Why Choose a 5-Channel Amplifier?
A five-channel amplifier can significantly simplify a complete car audio build.
Potential advantages include:
- One amplifier chassis
- Fewer power connections
- Fewer ground connections
- Simplified signal wiring
- Less mounting space
- Fewer distribution components
- Easier troubleshooting
- Cleaner installation
A five-channel system is especially attractive for a daily driver where strong sound is important but preserving trunk or cargo space matters too.
The My Pro Street car audio system guide covers amplifier, speaker and subwoofer matching for complete system upgrades.
Full-Range Class A/B Design
The BOSS PV3700 uses a Class A/B amplifier architecture.
Class A/B amplifiers have long been used for full-range automotive audio because they’re capable of reproducing everything from low frequencies through mids and highs.
That makes the architecture appropriate for an amplifier designed to handle both cabin speakers and bass duties.
The PV3700 has a specified frequency response of 9 Hz to 50 kHz, giving it a broad operating range for different speaker configurations.
2-Ohm Stable Operation
The PV3700 is designed for 2-ohm stable operation.
BOSS specifies a supported speaker-impedance range of 2 to 8 ohms.
Impedance is important because it directly affects the electrical load placed on an amplifier.
Before connecting speakers, verify:
- Individual speaker impedance
- Subwoofer impedance
- Voice-coil configuration
- Final wired load
- Amplifier operating requirements
Never assume that connecting more speakers automatically produces more usable power.
Dropping below the amplifier’s supported impedance can cause excessive current demand, heat or protection-mode operation.
Bridgeable Channels
The PV3700 offers bridgeable channel operation for additional system flexibility.
Bridging combines compatible amplifier channels to produce greater output into an appropriate load.
This can be useful when building a system around fewer, higher-powered speakers.
Possible configurations depend on speaker impedance and BOSS Audio’s supported wiring arrangements.
Always verify the minimum bridged impedance before connecting a speaker load.
MOSFET Power Supply
BOSS equips the PV3700 with a MOSFET power supply.
MOSFET switching technology is widely used in automotive amplifiers to efficiently convert the vehicle’s 12-volt electrical supply into the internal voltages required for amplification.
This is particularly important in a five-channel amplifier because several channels may demand significant power simultaneously.
The electrical system must provide a stable supply if the amplifier is expected to perform properly.
Variable High-Pass Crossover
The PV3700 includes an adjustable high-pass crossover.
High-pass filtering removes frequencies below the selected crossover point from the connected speakers.
This is particularly useful for:
- Door speakers
- Component speakers
- Coaxial speakers
- Smaller full-range drivers
Removing deep bass from speakers that aren’t designed to reproduce it can reduce cone excursion and distortion while improving overall clarity.
In a system with a dedicated subwoofer, the high-pass crossover also helps divide the workload between the cabin speakers and bass system.
Variable Low-Pass Crossover
A low-pass crossover is also provided for controlling lower-frequency applications.
Low-pass filtering prevents higher frequencies from reaching speakers intended primarily for bass reproduction.
Correct crossover settings can produce a smoother transition between the main speakers and subwoofer.
The objective is for the system to sound like one cohesive audio system—not four door speakers and a subwoofer having an argument in the trunk.
Variable Bass Boost
The PV3700 includes variable bass boost for additional low-frequency adjustment.
This lets the user increase bass emphasis according to the system and listening preference.
Bass boost should be applied conservatively.
Adding significant boost consumes amplifier headroom and can increase the possibility of clipping or excessive subwoofer excursion.
A better setup sequence is:
- Match speaker impedance.
- Configure crossover frequencies.
- Establish clean source-unit output.
- Set amplifier gain correctly.
- Adjust subwoofer level.
- Add modest bass boost only if needed.
That produces a more predictable result than immediately turning every knob clockwise.
Remote Subwoofer Control
The BOSS Audio PV3700 includes remote subwoofer level control.
The remote can be positioned near the driver, allowing bass output to be adjusted without accessing the amplifier.
This is useful because recordings can vary dramatically in low-frequency content.
A remote subwoofer control makes it easy to compensate between tracks or listening situations while leaving the primary amplifier settings alone.
103 dB Signal-to-Noise Ratio
BOSS specifies a 103 dB signal-to-noise ratio for the PV3700.
Signal-to-noise ratio compares the intended audio signal with background electrical noise generated within the system.
Maintaining a clean installation still matters.
Proper grounding, quality signal cables and sensible wire routing can help prevent unwanted alternator whine and other electrical interference.
0.01% THD at Rated Output
The supplied specifications list 0.01% total harmonic distortion at RMS output.
Total harmonic distortion describes unwanted harmonic content introduced during amplification.
Actual system sound quality will also depend heavily on the source unit, speakers, installation, gain structure, crossover settings and electrical system.
A good amplifier cannot rescue speakers being fed a clipped input signal any more than an expensive wrench can fix the wrong bolt.
Wide 9 Hz to 50 kHz Frequency Response
The PV3700 has a specified frequency response of 9 Hz to 50 kHz.
That broad operating range supports its role as a full-range amplifier.
The connected speakers and crossover settings ultimately determine which portions of that range are actually reproduced.
For normal installations, crossovers should be set according to speaker capabilities rather than simply allowing every channel to operate across the amplifier’s entire available bandwidth.
Multi-LED Backlit Illumination
As part of the BOSS Phantom Series, the PV3700 incorporates multi-LED backlit illumination.
