Installation of Audio Amplifiers

A very important point to consider is that amplifiers, while using the same 12 volts from the battery, are equipped with a step-up circuit. The function of the step-up circuit is to increase the voltage from the battery to a level that allows strong currents in the power outputs; this is done by a specific circuit called an inverter which, in the best amplifiers, also functions as a voltage stabiliser.

The advantages of having a stabilised and stepped-up voltage become evident when listening, especially at high volumes and under demanding load conditions for the car battery. This point highlights the importance of the amplifier's power supply and the choice of appropriate cables.

Once the installation position of the amplifier is defined, you will need to set up the power supply system keeping these suggestions in mind: connect the positive to the battery with an appropriate fuse protection, choosing a cable gauge based on the power of the amplifier; the negative power cable must be connected to the car's chassis as close as possible to the amplifier, to minimise the length of the cable (remove paint from the point where you will connect the negative cable which should be terminated with a ring terminal, avoiding taking the ground from the same screws that secure the amplifier).