Want to hear music while waterskiing, tubing or wakeboarding ? Then you need volume, and volume demands the best marine and boat speakers, backed by a powerful marine amplifier. Alternatively, maybe you just want some soft music while chilling at the dock. It doesn’t have to be loud but shouldn’t you still hear it clearly?
In both cases a quality marine amplifier is what you need. In your search for better sound, make our guides to the best boat and marine amplifiers your starting point.
And if you’re looking to enhance your boat’s stereo with a marine & boat subwoofer, you’ll definitely need an amp too. You could go with a monoblock or single channel unit, or you could buy a multi-channel amp and do some bridging. Our buying guides explain these terms, helping you decide which is the best marine amplifier for your needs.
In general, an amplifier should let the speakers deliver crisper, sharper notes across their frequency range without distortion. Just like the best car amplifiers, good marine amps do the same thing. But one that’s designated as a marine amplifier is built to survive the rigors of life outdoors. Even if the amp itself is sheltered, the humidity in ocean and lake air damages unprotected electronic components. (And salt rapidly accelerates corrosion!)
Power ratings often concern amplifier buyers too. Is more better, and how much is enough? Our buying guide details and compares RMS power outputs for highly rated amps and explains how to match them to your speakers.
When picking a good marine amplifier there are some other factors to consider too. Size, construction, the availability or a remote control, and of course class. That’s class as in amplifier class, not sophistication. It relates to electrical efficiency and heat generation. Our marine amplifier buying guide covers the three classes and highlights which we think you should choose. But if you’re looking for more details about amp classes, check out our amplifier classes defined article.
With a good marine amplifier, the music you play on your boat will sound clearer. When the engine and waves get loud it’ll let you crank the volume without distortion. Don’t shortchange yourself, invest in a quality unit.
We’re always testing new boat amplifiers and upgrading our lists too, so be sure to bookmark our page for the next time you’re in the market for a boat amplifier!
