10 Best Marine Amplifiers In 2020

How To Choose A Marine Amplifier – Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing which marine amplifier would best suit your needs, there are a few different features that you should take into consideration before you make a purchase. Depending on your needs, there are different models available and not all marine amplifiers have the same features. Our buying guide can help you determine what you need and what would best suit your needs, so that you can get back out on the water and get the party started.

Model

There are many different models available in marine amplifier designs. Not all models are equal and not all models are the same. In general, you will want to ensure the model you invest in is durable enough to withstand exposure to the elements, if it won’t be housed inside a compartment. All models should be durable and long-lasting, to ensure you get multiple years’ worth of trips out of one marine amplifier.

As well, different models have different driving power. This means that some models may feature different watts and power ranges. The RMS of a marine amplifier is the continuous power range and normally, the higher the rating number is means that at that driving power the speaker will sound the best.

You will need to match the model of your marine amplifier to your marine speakers. If you have a set of marine speakers with a lower power range, you need to be sure that they can accommodate the addition of a marine amplifier.

Type

With all the different models, there are also different types of marine amplifiers. All marine amplifiers will boost the signal, clarity, and volume of marine speakers, but there are differences between the designs.

Some types of marine amplifiers have cables that extend from the amplifier that can then be connected to your marine speakers. Most marine amplifiers will need to have additional cables that will connect it to your sound system and marine speakers. Other types of marine amplifiers will have different controls and setting abilities.

It is important that you determine if the additional features of a marine amplifiers design will suit your needs and your marine speakers. The marine amplifier should always be compatible with your sound system and the marine speakers.

Number of Channels

The number of channels that a marine amplifier has determines how many speakers it can power. There are mono channel and multi-channel marine amplifiers. Most multi-channel marine amplifiers come in the numbers of 2, 4, 5, and 6 for powering multiple speakers. Mono channel marine amplifiers can only power one speaker and often are used to power a subwoofer.

Most marine speakers come in pairs, which means that you will likely need to invest in a multi-channel marine amplifier. If you have more than 2, be certain that you correlate the number of channels to the number of speakers that you wish to power.

Ease of Use and Installation

All marine amplifiers should come with provided manufacturer’s instructions, information, or a guide. However, a marine amplifier should be straight forward to use and easy to install. Generally, buttons and ports for cables will be labeled on the marine amplifier. This makes it easy for you to change the settings or attach any cables. Marine amplifiers really only do one job, which is increase and clarify the sound quality, so they shouldn’t be confusing to operate.

Most boaters can also install their own marine amplifiers simply by following the manufacturer’s provided information or installation guide. Most installation will require that you secure the actual marine amplifier to your boat and then connect the cables to your sound system and marine speakers. It is best to follow the provided manufacturer’s instructions for installation, however keep in mind that not all marine amplifiers come with the necessary installation kits. Most marine amplifiers will have an installation kit provided or available for purchase, so that you can install the amp yourself.

It’s also important to remember that your marine amplifier will work off of your marine batteries, which run other electronics like your marine GPS. You may have supportive features like marine battery boxes and marine battery chargers too. All these, can keep your marine amplifiers running.

High/Low Pass Filters

Most marine amplifiers will give you the ability to control and change settings in regard to the sound quality and frequencies. By adjusting the setting of your marine amplifier, you can eliminate problems like distortion.

The best marine amplifier will have high/low pass filters which can enhance the audio quality. Filters for high pass will redirect low frequencies away from your speakers and low pass filters will redirect high frequencies away from your speakers, which eliminates distortion.

Bass Boost Functionality

A bass boost functionality works well with a subwoofer or speakers, but it can lead to distortion. If you choose to have and use a bass boost functionality, you will want to be sure you have high/low pass filters to help eliminate any distortion.

FAQs

Globo Surf Overview

When it comes to choosing a marine amplifier, you shouldn’t feel lost at sea. The best boat amplifier will boost the clarity and volume of your speakers, so that you can blast the music. If you know exactly what you need and want from a marine amplifier, you can save time and money.

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Do you own one of the marine amplifiers that made it onto our list? Let us know how it has worked for your outdoor needs in the comments section below.