What exactly is an amp?

[kwaldeier]

i am wanting to put a subwoofer in my truck (2000 chevy 2500) and i was wondering if i absolutely needed an amp? what does an amp do? im short on money and if i dont need one then i wont get one...if i do would a 50 or 60 dollar one get me by??...thanks for any help!

 

[j_garcia]

An amp converts the signal into the power that makes the speaker make sound. Even the best in-dash deck will extremely underpowered (internal amp) to drive just about any sub. Yes, an inexpensive amp will do, but unless you look used, you aren't likely to find anything new in the $50-60 range to drive a sub.

 

[mtrycrafts]

i am wanting to put a subwoofer in my truck (2000 chevy 2500) and i was wondering if i absolutely needed an amp? what does an amp do? im short on money and if i dont need one then i wont get one...if i do would a 50 or 60 dollar one get me by??...thanks for any help!

To add to Jgarcia, yes you absolutely need an amp. The in dash should have an output for a sub-amp and a sub.
Before you do look and get an amp, look for that sub first and see what its impedance is and power handling capability. Then, you can see if you can find a car amp for it at your price range.

 

[moreira85]

I would highly recommend an amp for a sub in vehicle because without an amp it will sound terrible. If your budget is low then get a used one as you should be able to get a very good used amp on craigslist or ebay.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND ROCKFORD FOSGATE AS YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO PICK ONE UP UNDER 200 BUCKS USED OR EVEN NEW.

you should be able to get a good brand like
Alpine
Boston Acoustic
Orion
JL Audio
JBL
Rockford Fosgate (very good amp)
Kicker
Pioneer
Kenwood

These are just a few