A motorcycle amplifier can improve the quality of audio, but it is not a source of external sound. Instead, it enhances the sound coming from your motorcycle speaker. If you want to listen to your favorite songs while riding a motorcycle, an amplified speaker may be the solution to let you hear better. However, not every amp can give you the boost like the below-listed options made after thorough market research on the best motorcycle amplifiers. Whatever you have – Harley, Honda, Suzuki, or Indian – here is the solution for you!
Best Overall – Kenwood M3004 or Rockford PBR300
Best Budget – Kenwood M1814 or Alpine KTP-445U
Best for Harley – Kenwood M3004 or Rockford PBR300
Best Bluetooth – BOSS MC900B or BOSS MC750B
Best 4 Channel – Rockford PBR300 or Kenwood M1824BT
Best 2 Channel – BOSS MC750B
Best Military Grade – Soundstream Stealth
Best Motorcycle Amplifiers – Top Table
Working Basics of an Amplifier
How does an amplifier work? The basic functioning of an amplifier can be explained through its working principles. A power supply provides the necessary voltage to operate an amplifier. The power supply converts alternating current to direct current, which is more efficient for powering audio devices. Direct current has electrons flowing in one direction, while alternating conducts in both directions. The electrical signal is then sent to a variable resistor (a transistor), which in turn sends it to an output device called a speaker. Once there, the cone of the speaker is turned back, and the resulting fluctuation in pressure is reproduced to the listener.
Amplifier amplifies the audio signal. It boosts it to speaker level from a lower level. Normally, audio is stored at a nominal line level (-4 dBu), and consumers’ nominal line level is -10 dBV. A line-level signal is typically used by audio mixers. It is intended to drive a load impedance between 10kO and 50kO, which is much higher than an 😯 speaker’s impedance. The amplifiers are divided into two main sections: a preamplifier and a power-amplification.
Benefits of Using Motorcycle Amplifiers
Adding an amplifier to your motorcycle is a great way to improve the audio quality of your system and avoid the increase in fuel consumption that comes with a higher-powered stereo system. Amplifiers provide power for your speakers and headphones. However, not all motorbike audio systems are equipped with an amplifier, so you should make sure to consider the benefits of adding one to your bike. The key benefits are:
- Better sound quality;
- Higher volume;
- More power for speakers and subwoofers.
Amplifier VS Speaker : Differences
There is a crucial difference between a speaker and an amplifier. A speaker produces sound itself, while an amplifier does not produce sound, but increases the sound of the speaker by increasing the impedance, which is dependent on its frequency range. Impedance is the resistance to sound produced by a certain object.
An amp increases this resistance so that the speaker can produce sound. The speaker is called a woofer, and the amplifier is called an amplification device. A higher impedance means more work for the amplifier, and a lower one means a weaker speaker.
The minimum permissible impedance of an amp is usually the same as the impedance of the loudspeakers it connects. Regardless of the difference in minimum permissible Impedance, it’s still important to keep in mind that a higher impedance will result in a higher current.
Amplifier Compatibility to Speaker
When deciding which one to buy, it’s important to consider the power of the speaker and the amplifier. While the two don’t need to match, you should always keep in mind the frequency of your signal. For example, a 100 W speaker can handle 50 W at 500 Hz, while a 10-kHz speaker can handle ten W. This can make a big difference in the quality of sound.
A speaker’s nominal rating is usually eight ohms, but it can be anywhere from 3 to 40. Therefore, the amp must be able to deal with this. If it can’t, it will result in audible distortion. So, if you’re buying a speaker and an amplifier for your audio system, choose the right one for you. However, both the speaker and amplifier are used for sound, but they are completely different in their output – one is for making sound and the other one is for increasing that made sound.
Best Motorcycle Amplifier Brands
A good amplifier is essential to add more power to your motorcycle sound system. It will increase the signal from Bluetooth signals, smartphones, and memory cards. More substantially, it will also change the amplitude of the sound frequency signal, which will give you a better music. You can find different types of amps, even waterproof options, to select the right one for your bike. But what brands make the most reliable and efficient amplifier? Among others, you can rely on the following name without hesitation:
- Kenwood
- Rockford
- Boss
- Soundstream
Motorcycle Amplifier Types
There are three types of motorcycle amplifiers. These include :
- Basic models
- Boosted power models
- Passive models
The boosted rail circuit is the most common one, and it allows the amplifier to use the electrical system of the bike as its power source. This technology also allows the device to reduce its chassis size. The charge pump concept is a new feature that is gaining popularity among motorcycle audio amplifiers. In this technology, a capacitor stores energy when not in use, while delivering that energy when needed. This provides a significant increase in power.
