Setting up your car audio system has become quite sophisticated. It may not be enough to have multiple car speakers or have a subwoofer to care for low bass tones among audiophiles. Many would recommend adding an amplifier for just about anything these days. Now, how about door speakers? Do you need an amp for door speakers?
Things to Consider
Before we come to a definitive answer to your question, “Do you need an amp for door speakers?” it’s good to revisit what an amplifier is for and how it is best utilized and know what role it plays in the whole gamut of an audio setup.
An amplifier is an electronic device connected to speakers to enhance audio, not only by turning up the volume but also by making the actual music sound crisp, clear, nuanced, and pleasing to hear. True to its name, this equipment amplifies the sound coming out of speakers, which may not have the capacity to deliver powerful, space-filling sound.
An amplifier may be linked to a car audio system or a home theatre system, all with the same benefits as an enhanced audio experience. Now, if your speakers are fitted in your car door, would you still need an amplifier for that?
Many an audiophile would still say yes, an amplifier is still necessary if you want satisfactory sound quality. Before you answer the question, “Do you need an amp for door speakers?” let’s explore the benefits of plugging in an amplifier and see for yourself if you need them:
- An amplifier makes door speakers sound louder without causing a ‘crack’ or distortion when the volume dial is turned up. If you dream of a great road trip with an awesome playlist blaring gloriously out of your speakers as you drive, an amplifier may help make the experience memorable.
- An amplifier takes the strain away from the preamplifier built into the door speakers, which may not withstand large jolts of power.
- Because of the full-bodied sound that an amplifier delivers, it can potentially cancel all the noise around.
- If your speakers come with a subwoofer, adding an amplifier for your subwoofer may help the latter avoid exerting so much work and straining its systems. The dedicated amplifier can make the system go easy on the subwoofer.
This time, let’s have a look at door speakers and why they’re mounted there – at the door. As we go through the details, remember your question: Do you need an amp for door speakers?
Door speakers may be factory-installed units, or you may purchase your preferred set separately. These speakers are fitted and mounted indoors because audiophiles find this as an ideal spot to get sound seamlessly emanating from the sides and fluttering about to fill the vehicle’s space.
There are two types of door speakers so far, and these could either be full-range speakers or component speakers. The fundamental difference is how they are designed and arranged – full range types are ‘all-in-one,’ while component types are just that – made up of detached components.
More specifically, full-range speakers have a subwoofer and tweeters and additional drivers like midrange speakers and super-tweeters. In audio-speak, the subwoofer captures the low bass sounds, while tweeters capture higher-frequency sounds. Midrange drivers capture the harmony and melody in between. Full-range speakers are also called coaxial speakers.
Component speakers, on the other hand, have a detached subwoofer, separate tweeters, and external crossovers that allow these types to be placed separately and strategically in different places in your car, like the front and back doors. Since the separate components can be mounted everywhere, you can have sound coming out of all corners of your vehicle. This is quite superb.
As to where the amplifier should be plugged, the front speakers are the best to power up because the front part of the car is where the music can flourish with the greatest impact. Rear speakers may be linked to an amplifier, too, but before any connection, the wattage and compatibility of the speaker and amp to each other should be established. An amplifier must always have a higher power rating compared to a car door’s speakers, or any speaker types for that matter.
The amplifier may be tucked in safely below the seat or in the trunk. What matters is that it has enough space to ‘breathe’ since it could run the risk of overheating if it is in a nook that’s too cramped. Consider, too, the length of the wires that will connect the amplifier to your door speakers. Find out more about amplifiers for door speakers here.
Conclusion
As to the question, “Do you need an amp for door speakers or not?” it is your discretion. It may not be a real necessity, but getting an amp for these is highly recommended. It may not only be about ensuring great sound quality as you drive around. You may find an amplifier most beneficial for your door speakers’ overall ‘health,’ optimum performance, and maintenance. The large amount of power that would originally be the speakers’ function could be delegated to a piece of sturdier equipment, and that is the amplifier.