For us car guys (and gals) who are into customizing our rides, modifications tend to fall into two categories: Looks and performance. There isn't much arguing that body kits, neon lighting and custom paint jobs are purely meant to please the eye; whereas turbo kits, intakes and exhaust systems serve to increase in a measurable way how the car functions, while remaining mostly out of view. Certain additions, such as rims and tires, serve both purposes almost equally.
In the car audio, speakers and subwoofers are, for the most part, performance items. Sure certain drivers are designed in a way that attract attention on appearance alone, but most of us still value sonic characteristics of a particular driver over its aesthetic attributes. Moreover you have to consider that in most cases, speakers will be hidden out of view behind factory panels for its entire life in the vehicle. Then there's the fact that the physical nature of how a speaker works places a relatively strict boundary on how it can possibly look. Manufacturers have played with the color, size and shape of their transducers over the years, but the basic appearance is still consistent throughout the industry. (With maybe an exception or two—remember the Phoenix Gold Cyclone?)
Amplifiers, on the other hand, very much have dual purposes. Of course, all amplifiers have to feature a circuit board with certain input and output jacks; but when it comes to the chassis that encases all the electronic goodies, the designers have almost free reign. Unlike speakers, amp designs are basically limited only by factors such as budget, ease of installation, and the desire to conform to industry norms. In other words, there is no scientific reason why your amplifier cannot be a perfect sphere machined out of polished unobtainium with a few knobs, RCA jacks and wire terminals sticking out of it; but such a beast will probably never sell due to its odd appearance, difficulty of installation and extremely high manufacturing costs. That is not to say that designers over the year have not tried to deviate from the rectangular metal box formula. Their attempts range from conservative material alterations (plastic amps), to rather interesting experimentation with shapes (tubular and triangular amps) to the downright bizarre (e.g. The Human Reign from Soundstream).
Here we present a list of amplifiers that we consider to be exceptionally beautiful. Classy, timeless shapes that scream high quality and make a distinct statement regarding the manufacturer’s values and heritage. For the sake of making the list relevant to readers, we have chosen to exclude amps that are no longer in production, as well as exotic made-to-order pieces that find fewer takers than the Bugatti Veyron. These are not revolutionary concepts and for the most part fall within the tradition of rectangular chunk of metal. It is in the execution of this basic principle where these models truly shine above others.
Two issues we'd like to address before presenting the amps: first, this is NOT a hierarchical list; and second, while it is true that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, there is such a thing as a consensus view. That is to say, for instance, that there's a reason why an overwhelming majority of the male population finds Gisele (or whatever supermodel) hot. That being said, if you have an amp(s) in mind that you feel deserves to be on this list, please post your comments below.
Brax Amplifiers (X2400.2 4 channel)
When one thinks of things made in Deutschland, the word "precision" invariably comes to mind. Brax amplifiers are exemplary of that notion. The design is squared-off to the extreme; aside from bolt heads and terminal set screws, there is not a single curve in sight. One can easily imagine a team of uber-robots putting together the thick slabs of metal with the highest degree of precision to form the Brax amps, invariably tossing out any imperfections down to the micron level. This is the same type of beauty one finds in a meticulously machined component of a Formula One car. Cold, purposeful and devastatingly accurate. If Lt. Commander Data was into car audio, there is little doubt a set of Brax amps would be in the mix. (Sorry for the Star Trek reference.)
DLS Ultimate (A7 5 channel)
With their brushed titanium finish, classic proportions and European style terminal configurations, the DLS Ultimates present a simple, elegant and classy shape that directly points to its Scandinavian heritage. It is no wonder that the design hasn't changed in almost a decade: why mess with a good thing? As an added perk, these amps are positioned at a lower price point compared to many of their European rivals, which is why these beauties are common fixtures in sound quality builds, big and small, from all around the world.
Audison Thesis (TH Quattro 4 Channel)
The Thesis line of amps are immediately recognizable by any mobile audiophile as an Audison design. The Thesis range is an evolution of the lower model LRX amps in terms of cosmetic appearance, making an already attractive product somehow more irresistible with subtle yet effective tweaks. In many ways this is the Ferrari of amplifiers, effortless combining a sleek and sexy heatsink with hints of high tech gadgetry. This is not a coincidence as Audison hails from the same country as the famous Prancing Horse—Italy.
Sinfoni Tempo (Andante 2 Channel)
Another line of unapologetically Italian amplifiers, the Tempo series from Sinfoni is a great example of an exceedingly clean design done to perfection. Their thin profile, brushed metal finish, recessed fins, and polished end plates remind me of a brick of platinum—if ever such a thing existed and if I was lucky enough to hold one in my hands, that is. This is one of those products that makes me feel more classy and sophisticated, just by having one in my car.
