Car Audio System Amplifiers & Accessories

Amplifiers for Car Stereo Systems

Do you want to amp up your mobile music even more? Using the best car amplifiers will provide a sound solution. OnlineCarStereo.com is here to help. When you shop with us, you can get even more from your new speakers by powering them with vehicle audio amplifiers from leading brands that produce the loud, clear sound you and your riders yearn to hear.

As the leading car stereo shop, we stock hundreds of amps to power any setup. From compact vehicles to trucks and SUVs, we can help you find the right car audio amplifier. And we can do it for you affordably thanks to our low-price guarantee and free shipping policy.

Car Amplifiers

If you’re ready to get proudly loud — and we mean really loud — step up your car’s audio system with a new or replacement vehicle amplifier. While many motorists focus on the speakers and receiver for their stereos, audio experts know the car amplifier is just as important. This device is what takes the audio signal source and makes it loud enough for listeners to enjoy. The best car audio amplifiers produce a powerful, clear, distortion-free sound at your desired decibel levels. Many factory head units come with weak amplifiers that aren’t designed to really let it all out — but we have the solution with aftermarket car stereo amplifiers at great prices to power up your system.

Amplify Your Listening Experience

We’ve stocked our shelves with hundreds of amplifiers to fit every audio setup. Basic 2-channel car amplifiers will serve the needs of most drivers who only have a tweeter and woofer in their vehicles. Get a 3-channel amplifier if your system also has a midrange speaker. Amps with more channels, even six or more, are available if you’re a real audiophile. If you drive a small vehicle or have limited space for upgrades, our mini car amplifiers will make the most of what you have. These compact car amplifiers deliver big sound in a small package. Those adding a subwoofer to a factory system will likely need a mono subwoofer amplifier to do what the OEM amp can’t.

Most vehicle amps are Class A or Class AB, but we also have a growing selection of Class D amplifiers that are more efficient and produce less heat. A Class D amp is also the best option for low-frequency bass sounds — and their high-end response has greatly improved in recent years. Heading off the beaten path? Marine amplifiers can withstand the harsh conditions of off-roading.

The Power & Clarity You Deserve

Any size system will be louder and sound better when it has the right vehicle power amplifier. They’re available in many wattages so your setup will be like Goldilocks — not too big and not too small. Select a category and use our search filters to find the amp that’s just right. We’re an authorized dealer of leading car audio brands such as Alpine, JL Audio, Soundstream, Kicker and Infinity.

We also carry all the amplifier accessories you will need, including wiring and installation kits. You can buy with confidence, thanks to our unmatched service that includes free shipping, free lifetime technical support and a hassle-free shopping experience online or in-store.

Car Amplifier FAQs

Yes. A car amplifier will improve sound quality and increase total volume. Your music will sound clearer and more detailed at all sound levels. In particular, amps are a necessity for standalone car subwoofers that require lots of power.

Amps improved sound clarity, volume and power. They do so by taking the electrical audio source signal and making it more powerful (i.e. amplifying it) so the signal can properly drive the speakers and subwoofer. Some amplifiers also adjust the signal to make it work better with your speakers. In short, they make sound clearer and more detailed.

For passive subwoofers, the answer is always yes. Some subwoofers can work alone; these subs, known as powered subwoofers or active subwoofers, have a built-in amplifier or another power source. However, many in-dash car stereos are not powerful enough to power a subwoofer — especially if they are also powering speakers. A separate amplifier will allow you to get to most out of your car subwoofer.

Yes. All car stereo systems are built with an amp, whether it’s a weak factory amplifier or an aftermarket upgrade. To properly power your system, the amplifier should be equal to twice the power of whatever speakers and/or subwoofer it’s connected to.

In general, you need one channel for each speaker and subwoofer you want to amplify. Advanced audiophiles sometimes get amps with extra channels to give them more options.

In-Dash Car Receivers, Stereos & Accessories

Car Stereo In-Dash Receivers

On the road or on the water, the best mobile A/V experience will be at your fingertips when you’re using an in-dash audio receiver, navigation system or video player from OnlineCarStereo.com. Our inventory of more than 8,000 products means you can locate the best in-dash receivers when you browse these pages. Whether you’re looking for in-dash car stereos, in-dash DVD car stereos, in-dash video receivers, GPS or other electronics, we are an authorized dealer for all the major manufacturers. That means we can bring you great brands at great prices.

