set up five speakers for the first time and realize that they aren’t balanced correctly, it can be very frustrating.
However, when you take your time and set up two speakers correctly, they will most likely fit anywhere you need them to be without much thought or effort at all.
5. Performance Advantage
When it comes down to it, 2-channel systems usually offer much better performance regardless of price and size, so this happens to be the biggest advantage by far.
Disadvantages of 2 Channel Amp
- Limited Power: Since it is only a two-channel amp, you can not get the massive power you would typically get with an amp like the JL Audio HD series (3 or 4 channel amps).
- Can’t Bridge the Receiver Channels Together: The two channels on a two-channel amp cannot be bridged together, which means you can not get one powerful mono signal.
Advantages of 4 Channel Amp
- Listening pleasure: A quality four-channel car stereo amplifier will allow you to enjoy your favorite music without static or hissing noises interrupting the peace and quiet in your vehicle. If you have been spending money on repairs due to malfunctioning electrical components, purchasing an amp will prevent these issues from occurring in the future.
- Price: There are many 4 channel car amps under 100 options on the market today, making them affordable for individuals of all incomes. Furthermore, since they are available in various types, you should have no problem finding one that is within your price range.
- A powerful alternative to factory radio: Not all four channel amps are created equally. Some models are designed specifically for use with factory radios, while others are used primarily with aftermarket radio/CD players. As such, it’s essential to select an amp that will allow you to achieve optimal results if you want to receive the most benefits possible without having to purchase additional equipment or components separately.
- Upgraded speakers and improved power: Several benefits are associated with replacing factory speakers. For instance, many four-channel amps allow you to connect all your speakers so that you can hear the same volume and quality no matter where you sit or stand inside your car.
- Enhanced overall system performance: Not only will this type of amp ensure that your factory radio produces clear sounds, but it will also improve the power output of every individual speaker. If you want all your music to play nice and loud, without any static or distortion, this is one of the best options you have.
- Improved overall performance: A four-channel car amp makes it easy to listen to music in your vehicle whether you are driving across the country or simply running errands around town. The process is relatively simple and straightforward, so many people prefer this type of system over all others.
Disadvantages of 4 Channel Amp
- When playing music with many instruments and sounds simultaneously, your speakers can’t handle it with 4 separate amps.
- A 4 channel amp might not be able to power all of your speakers entirely depending on what you power with it. It’s not that this amp doesn’t have enough power overall, but rather that some of it is getting shifted between channels to make up for the lower-powered speakers in some cases.
2 Channel Amp Vs 4 Channel Amp – Which One Is Better?
2 channel amps are generally smaller and offer less power than 4-channel amps. This doesn’t mean, however, that they sound bad. You’ll find many professional musicians prefer 2-channel amps because they’re just as good and more accessible to carry around.
If you want to play with a full band, then a 4-channel amp is probably what you should go for, but if you’re practicing in your bedroom and don’t plan on performing anytime soon, then a 2-channel amp will be perfect.
FAQs
What Is A 2 Channel Amp Used For?
Two-channel amps are used in pairs to power a car’s speakers. A 4-channel amplifier would be used for powering front/rear speakers in your vehicle.
Two-channel amps are used in pairs to power a car’s speakers. A 4-channel amplifier would be used for powering front/rear speakers in your vehicle.
Is A 4 Channel Amp Good For Subs?
A four-channel amp is good for subs when it has enough wattage, but not too much because there will be too much volume, and the bass might become distorted.
Conclusion
This article compared a 2 channel amplifier to a 4 channel amplifier. In the first part of the comparison, we used our sound meter and found no significant differences in output volume between the two amplifiers.
However, when we experimented with four speakers simultaneously instead of just two, there was a notable difference in output volume. Ultimately, an increase in speaker cost for more channels and an increase in power consumption without much-added benefit made us decide to stick with two channels.