Genesis Series III (Dual Mono Xtreme)
Founded two decades ago in Great Britain, Genesis proudly declares “The Home of Pure Music” on their website. Purity is, indeed, the foundation on which this great company has built their products over the years. When applied to the Series III line of high end amplifiers, it not only suggests pure sonic performance through the usage of ultra high end components, but the pure, unadulterated design theme as well. If you ask a car audio nut to think of a high end European amplifier design, it is very likely that what they conjure up in their head will be very similar to a Series III.
McIntosh Amplifiers (MCC-406M 6 channel)
Just as the previous four selections are distinctively Euro-flavored, the highly sought after McIntosh car audio amplifiers loudly proclaims, “We are American and this is how we do it!” Despite its current Japanese ownership, McIntosh, in both high end home audio and 12volt, has been and remains a quintessential American design. Often, when I think of their jet black chassis, glass top cover, distinctive blue-hued meters, polished side trim, and gold lettering, it is easy to imagine that such an odd combo would result in a aesthetic catastrophe. Yet every time I hold a Mac in my hands, it takes my breath away, as this is truly a design that is infinitely greater than the sum of its parts. McIntosh is one of those rare breeds in the world of industrial design that doesn’t conform to any particular style boundaries, but has created its own unique definition of physical beauty through their splendid array of products.
TRU Technology Super Billet (B8-S 8 channel)
At first glance, the TRU Super Billet amps may resemble the Brax line. But as you look closer, you will quickly realize that aside from having the same basic profile as its German peer, the TRU amps have a style that is very distinctly their own. The most obvious fashion statement here are the exposed T-03 output devices on the top side of the heatsink. This adds a rather organic feel to the overall design as compared to the unrelentingly mechanical Brax. Hand assembled in Southern California, the Super Billets proves that Americans can still make stunning amps in this age of rapid globalization and cost-driven outsourcing.
Phass RE (RE2 2 channel)
It is a shame that a vast majority of high end Japanese-spec mobile audio products are not exported to the US. Even companies with a sizeable American presence such as Pioneer and Alpine routinely exclude certain high-end models from our shores. One top-end JDM brand that is making an effort to bring their products across the Pacific is Phass. Sitting at the top of the Phass amplifier ladder is the RE series. These amps are quite distinctive in design and have been hailed by reviewers as having a sound that “differs from all existing amplifiers”. Cosmetically, the amps are no less unique. A tall block of metal with minimal details and extrusions, the RE series differs from most existing amps in that all the connections and controls are located on a single panel. This may not sound unusual until you realize that we are talking about the SIDE endplate of the casing, versus the front panel, as seen on many European high end designs. Is there a technical reason for doing this? I don’t know, but it is a small but noticeable fashion gesture that truly sets these amp apart.
Pioneer Optical Digital Reference (RS-A7 4 channel)
We are still trying to confirm whether or not the amp is still in production, but couldn't resist adding this sexy design anyway. Among the mainstream brand names, Pioneer’s current offering of amplifiers are perhaps among the more eye-pleasing choices. The PRS amp, in particular, is a classy product that recalls the old school days of amp design before things got too fancy-schmancy for their own good. Yet if you look beyond our shores, the two amplifiers that make up the new ODR line are truly magnificent bits of kit. Everything from the shape of the casing, to the color and material combinations used across the heatsink; these amps leaves little doubt that they are made in Japan and are of the highest standard of quality. I can only wish that these stunning creations make it over here soon!
JL Audio XD (600/6 6 channel)
For the last entry, we wanted to include a modestly priced performer that is high on value but by no means short on style. (We can already hear people asking why the HD isn't here instead.) Anyway, in my opinion, one of the common problems with budget amplifiers is that they try too hard to look “cool”. Teeming with fins, gills, and useless cosmetic ornaments, many entry level amplifiers look ill-conceived, hastily assembled and generally lacking in good taste. By contrast, JL audio’s XD series of amplifiers has the totally opposite design philosophy. Despite being the second cheapest level of amps, the XD is arguably the best looking line in the JL Audio arsenal. Classic front mounted connections, simple combination of silver cover plate and black fins, and a body totally devoid of useless superficial embellishments. The XD amps look the way that modestly priced amps SHOULD look.
Now we had thought of adding a few of the worst looking amps at the end of this. But then we thought, why be cruel. Anyway, they know who they are. Then again, maybe we'll save that article for another day. And we'll post a top 10 on the best amps in car audio soon.
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