These vehicle and marine stereo head units have all the tools you need to enjoy music, podcasts, audiobooks and movies from whatever media sources you have available. Whether you prefer DVDs, smartphones, portable media players, satellite radio or traditional FM radio, there’s an in-dash car stereo here that will play them through your speakers loud and clear.

In-Dash Car Stereos

With a premium in-dash receiver, you’ll enjoy complete command over your car audio and video. Modern car stereos require advanced controls to enjoy everything the mobile entertainment experience has to offer. We have one of the largest selections of dashboard car receivers you’ll see. We’re confident you will find one tailored to what you want to listen to and how you want to listen. Whether you seek superior music, video, navigation or all of the above, we have great brands at great prices you’ll love.

Play Anything Anywhere

No matter what your preferred media source is, we have an in-dash car deck to play it. Are most of your music and movies still on discs? Shop for car CD players, vehicle MP3 CD players and in-dash DVD players that are built for long drives even on bumpy roads. If you’ve ditched physical media for good, you’ll need a digital media car stereo or Bluetooth receiver. Depending on the model, these receivers can play audio from HD Radio, satellite radio, streaming services, USB drives, smartphones and tablets. Many receivers can play physical or digital media, so you’ll have plenty of options. And if you still want to tune into AM/FM radio for news, weather and sports, you can get an in-dash receiver that plays all the local stations.

If the scenery you pass through on those long rides gets a little dull, no worries. Add a visual element to your dashboard with an in-dash video receiver and display screen. These A/V car stereos show video from DVDs, TV feeds and laptops while doubling as touchscreen controllers. Already have a monitor or three to watch movies? Order no-screen DVD players to save space. In-dash GPS navigation systems will also provide directions to any location in the U.S. We sell universal and OEM-fit vehicle navigators that use the latest technology to get you to your destination. Are you the type who likes to ride on the wild side? You will discover plenty of weather-resistant stereo receivers here. These are a good choice for off-road vehicles or boats and other marine applications.

Great Products that Meet Your Budget

We’re an authorized dealer of all major vehicle A/V brands, including Boss Audio, Kenwood, JVC, Concept and Sony. With a low-price guarantee on most products and free shipping on all orders, you can afford to get the receiver you’ve dreamed of when you shop online here. Find a receiver that matches your car using our Vehicle Fit Guide or order an install kit to put your aftermarket receiver in a custom factory opening. We back every car stereo we sell with a 60-day guarantee so you can’t go wrong.

Car In-Dash Receiver FAQs

Most vehicles have either a double DIN or single DIN opening where the in-dash receiver is installed. Double DIN is a four-inch dash opening while single DIN is a two-inch opening. Both openings are seven inches wide. Custom-fit options are also available for certain vehicles. (DIN is short for “Deutsches Institut für Normung”, a German group that sets international car radio standards.)

In-dash receivers are components that insert into the dashboard and have a unified hardware interface for the vehicle’s audio and/or video controls. Depending on the system, an in-dash receiver might have AM/FM radio, satellite radio, Bluetooth wireless, a CD player, a DVD player, GPS navigation and other features.

Yes. An in-dash receiver improves the driving experience by making it easier and more enjoyable to control your onboard entertainment. Aftermarket receivers will also improve the sound quality by producing a clearer signal.

Some of the useful features to look at include screen size and resolution, smartphone integration and real-time traffic data. You’ll also want to make sure the receiver can play music from your primary media sources (CDs, Bluetooth media players, internet streaming, etc.)

Head unit is a catch-all term that refers to any in-dash stereo control unit. A stereo receiver — often shorten to just “stereo” or “receiver” — is a control unit that also has a built-in amplifier.

