{"title":"Compact Car Amplifiers","description":"\u003ch2 id=\"tinymce_scroll_sign\"\u003eExploring Compact Amplifiers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat Are Compact Amplifiers?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompact amplifiers are small-sized audio devices designed to amplify sound without taking up too much space. They are ideal for those who love music but may not have room for larger equipment. Because they offer impressive sound quality despite their size, many people find them perfect for homes, offices, or even portable use. Additionally, compact amplifiers often come with a range of features, making them versatile and useful for different audio needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBenefits of Using Compact Amplifiers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the key benefits of compact amplifiers is their portability. You can easily move them from one room to another, which is great for gatherings or when you're on the go. Also, they usually consume less power, making them energy-efficient options for sound amplification. This is particularly important for individuals looking to save on electricity costs without compromising audio performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eChoosing the Right Compact Amplifier\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen selecting a compact amplifier, consider the sound quality and additional features that meet your specific needs. Factors like wattage, connectivity options, and size should influence your decision. Remember, a higher wattage usually means better sound output, but it can also increase the size. Therefore, balance your desire for sound power with your available space when making a choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"copy-of-rainbow-sl-m2-2-channel-micro-amplifier","title":"Rainbow Audio SL-M2 2 channel micro amplifier","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"co\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"co-hero\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"co-hero__eyebrow\"\u003eCloseout, remaining stock\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"co-hero__title\"\u003eRainbow Audio SL-M2 2-Channel Micro Amplifier\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"co-hero__sub\"\u003eClass D two-channel in an 86 x 64 x 43mm chassis. 2 x 90W at 4 Ohm, 2 x 120W at 2 Ohm, 240W bridged at 4 Ohm. 5Hz to 25kHz, THD under 0.2 percent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"co-badges\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCloseout\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiscontinued\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"is-neutral\"\u003eBridgeable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"is-neutral\"\u003eFinal sale\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat You Are Buying\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA two-channel Class D amplifier small enough to go behind a dash panel, under a seat, or inside a motorcycle fairing. The chassis is 86 by 64 by 43 millimetres, which is roughly the footprint of a credit card folded in half.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRainbow part number 280002. Discontinued line, remaining stock only, and we are not restocking it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"co-callout co-callout--warn\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"co-callout__label\"\u003eRead this before you buy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinal sale. No returns, no exchanges, no manufacturer warranty. Discontinued model with no replacement pipeline.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eReading the Power Ratings\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree figures, and they are internally consistent, which is worth checking on any amplifier claim.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e2 x 90W RMS at 4 Ohm.\u003c\/strong\u003e The number that matters for a normal door speaker install.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e2 x 120W RMS at 2 Ohm.\u003c\/strong\u003e A 33 percent increase from halving the load, which is what a real supply does. An amplifier that claimed to double here would be claiming a power supply the chassis has no room for.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e1 x 240W RMS bridged at 4 Ohm.\u003c\/strong\u003e Bridging doubles the voltage swing, so a 4 Ohm bridged load looks like 2 Ohm to each channel. 2 x 120 = 240. The arithmetic closes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo not bridge into less than 4 Ohms.\u003c\/strong\u003e A 2 Ohm bridged load presents each channel with 1 Ohm, and nothing about this chassis says it will survive that.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Rest of the Sheet\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e5Hz to 25,000Hz\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFull bandwidth. This is a straight amplifier, not a subwoofer amplifier with a fixed low-pass baked in. It will pass whatever you send it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eInput sensitivity 0.4V to 13V\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn unusually wide range and the most practical specification on the sheet. The low end accepts a weak preamp output. The high end accepts a speaker-level signal from a factory head unit without a separate line output converter, which on an OEM integration job saves you a box and a set of connections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSignal to noise over 90dB, THD under 0.2 percent\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth quoted as bounds rather than typical figures, which is the honest way to publish them. 0.2 percent THD is fine for a Class D amplifier of this size and is not going to be what you hear in a car.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"co-callout co-callout--info\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"co-callout__label\"\u003eWhere a micro amplifier is the right answer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMotorcycles, UTVs, boats, and any car where there is nowhere to put a normal amplifier. Also good for adding real power to a pair of pillar or dash speakers in a system that already has a subwoofer amplifier. It is not the right answer if you have the space for a full-size chassis, because you are paying for the packaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho This Suits\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"co-split\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eBuy this if\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou have nowhere to mount a full-size amplifier.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou are running speaker-level output from a factory head unit and want to skip the converter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou need 90W per channel and no more.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou accept a final sale on a discontinued product with no warranty path.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLook elsewhere if\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou need more than 120W per channel.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou want built-in crossovers or DSP. This is a straight amplifier.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou want to bridge into 2 Ohms.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou want warranty coverage or the option to return.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eInstallation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFuse the power wire within 18 inches of the battery. On a small amplifier hidden inside a panel this is not optional; you cannot see it fail.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMount it where air can move around it. Class D runs cool, not cold, and a 43mm chassis buried in foam has nowhere to put its heat.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSet the gain by ear: turn it up until the output is clean at your normal maximum volume, then back off. Gain is an input matching control, not a volume knob.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBridged mode requires a 4 Ohm minimum load. Check the impedance of whatever you are wiring before you connect it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep the RCA or speaker-level input runs away from power wiring. A small chassis with a 0.4V sensitivity setting is more sensitive to routing than a big amplifier is.