amp?

[almostlicensed 10+ year member]

i know that this is going to sound very stupid to but i am only fifteen years old almost sixteen and i have a car that i have been working on recently. I have read up about amps online but i was just wondering if i realy need an amp and what it does in a simpler explanation. Also if it is necessary to get it for my new sound system I am going to put in how do i know what amp to buy.

thanks alot and please dont be anoyed by my lack of knowlege on the subject i am very new to this

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[cjjackson85 5,000+ posts]

For a sub, yes.

 

[SSS 18734 5,000+ posts]

first off, stop apologizing.

an amplifier takes in a signal from your source (head unit), and increases the magnitude of the signal and sends them to the speakers, which in turn can get louder and sound better with the increased power of the signal.

A lot of head units have small 22w x4 amps already in them, but I would suggest against using them for anything but rear speakers. Amping your front speakers and subs is a necessity.

the amplifier you buy depends on the speakers you are planning to install.

 

[Prowler573 5,000+ posts]

Amplifiers, very simply, amplify (increase the strength of) the audio signal input to them.

Do you need one? That depends. If the only car audio upgrade you have made is to replace an OEM stereo with an aftermarket one while still using the factory speakers an amplifier would most likely not be that worthwhile of an investment.

However, if you have replaced the stock speakers with quality aftermarket drivers and/or plan on using a subwoofer to provide a solid bassline then an outboard amplifier will make the aftermarket speakers and/or subwoofer(s) perform much better than attempting to power them with the stereo's internal amplifier.

Edit: Powering some aftermarket coaxial speakers or a component set can be done - but in most instances an outboard amplifier will make them perform dramatically better.

Please do not try to power a subwoofer with the head unit. Ever.