What does the amp power in a customized car stereo system ?

Question

does the amp provide power with the subs, deck and speakers ... or does it just provide enough watts for the subs to work ?

Answer 1

Depends on the amplifier.  There are specific amps designed for specific speakers.  Class A, B, A/B, T, and digital D amplifiers are designed for full range speakers (tweeters through subs), class D amplifiers are only for subs, as they only produce low frequencies.  You generally need one channel on the amplifier, for every speaker in your system, with the exception of subs, which can sometimes be run 2 or 3 to a channel.

Answer 2

It amplifies the sound that comes out of your speakers.  It makes your speakers louder and the music sound better.  The deck sends the signals to the amp, then the amp amplifies those signals and thens sends those out to whatever speakers/subs you have it connected to.

If you didnt have an amp and had a couple subs its possible they would still work but it would be garbage.  The deck isnt powerful enough by itself.

Answer 3

An amplifier will only amplify speakers/subs.  It will not power a deck or any other electronics in your car.  Those will run off of your battery/alternator.  You can run a deck and speakers off the same amp but it depends on the amp and the application.  Many times seperate amps are used to run subs and speakers.

zcardoza25 is incorrect in saying that certain amps will only produce certain frequencies.  Class D amps can produce any frequency they are just typically used for lower frequencies, such as subs.  This is because there is distortion that can be easily heard in higher frequencies but in lower frequencies it is not really noticeable.  That is no longer the case, however.  Class D designs are starting to emerge for running all speakers off of.  Eclipe is one company that is currently making Class D designs for 4-channel and 2-channel amps.

The class of amp is reffering to how the amp is designed and the electrical components in the amp.  Different classes will have different efficiencies.   Class D happens to be more efficient then class A or class B.  This is why they are becoming more popular.  

That wasn't really related to your question but now you get to learn something new.

Good Luck!!!