Car stereos: everything you need to know

Auto

While more and more cars come with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, you don’t have to buy a new car to get these great systems in your car. Car stereos can be safely considered a brilliant invention of mankind. Let’s talk about them in more detail.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have revolutionized car stereos in recent years. When car manufacturers design new cars, they initially install a certain stereo system, which can limit your capabilities (i.e. does not support the necessary range of applications). But Apple CarPlay and Android Auto open up the possibility of installing new and updated apps at any time. For example, in iOS 13, Apple added a new dual screen feature that greatly improves usability. Every car stereo with Apple CarPlay received this update absolutely free.

More recent car models support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. But if you do not have a factory radio, you can install one (or replace the old one with a new one) at any time. But before choosing a new audio device, take a look at these important specs:

• Wireless Support: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto originally provided their functionality with a wired connection, but the wireless variant of these two technologies is becoming the new standard in car audio. Paired with in-car wireless chargers, connecting to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is as easy as starting your car.
• Speaker Amplifier : Most aftermarket stereos have much more amplification power than the factory unit. If you want to get decent volume from your speakers, you will need an amplifier with at least 20 watts (RMS). If you are not planning on adding a loudspeaker amplifier such as the Kicker Key 180.4 or Alpine KTP-445U to your setup, you should pay attention to the available amplifier power.
• Support HD Radio / Sirius XM : Most aftermarket stereos currently support Sirius XM. HD Radio is a little less common. This is unfortunate because HD Radio is a great way to get high-definition digital music for free (live).
• Capacitive touch screen : Older and less advanced receivers use resistive touch screens, which are slow to respond to touches (and in some cases, these pressures must be very strong). Capacitive touchscreens (the same as your smartphone’s sensor) are far superior to resistive touchscreens as they are much easier and more practical to use, making it an essential requirement for a good car stereo these days.
• Backup Camera / DVR Support : Support for front, side and rear DVRs is growing in the car stereo segment. Most stereo systems now support two or even three camera inputs. If your existing car system even shows you a “rear view” when you try to park your car, that’s the minimum required functionality for your device.
• Comprehensive EQ/Crossover support : The ability to dial in audio frequencies to achieve the sound quality you expect cannot be overestimated. It is not enough to simply adjust the bass and treble. In addition, fine-tuning the crossover frequencies for each set of speakers (front, rear, and subwoofer) will result in an overall cleaner sound as well as longer speaker life by directing each speaker to reproduce the frequencies it was designed for.
• Line out preamp connectors : Three pairs (6 channels) of line pre-outs (front, rear and subwoofer) are also a basic requirement these days. You should reconsider the purchase if the device you intend to buy does not provide the required number of line outputs.
• Presence of Steering Wheel Controls : Quite a few modern car models come with physical controls built into the steering wheel. You’ll miss out on the ease of use of your car stereo if you don’t have access to controls through your steering wheel. The most common interface solution is the iDatalink Maestro device. Aim for a receiver that supports iDatalink (this will make daily use much easier).
• Pairing with two phones via Bluetooth : Almost every modern car stereo can pair with a mobile phone via a Bluetooth connection. The best of them provide the ability to work in pairs with two phones at the same time, which allows you to receive incoming calls from one phone and switch between radio stations from another cellular device.

Best: Kenwood Excelon DMX906S

The Kenwood Excelon car stereo series is known for its high-end features such as speaker amplification, better line pre-outs and an extensive list of state-of-the-art features. The DMX906 maintains this pattern with outstanding features such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Their interface can be easily personalized (at the request of the user), a comprehensive 13-band equalizer and 3-band crossover, HD radio and Bluetooth support for two phones.

Kenwood also provides standard features such as SiriusXM radio support and three pairs of line pre-outs. The manufacturer has expanded support for iDatalink Maestro, which includes the ability to display additional vehicle diagnostics (such as engine speed and tire pressure). The DMX906S features a 6.95″ capacitive touch screen and delivers 22W (RMS) x 4 channels, enough to drive almost any set of speakers without additional amplification.

Budget option: Alpine ILX-W650

The Alpine ILX-W650 boasts a capacitive 7-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired-only in less than three inches deep) at a very low price. This adapter can be a worthy budget replacement for a factory radio. The ILX-W650 also provides a standard feature list that includes iDatalink Maestro support, 6-channel pre-outs, SiriusXM radio support, and customizable EQ control.

