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10 Best Class D Amplifier Board 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Kinter K3118 Texas Instruments TI Digital Hi-Fi Audio Mini Class D Home Auto DIY Arcade Stereo Amplifier with 12V 3A Power Supply Black

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,493
Power Output
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)
Size and Form Factor

Most important from
1098 reviews

Power Output
Highly efficient Class D output stage, providing 20 watts per channel RMS audio power.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)
Eliminates buzzing noise effectively, enhancing the audio experience for home setups.
Size and Form Factor
Produces remarkably good sound and lots of it, despite its small and lightweight design.

The Kinter K3118 Class D amplifier board offers a compact and economically-priced solution for those looking to enhance their audio systems. Powered by the Texas Instruments TPA3118, this amplifier ensures efficient and clean audio output.

Its inclusion of a 12V 3A power supply adds convenience, making it ready to use straight out of the box. The lightweight aluminum enclosure with mounting tabs and its small size (4.8 x 5.7 x 1.7 inches) make it versatile for various applications, such as DIY projects, home audio setups, or arcade systems.

The 3.5 mm stereo jack and gold-plated RCA inputs provide flexibility in connecting different audio sources, enhancing its usability. The Kinter K3118 remains a solid choice for users seeking a budget-friendly and functional Class D amplifier board for various audio applications.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,493
Power Output
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)
Size and Form Factor

Most important from
1098 reviews

Power Output
Highly efficient Class D output stage, providing 20 watts per channel RMS audio power.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)
Eliminates buzzing noise effectively, enhancing the audio experience for home setups.
Size and Form Factor
Produces remarkably good sound and lots of it, despite its small and lightweight design.
#2

DROK 12V Amplifier Board, 15W+15W 2.0 Dual Channel Audio Amplifier Board PAM8620 DC 8-26V 24V Digital Stereo Amp Module Class D Mini Power Amplify Circuit for Sound System Speaker DIY

Rating
9.6
Size and Form Factor

Most important from
146 reviews

Size and Form Factor
High-quality sound without needing a heat sink, even for its compact size.

The DROK 12V Amplifier Board is a compact class-D amplifier module that offers a good blend of power and efficiency for DIY audio projects. With a working voltage range of 8-26V, it can be powered by common sources like 12V or 24V, making it versatile for various setups. The board delivers an output power of 15W per channel at 24V with 8-ohm speakers, which is substantial for most small to medium-sized speaker systems.

When connected to lower impedance speakers (4 ohms or 2 ohms), the power is automatically limited to 15W, which might be seen as a drawback for users seeking higher output with these types of speakers. The efficiency of over 90% and low total harmonic distortion (THD) of less than 0.2% ensure clear and powerful audio output with minimal noise. Additionally, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is respectable, contributing to a clean sound quality.

The board's design incorporates high-quality materials like a black immersion gold circuit board, imported KEMET capacitors, and gold-plated terminals, which enhance its durability and sound performance. Safety features such as input reverse connection protection, short circuit protection, and overheat protection add reliability and peace of mind during use. The compact size (3.9 x 3.86 x 0.91 inches) and lightweight nature (1.45 ounces) make it easy to integrate into various audio projects without taking up much space. While it has numerous strengths, the primary limitations are the automatic power limitation with low impedance speakers and the need for external components to utilize the mute and shutdown functions. This amplifier board is well-suited for DIY enthusiasts, hobbyists, and those looking to upgrade their home audio systems with a small yet powerful amplifier.

Rating
9.6
Size and Form Factor

Most important from
146 reviews

Size and Form Factor
High-quality sound without needing a heat sink, even for its compact size.

Buying Guide for the Best Class D Amplifier Board

When choosing a Class-D amplifier board, it's important to understand the key specifications that will determine the performance and suitability of the amplifier for your needs. Class-D amplifiers are known for their high efficiency and compact size, making them ideal for a variety of applications, from home audio systems to portable speakers. By understanding the key specs, you can make an informed decision and select the best amplifier board for your specific requirements.
Power OutputPower output, measured in watts (W), indicates the amount of power the amplifier can deliver to the speakers. This is important because it determines how loud and clear the sound will be. Lower power outputs (e.g., 10-50W) are suitable for small, personal audio systems or desktop speakers. Medium power outputs (e.g., 50-200W) are ideal for home audio systems or medium-sized rooms. Higher power outputs (e.g., 200W and above) are best for large rooms or outdoor use. Choose a power output that matches the size of your space and your desired volume level.
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) measures the amount of distortion the amplifier introduces to the audio signal, expressed as a percentage. Lower THD values indicate cleaner, more accurate sound reproduction. For high-fidelity audio, look for THD values below 0.1%. For general listening purposes, THD values up to 1% are acceptable. Consider your audio quality requirements when evaluating THD.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) measures the level of the audio signal compared to the level of background noise, expressed in decibels (dB). Higher SNR values indicate clearer sound with less background noise. An SNR of 90dB or higher is considered good for most applications. If you are looking for high-quality audio performance, aim for an SNR of 100dB or higher. Choose an SNR that aligns with your expectations for audio clarity.
Input SensitivityInput sensitivity refers to the minimum input signal required to drive the amplifier to its full output power, measured in volts (V). This is important because it determines how well the amplifier will work with your audio source. Lower input sensitivity (e.g., 0.5V) means the amplifier can achieve full power with a weaker signal, making it compatible with a wider range of audio sources. Higher input sensitivity (e.g., 2V) may require a stronger signal from the audio source. Consider the output level of your audio source when choosing input sensitivity.
EfficiencyEfficiency indicates how well the amplifier converts electrical power from the power supply into audio power for the speakers, expressed as a percentage. Higher efficiency means less power is wasted as heat, which is a key advantage of Class-D amplifiers. Typical efficiency values for Class-D amplifiers range from 85% to 95%. Higher efficiency is beneficial for portable or battery-powered applications, as it extends battery life. For stationary setups, efficiency is less critical but still contributes to overall performance.
Impedance CompatibilityImpedance compatibility refers to the range of speaker impedances (measured in ohms) that the amplifier can drive effectively. Common speaker impedances are 4 ohms, 6 ohms, and 8 ohms. Ensure that the amplifier board you choose is compatible with the impedance of your speakers. Using an amplifier with an impedance mismatch can result in poor performance or damage to the amplifier or speakers. Match the amplifier's impedance rating with your speakers for optimal performance.
Size and Form FactorSize and form factor refer to the physical dimensions and layout of the amplifier board. This is important for fitting the amplifier into your intended application, whether it's a compact portable speaker or a larger home audio system. Smaller boards are ideal for space-constrained applications, while larger boards may offer more features or higher power output. Consider the available space and mounting options when selecting the size and form factor of the amplifier board.

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