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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
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
The biggest issue is the power supply.
You are going to have ripple in the DC unless you spend a small fortune.
Then, as mentioned, distortion in car amps is generally a lot higher.
IF you have a car amp laying around, and just want to try it. Then a computer power supply might have enough oomph if you get a good one.
To buy a car amp instead of a home amp.. planning to use it, is folly.
polk432
1,116 posts
 
If you can't mention car audio or bose, you shouldn't mention Adcom either IMO.
jim_swantko
301 posts
 
I did this when I was in college and it sounded fine honestly, just get a good power supply and you should be fine.

Don't expect audiophile performance, but it sounded better than expected.
magfan
1,583 posts
 
Hot about running such a system 'total loss' from a couple of SLA batteries and charge as needed?
Or perhaps a battery charger and capacitor bank? They make some HUGE caps for automotive audio use.
dividebytube
50 posts
 
there are also plenty of cheaper 'pro amps' out there - but really, why bother? You can pick up something like a B&K ST-140 for under $200. I own one, and though it isn't my main amp, it still had enough power and finesse to drive my Magnepan 1.6QRs.
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