Can car amps be used for home audio?


Hey all, I'm a penniless kid looking for a highly cost-effective way to drive a pair of Maggie MMGs. I'm both intrigued by and suspicious of the fact that class A/B monoblocks made for cars often boast what appear to be good specs for WAY less money on average than their home audio counterparts. Anyone have hands-on experience using car amps in the home? What's it sound like? Also, what kind of tinkering around would be necessary to power them from a standard 125v outlet?
sideshowgabe

Showing 1 response by elevick

1-Car amps have much higher distortion levels in regards to the wattage ratings. If you compare these amps at the same distortion level as a mid range audio amp, the car amps would have much lower power ratings.
2-You would need a really good 12 volt converter and hope that there's no hum.
3-Maggies like power, good clean power.
For the cost of a really good car amp and 12volt converter, you could pick up a used Adcom amp or similar for less money and much better quality.