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"co-disclaimer\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition and sale terms\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCloseout stock from a discontinued Rainbow line. Sold as a final sale with no returns, no exchanges and no manufacturer warranty. Packaging may show shelf wear from storage. Specifications are as published by Rainbow. Once remaining stock is gone this listing will be removed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eQuestions on wiring, impedance or integration: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003econtact us\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Rainbow","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40588201459801,"sku":"SL-M2","price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0689\/1389\/products\/rainbow-audio-sl-m2-2-channel-micro-amplifieramplifierrainbow-873965.jpg?v=1761970012"},{"product_id":"rainbow-audio-dream-0-5k-mono-class-d-amplifier","title":"Rainbow Audio Dream 0.5K Mono Class D Amplifier","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"co\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"co-hero\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"co-hero__eyebrow\"\u003eCloseout, remaining stock\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"co-hero__title\"\u003eRainbow Audio Dream 0.5K Mono Class D Amplifier\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"co-hero__sub\"\u003eCompact mono subwoofer amplifier. 170W at 4 Ohm, 310W at 2 Ohm, 500W at 1 Ohm. 20Hz to 400Hz, 90dB signal to noise, THD under 0.02 percent, 155 x 55 x 165mm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"co-badges\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCloseout\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiscontinued\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"is-neutral\"\u003e1 Ohm stable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"is-neutral\"\u003eFinal sale\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat You Are Buying\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA single-channel Class D subwoofer amplifier in a 155 by 55 by 165mm chassis. Small enough to mount beside or behind a compact enclosure rather than needing its own real estate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiscontinued line, remaining stock only, and we are not restocking it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"co-callout co-callout--warn\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"co-callout__label\"\u003eRead this before you buy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinal sale. No returns, no exchanges, no manufacturer warranty. Discontinued model with no replacement pipeline.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eReading the Power Ratings\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e170W at 4 Ohm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e310W at 2 Ohm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e500W at 1 Ohm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe curve is worth reading. Halving from 4 to 2 Ohms gives 1.8 times the power. Halving again to 1 Ohm gives 1.6 times. That is a supply that is working harder at each step, which is exactly what a real supply in a chassis this size does. An amplifier that claimed a clean doubling at every step would be claiming a transformer the case has no room for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe practical consequence: pick the impedance that lands nearest the power you actually need, rather than always wiring to 1 Ohm because the number is biggest. Running a driver at 1 Ohm to get 500W into a subwoofer rated for 250W is how people destroy things.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Rest of the Sheet\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e20Hz to 400Hz\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBand-limited by design. This is a subwoofer amplifier, not a full-range channel with a filter switch. It will not drive door speakers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eInput sensitivity 0.25V to 5V\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA wide range that covers a weak factory preout at the bottom end and a hot DSP output at the top. On an OEM integration job the 0.25V end is the one that matters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e90dB signal to noise, THD under 0.02 percent\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.02 percent is low, and it is worth noting that this is an order of magnitude tighter than what most Class D subwoofer amplifiers publish. On a subwoofer channel you are unlikely to hear the difference, but it says something about how the amplifier was measured.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"co-callout co-callout--info\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"co-callout__label\"\u003eMatching this to a compact ported enclosure\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003ca href=\"\/products\/feelart-sp-d622-6-inch-ported-subwoofer-system\"\u003eFeelart SP-D622\u003c\/a\u003e is on the same clearance shelf and is a dual 2 Ohm driver rated 250W RMS. Wire its coils in series for a 4 Ohm load and this amplifier delivers 170W. That sits comfortably inside the driver's rating with headroom to spare, and it is a better outcome than wiring to 1 Ohm for 500W and then spending the rest of the install trying not to use it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho This Suits\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"co-split\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eBuy this if\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou are running a single subwoofer and need between 170 and 500W.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpace is tight and a full-size chassis will not fit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYour source is a factory head unit with a low-level output.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou accept a final sale on a discontinued product with no warranty path.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLook elsewhere if\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou need to drive full-range speakers. This stops at 400Hz.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou need more than 500W.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou want onboard DSP or time alignment. This is a straight amplifier with filters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou want warranty coverage or the option to return.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eInstallation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFuse the power wire within 18 inches of the battery, sized to the wire and not to the amplifier.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWork out your final impedance before you wire anything, and check it against the driver's rating rather than the amplifier's maximum.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSet the gain by ear at your normal maximum volume, then back off. Gain matches the amplifier to the source; it is not a volume control.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLeave air around the heatsink. Class D runs cool, not cold, and a small chassis has less surface to shed heat from.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf the enclosure is ported, engage the subsonic filter and set it below the box tuning.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"co-disclaimer\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition and sale terms\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCloseout stock from a discontinued Rainbow line. Sold as a final sale with no returns, no exchanges and no manufacturer warranty. Packaging may show shelf wear from storage. Specifications are as published by Rainbow. Once remaining stock is gone this listing will be removed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eQuestions on impedance, wiring or driver matching: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003econtact us\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Rainbow","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40734934990937,"sku":"281033","price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0689\/1389\/products\/rainbow-audio-dream-05k-mono-class-d-amplifieramplifierrainbow-421614.jpg?v=1761970073"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0689\/1389\/collections\/compact-car-amplifiers-5964230.jpg?v=1762191536","url":"https:\/\/audiointensity.com\/collections\/compact-small-amplifiers.oembed?page=4","provider":"Audio Intensity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}