Some people spend almost all day on the sea, maybe because of work or just relaxation. If you fall into this unique category, you definitely need a marine amplifier. You don’t need just a fancy design, but a model that will turn out durable and useful.
There are several advertised products online, and here we give you our top three models.
Our Top Picks for the Best Marine Amplifier
1. Pyle PFMRA340BB.5 2 Channel Bluetooth Marine Amplifier/ Weather Resistant Wireless Audio Amp System MP3/ USB/ SD Readers, 200 Watt
It allows you to play directly from a USB and SD card. The ports are located at the back of the amplifier. You can also stream from your external drives.
Its control panel is easy to navigate, with the knobs for volume, bass, and treble, all easily accessible. It also has a separate subwoofer output to further expand user options.
Specifications
- Product dimensions: 8.08 x 5.91 x 1.97 inches
- Item weight: 1.68 pounds
- Special feature: Wireless
- Included components: Stereo amplifier system, Remote control
- Manufacturer: Sound Around
- Customer reviews: 3.6 out of 5 stars
Pros
- Easy to navigate control panel
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Consistent use may cause sound distortion
2. Pyle 2 Channel Marine Amplifier Receiver- Waterproof and Weatherproof Audio Subwoofer for Boat Stereo Speaker & Other Watercraft- 400 Watt Power
It also has a compact design, weighing a little less than 2 pounds. Even though it does not read flash drives and USB drives, it is compatible with all your mobile devices.
It has adjustable volume control and it has wired RCA, AUX, and MP3 audio input.
Specifications
- Product dimensions: 9.75 x 5.75 x 3.75 inches
- Item weight: 4.6 ounces
- Warranty: 1 year
- Manufacturer: Pyle Store
- Customer reviews: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Pros
- Easy to operate
- Cheap and effective
Cons
- Made of a delicate material
3. Pyle Auto 2 Channel Bridgeable Marine Amplifier- 200 Watt RMS 4 OHM Full Range Stereo with Wireless Bluetooth & Powerful Prime Speaker- High Crossover HD Music Audio Multi-Channel System
Easily give your boat’s audio system a boost with this amplifier, with an output power of 70 watts, which can increase to 200 watts per channel. It is compatible with any type of device you can think of. It has a wireless range of more than 30 feet.
It has several features that give you the user total control of the amplifier. Some of these features include volume control, LPF, HPF, and crossover. It also features dust-resistant coating as well as a mechanical case, which when used correctly will give you a lengthy use of your marine amplifier.
Specifications
- Product dimensions: 1.38 x 3.31 x 3.35 inches
- Item weight: 1.3 pounds
- Manufacturer: Sound Around
- Customer reviews: 3.7 out of 5 stars
Pros
- Contact and lightweight
- Compatible with all devices
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Speaker can start hissing after prolonged use
Selection Criteria
When searching for the right product, here are certain features you should be interested in seeing:
The number of channels: The general rule is that the higher the number of channels an amp offers, the stronger it is in power multiple speakers. Keep in mind also that the number of channels that is supported by the marine amplifier must be equal to or greater than the number of speakers you are powering.
So make sure you check the number of channels when reading the product description.
RMS rating: This is the measure of continuous power that a marine amp can handle at its best. The higher the RMS rating, the better the quality of sound it will produce. We recommend you choose a marine amp with optimal RMS rating as this will be the best for your stereo.
It is also vital to check the ratings of your stereo system. It is often specified on the package what the R.M.S rating of any compatible amplifier should be.
Construction: If your amplifier will serve you for long on the seat, it must be waterproof, rustproof, and sturdy. Water can damage below par materials easily, so it is also good to be sure the amp is not made from cheap materials.
Since it may eventually be subject to harsh weather, it may be necessary to get one that is not too big so it can fit in a compartment of the boat. This way you can get the best value out of it.
Equalizers and Filters: if you like to play around the sounds coming from your amp, you should also check if this feature is available. With it, you can manually set the bass and treble. This feature allows you to get an overall premium experience. The filter will help you get rid of any distortion to the sounds produced.
Final Verdict
Having examined what you should look for in a marine amplifier, we feel you are on course for making the best choice. On a final note, it is better to buy a unit that is not too hard to install. If you feel the recommended models don’t suit your needs, feel free to explore other options.
As always, be sure to read customer reviews on each of the models you love. By doing this, you get to know what to expect after buying it. If you feel this review has helped you, why not hop into some of the other reviews on this site?