Car audio amplifier or also often called the car amp is a term used to refer to a dedicated electronic amplifier separated from the other components of the system. External amplification is used because some head units are not equipped with a built-in amplifier or when the power of the existing amplification is not enough. This external amplifier are usually mounted on the trunk of a car to power the subwoofer since subwoofer needs more power wattage compare to other car speakers.
Some premium audio packages and high end car manufacturers are equipped with OEM external amplification. But mostly external amplifiers are from aftermarket installation products to produce the desired power for the cars audio system. While operating, the car’s charging system usually fluctuate, this is where an amplifier can becoming handy since an amp will maintain its power output not affected by the voltage fluctuation.
A 100 watts rated amp at 14.4V cannot be called equal to a 100 watts at 12V. It is unusual for amp manufacturers to list a 14.4 rating and not post a 12V value.
