2 Channel Amp

With the advancement of multi-channel and mono amplifiers the roll of the simple 2-channel amplifier has changed over the decades. Here are some applications where a

2-channel amplifier is still incredibly useful:

As a first amplifier upgrade to power a subwoofer

2-channel amplifiers can work well when powering a subwoofer, so long as you choose a subwoofer with the appropriate impedance so that when bridging the two channels to one the amplifier is still operating safely and within specifications. For most 2-channel amplifiers the minimum bridged impedance load you can place on them is 4ohms. This can be achieved in several ways, but a single subwoofer that has a single 4ohm voice coil is one way, while a dual 2ohm subwoofer with its voice coils wired in series is another. Two dual 4ohm voice coil subwoofers in a series/parallel wiring scheme would also work.

In these second and third versions where the subwoofer array has multiple voice coils that you can wire in different ways, you can then upgrade later when funds permit by adding a mono amplifier and using the 2-channel as a full range amplifier to power your main speakers. This is because the multiple voice coils can be rewired I another way to arrive at a lower 1ohm impedance that would suit some mono amplifiers.

In this scenario make sure the 2-channel amplifier has a choice of high and low pass filters that can work with both wiring arrangements. Choosing one that also offers an included or optional remote level controller will be a handy feature when it is being utilized as a subwoofer amplifier. If you are upgrading a completely factory audio system that doesn’t offer a head unit with RCA pre-outs, it will also be useful to choose a model that has an auto on/off trigger combined with speaker level inputs.

As a rear fill amplifier

When building a more advanced sound system the focus tends to be on the front stage array of speakers, amplification and signal processing – leaving the rear speakers to be powered by the head unit. A 2-channel amplifier is a great way to increase the output and dynamic range of your rear speakers so that they match that of your front speakers.

When upgrading to a fully active 3-way front stage

You may have (or have planned) a front speaker array using sperate tweeters and midrange drivers powered by their own amplifier channels via a 4-channel or 5-channel amplifier. If you want to upgrade the front stage to incorporate an additional midrange pair of speakers playing frequencies between the tweeters and mids then adding a 2-channel amplifier is a great way of doing this without having to replace your main amplifier entirely. Since there are so many great 2-channel amplifiers in various power outputs available you could use the 2-channel to power any of the front stage speaker pairs depending on your preference.

In this scenario you need to consider the crossover filters and work out which 2-channel amplifier will work for the speakers you have decided to power them with. It is possible to utilise a combination of the crossovers built into your head unit, the 4/5-channel amplifier and the 2-channel amplifier to get the job done. You could also add a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) to provide the crossover filtering in a more precise manner to get the best from this set up.

Marine, motorcycles, recreational vehicles or agricultural vehicle applications

There are a host of situations where all you need is a powerful 2-channel amplifier to power a pair of full range speakers where a subwoofer is either not practical or unwanted. Boats, personal watercraft, motorcycles, tractors, cranes, or even just for your garage - a 2-channel amplifier will be useful in many cases. Thanks to smartphones you don’t even require a head unit, and via a simple USB-C or Lightning to audio adaptor, a 2-channel amplifier and a pair of speakers you have entertainment ready to go.