How Any Amps Does Car Head Unit Use

Do you know how much electricity your car head unit uses when you play your favorite tunes? The car head unit is the heart of your car audio system, but it also consumes power from your car’s battery and alternator. 

In this blog post, we will explore how many amps a car head unit uses and how it affects your car’s electrical system. We will also give you some tips on how to measure, reduce, and optimize the power consumption of your car head unit. By the end of this post, you will have a better understanding of how many amps does car head unit use and how to improve your car audio performance without compromising your car’s battery life.

How Many Amps Does a Car Head Unit Use?

The amount of electricity that a car head unit uses is measured in amps, which is short for amperes. Amps are the units of electric current, which is the flow of electrons in a circuit. The number of amps that a car head unit uses depends on several factors, such as:

• The type, model, and brand of the head unit. Different head units have different features and functions that require different amounts of power. For example, a touch screen head unit may use more power than a simple knob-based one.
• The volume level and sound quality of the music. The louder and clearer you want your music to sound, the more power you need to drive the speakers and subwoofers. For example, a bass-heavy music genre may use more power than a soft acoustic one.
• The number and size of the speakers and subwoofers connected to the head unit. The more speakers and subwoofers you have in your car, the more power you need to deliver to them. For example, a 6×9 speaker may use more power than a 4×6 one.
• The presence of any external amplifiers or other accessories. If you have an external amplifier or a subwoofer system that is connected to your head unit, you need to provide extra power to them as well. For example, a 1000-watt amplifier may use more power than a 500-watt one.

How many amps does car head unit use depends on these factors and more. A typical car stereo head unit will need about 5 amps of power. However, some high-end or custom head units may use more than 10 amps of power. If you have a powerful amplifier or subwoofer system, you may need even more amps to drive them.

How to Measure the Amps of Your Car Head Unit?

If you want to know exactly how many amps your car head unit uses, you can use a device called a multimeter, which can measure voltage, current, and resistance in an electrical circuit. You can connect the multimeter to the positive and negative wires of your head unit and read the current value on the display.

Before you start measuring, make sure that your car is turned off and that you disconnect the battery terminals to avoid any electric shocks or sparks. Also, make sure that you set the multimeter to the right mode and range for measuring current (amps). You can follow these steps to measure the amps of your car head unit:

• Locate the positive (+) and negative (-) wires of your head unit. They are usually red and black respectively, but they may vary depending on the model and brand of your head unit. You can check the manual or online for more information.
• Cut or disconnect the positive wire of your head unit from its source (usually the fuse box or the battery). Leave some slack on both ends so that you can reconnect it later.
• Connect one end of the positive wire to the red probe of the multimeter and the other end to the source (fuse box or battery).
• Connect the black probe of the multimeter to the negative wire of your head unit.
• Turn on your car and your head unit. Set the volume level and sound quality as you normally would.
• Read the current value on the multimeter display. This is how many amps your car head unit uses.

Alternatively, another way to find out how many amps your car head unit uses is to look at the specifications of your head unit and see if it mentions the power consumption or current rating. You can also use some online calculators to estimate the amps based on the wattage and resistance of your system.

How to Reduce and Optimize the Power Consumption of Your Car Head Unit?

Reducing and optimizing the power consumption of your car head unit can help you avoid overloading your car’s electrical system and causing damage to your battery or alternator. It can also improve your car audio performance by preventing distortion or clipping. Here are some practical tips on how to reduce and optimize the power consumption of your car head unit:

• Use a lower volume level or adjust the equalizer settings to reduce the demand for power. You don’t need to blast your music at full volume to enjoy it. You can also tweak the bass, treble, and midrange settings to balance the sound quality and power consumption.
• Choose a high-quality head unit that has a low power consumption or a high efficiency rating. A good head unit will have a low current draw and a high output power. You can check the specifications or reviews of different head units online or in stores to compare them.
• Upgrade your speakers or subwoofers to match the impedance and wattage of your head unit. Impedance is the resistance of the speakers or subwoofers to the electric current, measured in ohms. Wattage is the power output of the speakers or subwoofers, measured in watts. You want to have a compatible impedance and wattage between your head unit and your speakers or subwoofers, otherwise you may damage them or waste power. You can check the labels or manuals of your components to find out their impedance and wattage ratings.
• Add a capacitor or a second battery to store extra power for your audio system. A capacitor is a device that can store and release electric charge quickly, providing a boost of power when needed. A second battery is an additional battery that is dedicated to your audio system, providing a steady supply of power. You can install a capacitor or a second battery in your car to help your head unit handle the power demand of your audio system.
• Install a proper fuse to protect your head unit from short circuits or power surges. A fuse is a device that breaks the circuit when the current exceeds a certain limit, preventing damage to your components. You should have a fuse that matches the current rating of your head unit, usually located near the positive wire of your head unit. You can check the manual or online for more information on how to install a fuse.

Important FAQ’s:

Can you recommend any good car head units?