This gives the amplifier a distinctive appearance when installed where it remains visible.
The feature can work particularly well in:
- Show-car amplifier racks
- Custom trunk installations
- Acrylic display panels
- Illuminated audio builds
For hidden installations, the lighting is obviously less important—but it still provides the amplifier with the Phantom-series visual identity.
Large 17-Inch Chassis
The BOSS PV3700 measures approximately:
17 inches long
10.31 inches wide
2.25 inches high
It weighs approximately 12.53 pounds.
That makes this a substantially larger amplifier than many modern compact Class D alternatives.
Measure the intended mounting location before installation and remember to leave additional room for:
- Power wiring
- Ground wiring
- RCA connections
- Speaker wiring
- Control adjustments
- Cooling airflow
Seventeen inches means seventeen inches. Your trunk does not care that the Amazon photo made it look smaller.
Dual 40-Amp Fuses
The PV3700 uses two 40-amp ATO blade fuses.
These onboard fuses help protect the amplifier itself, but the main amplifier power cable should also have appropriate circuit protection near the battery.
A battery-mounted fuse protects the power cable if it shorts against the vehicle chassis.
That’s especially important because an unfused power cable connected directly to a car battery has enough available current to turn a wiring mistake into a surprisingly enthusiastic heating element.
Proper Power Wiring Matters
The PV3700 requires properly sized power and ground wiring.
A complete installation should include:
- Appropriate power cable
- Matching ground cable
- Battery-side fuse
- Quality fuse holder
- Secure terminals
- Proper speaker wiring
- Quality signal cables
- Protected wire routing
Cable gauge should be selected according to amplifier current demand and cable length rather than simply using whatever wiring happens to be available.
Ground the Amplifier Correctly
A poor amplifier ground can cause:
- Reduced output
- Voltage loss
- Electrical noise
- Excessive heat
- Protection-mode activation
- Intermittent operation
The ground cable should be appropriately sized, kept reasonably short and connected to a suitable low-resistance chassis point.
Secure connections are particularly important in higher-current audio systems.
Diagnose Voltage Drop Under Load
If the amplifier loses output, clips prematurely or shuts down at higher volume, check the voltage reaching it under load.
Resistance can develop in:
- Power wiring
- Ground connections
- Fuse holders
- Battery terminals
- Distribution blocks
- Crimp connections
Our automotive voltage-drop testing guide explains how measuring voltage while current is flowing can reveal resistance that isn’t obvious from a basic continuity test.
The same diagnostic principle works extremely well on high-current amplifier circuits.
Make Sure the Charging System Is Healthy
A powerful aftermarket amplifier increases electrical demand.
Before installation, verify the condition of the:
- Battery
- Alternator
- Battery cables
- Charging connections
- Grounds
If the vehicle already has charging problems, adding a large amplifier isn’t going to improve the situation.
It will, however, provide an excellent soundtrack while the battery light comes on.
Prevent Amplifier Overheating
The PV3700 should be installed where its chassis can dissipate heat effectively.
Avoid locations where the amplifier is covered by carpeting, luggage or insulation.
If the amplifier repeatedly becomes excessively hot, inspect:
- Speaker impedance
- Ventilation
- Gain settings
- Supply voltage
- Power wiring
- Ground connections
Our guide explaining why car amplifiers overheat covers the most common causes and diagnostic checks.
Match Speakers Using Continuous Power
Although 3,700 watts max is the headline specification, speaker selection should be based on continuous output at the intended impedance.
Compare:
- Amplifier RMS output
- Speaker RMS handling
- Speaker impedance
- Subwoofer RMS handling
- Final subwoofer impedance
This produces a much more useful system match than comparing peak-power figures.
Maximum wattage is excellent for marketing. Your speaker’s voice coil would prefer that you read the rest of the specifications.
Key Features
- BOSS Audio Systems PV3700 Phantom
- Five-channel full-range car amplifier
- Class A/B amplifier design
- 3,700 watts maximum advertised power
- 2-ohm stable operation
- Supports 2–8 ohm speaker impedance
- MOSFET power supply
- Bridgeable channels
- Adjustable high-pass crossover
- Adjustable low-pass crossover
- Variable bass boost
- Remote subwoofer level control
- 103 dB signal-to-noise ratio
- 0.01% THD at RMS output
- 9 Hz–50 kHz frequency response
- Multi-LED backlit illumination
- Two 40A ATO blade fuses
- 17 x 10.31 x 2.25-inch chassis
- Approximately 12.53-pound weight
- Designed to power speakers and a subwoofer from one amplifier
Full-System Amplification with Phantom-Series Style
The BOSS Audio Systems PV3700 Phantom 5-Channel Amplifier provides a versatile foundation for enthusiasts who want to amplify their entire car audio system with one unit.
Its five-channel layout can power four cabin speakers and a compatible subwoofer, while 2-ohm stable operation and bridgeable channels provide additional flexibility when configuring the system.
Adjustable high- and low-pass crossovers, variable bass boost and remote subwoofer control provide useful tuning options. The MOSFET power supply handles power conversion, while the Phantom-series LED illumination gives visible installations a more distinctive appearance.
Most importantly, the PV3700 eliminates the need to automatically reach for two separate amplifiers when building a complete system.
That’s less hardware, fewer connections and slightly fewer chances to discover that the wire you need is six inches too short after you’ve already put half the interior back together.
There are no reviews yet.