Best DVD Receiver: Pioneer AVH-2550NEX

If you just need to be able to read DVDs to watch movies on a long trip, then you will definitely be satisfied with the Pioneer AVH-2 550NEX. This device features a very sensitive 6.8-inch capacitive touch screen, customizable display, and a remote control.

While DVD playback is this unit’s standout feature, the AVH-2550NEX also impresses with Apple Carpay, Android Auto, HD Radio, SiriusXM support, an improved version of iDatalink Maestro that includes vehicle diagnostics, 13-way graphic equalizer, as well as a 6-channel pre-out. However, this unit only supports 14W RMS for 4 channels, so you may need an additional amplifier to drive the front and rear speakers if you are also trying to improve volume or reduce audio distortion.

Best Single DIN / 9-inch Screen: Alpine Halo9 ILX-F309

If you’re looking for something more than a standard Double-DIN touchscreen, the Alpine Halo9 ILX-F309 is for you. The receiver’s chassis takes up just one DIN space but has a large 9-inch capacitive touchscreen that seems to float right in front of the dashboard. The screen is firmly fixed on a tripod, however, you can easily change its position.

In addition to the Halo9’s functional touchscreen, the ILX-F309 supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio and SiriusXM. It also boasts a 9-band parametric EQ, high- and low-pass filters, 6-channel preamp line outputs, and advanced iDatalink Maestro support that includes vehicle diagnostics. This device has the added feature of being compatible with an optional accessory controller that controls up to eight additional devices such as LED lights, suspension kits and power blankets. Gain is a little weak at 18W (RMS) x 4 channels, so you may need an additional amplifier.

Buy Kenwood Excelon DMX906S HERE

Buy Alpine ILX-W650 HERE

Buy Pioneer AVH-2550NEX DVD Receiver HERE

Buy Alpine Halo9 ILX-F30 9 you can HERE

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folder_open Tagged in: Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, iDatalink Maestro, Kenwood, Kenwood KSC-SW11, Single-DIN, Touch Screen, audio system, car audio, car audio

Connecting an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch to your car

This article describes how to connect your device to your car stereo.

Connect using CarPlay

Available in select vehicles, CarPlay is a smart and secure way to use iPhone in your car. CarPlay brings iPhone functions directly to the car’s built-in display.

First, make sure CarPlay is supported in your country/region and your car supports CarPlay.

If your car supports CarPlay using the USB port, connect your iPhone to the USB port on your car or stereo. The USB port may be labeled with a CarPlay icon or an image of a smartphone.

If your car supports wireless CarPlay, press and hold the voice command button on the steering wheel to start CarPlay setup. Alternative connection method: Make sure the car’s wireless or Bluetooth pairing mode is turned on. Then, on your iPhone, go to Settings > General > CarPlay > Available Vehicles and select your vehicle. For details, see the owner’s manual for your vehicle.

Learn more about CarPlay or how to set up and use CarPlay.

iPad and iPod touch do not support CarPlay.

Bluetooth connection

1. Restart the device.
2. Go to Settings > Bluetooth and turn off Bluetooth. Wait about 5 seconds, then turn Bluetooth back on.
3. For details on pairing with a Bluetooth device, see your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Most vehicles require you to set up your phone on the vehicle’s on-board computer display.
4. If you have more than one phone connected to your car stereo, try renaming the device: Go to Settings > General > About Device > Name and enter a new name. Then try to connect again.
5. Update the device.
6. Make sure the stereo system is using the latest firmware released by the car manufacturer. For more information, see the owner’s manual for your vehicle.

If you still can’t connect, contact Apple Support.

USB connection

1. Restart the device and the vehicle’s on-board computer.
2. Unlock iPhone and open the Home screen.
3. Try connecting with a different cable or USB port, if possible. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for instructions on how to connect your Apple device.
4. Inspect the charging port for dirt or damage. Make sure the charging cable is properly inserted into the port.
5. Update the device.
6. Make sure the stereo system is using the latest firmware released by the car manufacturer. For more information, see the owner’s manual for your vehicle.
7. Try playing the audio from another application. If you can’t play audio from a third-party app, contact the developer of the app for help.