Here are some of the best options for different needs and preferences:

• If you want a touch screen car stereo that has a modular installation for more flexible placement, you might like the Pioneer DMH-WC5700NEX digital media receiver. This head unit has a 6.8-inch display that can be mounted separately from the main chassis, allowing you to fit it in tight spaces or customize your dash layout. It also supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as HD Radio, SiriusXM, and Bluetooth.
• If you are looking for a budget-friendly head unit that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, you might want to check out the Boss BE920WCPA digital multimedia receiver. This head unit has a 6.75-inch capacitive touch screen that offers a responsive and intuitive user interface. It also has a built-in 4-channel amplifier, a 10-band equalizer, and a rear-view camera input.
• If you are interested in a head unit that offers high performance audio and a sleek design, you might be impressed by the Alpine ILX-W650 digital multimedia receiver. This head unit has a 7-inch touch screen that is only 2.4 inches deep, making it easy to install in most vehicles. It also has a built-in KTA-450 amplifier that delivers 50 watts RMS per channel, as well as compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Spotify, Pandora, and SiriusXM.
• If you have an oversized vehicle like an RV or a truck, you might need a head unit that has a large display and advanced features, such as the Kenwood DNR1008RVS digital multimedia receiver. This head unit has a 10.1-inch floating touch screen that can be adjusted to different angles and positions. It also has a built-in navigation system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, SiriusXM, and multiple camera inputs.

Can you recommend any subwoofers for my car?

Here are some of the best subwoofers for your car according to different categories:

• Best Subwoofer Overall: MTX Audio Terminator Series TNE212D This subwoofer is a dual 12-inch sealed enclosure that delivers powerful and deep bass. It has a peak power of 1200 watts and a RMS power of 400 watts. It also has a rugged design and a durable construction that can withstand harsh conditions. It is easy to install and compatible with most amplifiers.
• Best Affordable Subwoofer: Skar Audio IX-8 D2. This subwoofer is an 8-inch dual 2-ohm component that offers great performance and value. It has a peak power of 300 watts and a RMS power of 150 watts. It also has a high-quality voice coil and a strong magnet that produce clear and accurate sound. It is ideal for small and medium-sized vehicles.
• Best Subwoofer for Smaller Vehicles: Pioneer TS-WX1210AM. This subwoofer is a 12-inch ported enclosure that comes with a built-in amplifier. It has a peak power of 1300 watts and a RMS power of 350 watts. It also has a remote control that allows you to adjust the bass level and frequency. It is compact and easy to install in tight spaces.
• Best Subwoofer for Trucks: Rockville RG212CA. This subwoofer is a dual 12-inch slim vented enclosure that fits under the seat or behind the rear seat of most trucks. It has a peak power of 2000 watts and a RMS power of 500 watts. It also has a built-in amplifier and a crossover that optimize the sound quality. It comes with all the wiring and accessories needed for installation.
• Best Premium Subwoofer: Kicker Dual 12-inch Solo-Baric L7R. This subwoofer is a dual 12-inch ported enclosure that features the patented square-shaped woofers that deliver more surface area and more bass. It has a peak power of 2400 watts and a RMS power of 1200 watts. It also has a sturdy box and a sleek design that enhance the look and feel of your car.

What are some good amplifiers for my car?

Here are some of the best options for different categories:

• Best Car Amplifier Overall: Kenwood X802-5 eXcelon This amplifier is a compact yet powerful 5-channel amplifier that can deliver 1600 watts of power. It is a perfect choice for powering several 6.5 or 6×9 speakers with crystal clear sound. It is also easy to install and has a reasonable price.
• Best Car Amplifier With Built In DSP: JL Audio VXi Series. This amplifier is a 4-, 6-, or 8-channel amplifier that has a built-in digital signal processor (DSP) that allows you to customize the sound quality and performance of your system. It also has a Bluetooth connection that lets you control the DSP settings from your smartphone. It is a high-end amplifier that offers exceptional sound quality and flexibility.
• Best Multichannel Car Amplifier: AudioControl D-Series. This amplifier is a 4- or 6-channel amplifier that has a high-efficiency Class D design that produces more power with less heat. It also has a built-in AccuBASS circuit that restores the bass response of your factory system. It is a versatile amplifier that can work with different types of speakers and subwoofers.
• Best Compact Car Amplifier: Kicker PXA Series. This amplifier is a 2-, 4-, or 5-channel amplifier that has a compact and weather-resistant design that makes it ideal for small spaces and outdoor use. It also has a high-level input that allows you to connect it to your factory radio without any adapters. It is a great amplifier for adding some extra power and clarity to your system.
• Best Splurge: Audison Voce Series. This amplifier is a 2-, 4-, or 5-channel amplifier that has a premium quality and performance that will satisfy any audiophile. It has a Class A/B design that delivers pure and natural sound with minimal distortion. It also has a sophisticated crossover network that optimizes the frequency response of your speakers and subwoofers. It is an expensive amplifier, but it is worth every penny if you want the best sound possible.

We hope that this blog post has helped you understand how many amps does car head unit use and how to improve your car audio performance without compromising your car’s battery life. If you have any questions or comments about how many amps does car head unit use, feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you. Or, if you are looking for a new car head unit that suits your needs and budget, check out our recommendations here.