Buying Considerations – Best Sounding Motorcycle Amplifier
Choosing the best motorcycle amplifier depends on the type of audio system you have on your motorcycle and the quality of music you need. Additionally, consider its size, design, and compatibility with your speaker and bike.
Power and Channel
The amplifier must have the ability to power your sound system, which means that you should choose one that matches your speakers’ power. The best sounding motorcycle amps have more than one channel, and should be easy to install. A mono-channel amplifier is the best option if you have a single speaker. A two-channel amp is better for those with two speakers, while a three-channel motorcycle amp is best for those who ride with multiple speakers.
Size and Fit
When buying a motorcycle amplifier, it is important to consider how much space it will take up on your bike. Make sure the amplifier will fit inside your bike, and remember to check the dimensions of other audio equipment to make sure that it fits properly.
Durability
The amplifier should be rugged and durable, as motorcycle rides can be rough. It should also be weather resistant. If you’re looking for a full-featured motorcycle amp, it’s best not to ignore the durability, as it’s expensive and you’re not going to buy it often.
Adjustability and Mounting
It should be adjustable to the correct position for the driver. Many models of this type of amp will come with mounting hardware to help make the installation process easier. The amp should also be compact and easily installed anywhere within the bike, such as under the seat or under the headlight. If you want to use a speaker, make sure the amplifier will not block the audio inputs.
Where to Put an Amplifier on Your Motorbike?
If you don’t have a dedicated location for it, you’ll need to find one that’s close by. Some people mount their amplifier next to their motorcycle stereo, while others mount it above it. The position of the power cables is important. You should mount your amplifier as far forward as possible to avoid the speakers being in the way.
How to Install a Motorcycle Amplifier?
The first step in installing a motorcycle amplifier is to make sure that the amp is grounded properly. The ground connection should be bare metal to bare metal, and the ground connection should be tightened with star washers or lock washers. Using a short piece of ground cable is helpful. Ensure that the amp has adequate ventilation. After all, your amplifier is going to be exposed to the elements, so you want to keep the air circulating.
Before you begin the installation process, make sure that you choose the correct power kit for the amp you’ve selected. The power kit that you choose should support the maximum amount of current your amp will draw. Ensure that the amp’s power rating is compatible with your bike’s current power source. If the amp has an adjustable output, you can change the output level. If the motorcycle amplifier has a variable output, you can lower the volume or increase the overall volume of your music.
Next, install the speakers on your motorcycle. Before you install your motorcycle amplifier, be sure to install the speakers securely against a surface. This prevents the vibrations from the speakers from interfering with proper sound quality. Run the wires from the stereo to the speakers using standard audio wiring. You can run the wires under the frame or gas tank to make it more visible. If you’re not sure how to do this, check out other motorcycle how-to articles for more information.
Determining the Power Necessary for Amplis
Motorcycle amplifiers generally use 12-volt power sources. And, of course, you must have to ensure that the power sources are compatible with the amp in order to function properly. Most motorcycle amps have an RMS or Peak Power rating. RMS refers to continuous power and is measured in watts. Make sure the amp’s RMS rating matches the maximum load your speakers can handle. The Peak-Power rating is not as important, but it can be an important consideration. A high-peak-power motorcycle amplifier will produce more sound than a low-peak-power one.
Channels Required in an Amplifier
Usually, motorcycle amplifiers may come up with single to four channels in it. For a single speaker, a mono-channel amplifier is the best option. For an audio system with two speakers, a two-channel amp is better, while a three-channel motorcycle amp is best for those who ride with multiple speakers.
Amplifier’s Power Consumption
One of the most important aspects of a motorcycle amplifier is the battery. The amp-hour rating is the capacity of a motorcycle battery. It is important to remember that the battery does not run on its own. The amp-hour rating is an indicator of the overall efficiency of the amplified system. Likewise, the voltage of the battery is an indication of its endurance. The highest rating is 18 Amp Hours, which means that the battery can sustain an amplified load of 1.8 amps for ten hours.
Can You Use a Car Amplifier on a Motorcycle?
Sure, you can use a car amplifier for your motorcycle. There are several benefits to using a car amplifier on a motorcycle. The amplifier will provide a more powerful sound and play more music. The audio system on a bike needs to be highly efficient to get the best results. The higher the efficiency of an amplifier, the cooler it will run and the louder it can be. But, the overall cost (including the hidden ones) for a car amplifier may make you flip your decision of using a car amp on your bike.
Concluding Remarks
You want a amplifier that can meet your needs and fit your budget. There are plenty of choices on the market, but the list we made above can be a relief for you, as you don’t need to spend more of your time all around the web getting a quality one. What you need is just to pick the most compatible one for your bike.
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