Properly matched amplification can improve:
- Speaker control
- Midbass response
- Dynamic range
- Vocal clarity
- High-volume performance
- Overall system output
Always compare the amplifier’s RMS output with the connected speakers’ RMS power handling and impedance.
200 Watts RMS x 2 Bridged
The Taramps TS 400X4 can also be configured for two-channel bridged operation.
When appropriately bridged into compatible 4-ohm loads, the amplifier provides up to 200 watts RMS x 2 channels.
Bridging gives system builders the option of trading channel count for additional power.
This can be useful for higher-powered component speakers, specialized drivers or other installations where two more powerful channels make more sense than four individual 100-watt channels.
Follow Taramps’ approved wiring and impedance requirements when operating the amplifier in bridged mode.
Efficient Full-Range Class D Design
The TS 400X4 uses Class D amplification to combine compact dimensions with efficient power delivery.
Class D amplifiers generally waste less electrical energy as heat than traditional amplifier designs, making the architecture particularly useful when installation space and vehicle electrical capacity are limited.
The TS 400X4 is also a full-range amplifier, meaning it isn’t restricted to subwoofer frequencies.
That allows it to power:
- Coaxial speakers
- Component speakers
- Midrange drivers
- Tweeters when properly filtered
- Other compatible full-range speakers
- Certain compact subwoofer configurations
The actual configuration depends on speaker impedance, power requirements and crossover settings.
High-Level Inputs for Factory Radios
One of the TS 400X4’s most useful features is its high-level input capability.
High-level inputs allow the amplifier to accept speaker-level signals from compatible factory audio systems.
That can make it possible to add meaningful amplifier power without immediately replacing the original head unit.
This is particularly useful in newer vehicles where the factory radio may be integrated with:
- Vehicle settings
- Climate controls
- Steering-wheel controls
- Backup cameras
- Factory displays
- Other vehicle electronics
Keeping the factory source unit while adding external amplification can preserve those functions while improving speaker power.
Automatic Turn-On with High-Level Input
The amplifier also supports automatic turn-on when using its compatible high-level input.
In installations where this feature is supported, the amplifier can detect the incoming factory audio signal and turn itself on without requiring a traditional remote-turn-on connection from an aftermarket receiver.
That can simplify OEM audio integration and reduce the amount of additional wiring required.
As always, the exact installation should follow Taramps’ wiring instructions for the amplifier and the vehicle’s specific audio system.
RCA Inputs for Aftermarket Stereos
For vehicles equipped with an aftermarket receiver or signal processor, the TS 400X4 also provides RCA-level input capability.
This makes the amplifier useful whether the system retains its factory stereo or uses a conventional aftermarket source.
The combination of high-level and RCA inputs gives installers significantly more flexibility when designing or upgrading a system.
It also means the amplifier can potentially remain useful if the source unit is changed later.
Built-In High-Pass Filter
The integrated high-pass filter (HPF) helps protect speakers from frequencies they aren’t intended to reproduce.
When HPF mode is selected, lower frequencies are filtered from the applicable amplifier output.
This is particularly useful for door speakers, tweeters and smaller full-range drivers.
Removing deep bass from smaller speakers can reduce unnecessary cone excursion and distortion while allowing those speakers to concentrate on the frequencies they reproduce more effectively.
Built-In Low-Pass Filter
The TS 400X4 also provides low-pass filtering (LPF).
LPF mode limits higher frequencies and allows lower-frequency information to reach the connected speaker.
This can be useful for low-frequency drivers and certain compact subwoofer configurations.
A properly adjusted low-pass filter prevents a bass driver from attempting to reproduce midrange and high-frequency content it wasn’t designed to handle.
Full Range Mode
When external filtering isn’t required, the amplifier can also operate in Full Range mode.
This allows a broader frequency range to pass through the amplifier.
Having HPF, LPF and Full Range options directly on the amplifier provides useful flexibility for custom audio builds.
Rather than forcing every channel into one specific role, installers can configure the TS 400X4 around the speakers being used.
Great for a Four-Speaker Upgrade
One of the simplest applications for the Taramps TS 400X4 is a conventional four-speaker system.
Four compatible 2-ohm speakers can receive up to 100 watts RMS per channel, giving the system considerably more available power than most head units provide internally.
This type of installation works especially well when upgrading factory door and rear speakers but retaining the original stereo.
High-level input capability can receive the factory speaker signal, while the external amplifier provides the additional power required by the upgraded speakers.
Compact Amplification for Custom Builds
The TS series is particularly attractive where amplifier mounting space is limited.
Possible applications include:
- Cars
- Pickup trucks
- SUVs
- Motorcycles
- ATVs
- UTVs
- Golf carts
- Custom audio builds
Its efficient Class D architecture makes the amplifier easier to integrate where a larger traditional amplifier would consume too much installation space.
For motorcycles, powersports and other exposed applications, installation location and environmental protection should be carefully considered unless the amplifier is specifically rated by the manufacturer for direct exposure.
Proper Power Wiring Still Matters
A compact amplifier still requires a proper electrical installation.
The TS 400X4 should be connected using appropriately sized:
- Battery power cable
- Ground cable
- Main fuse
- Fuse holder
- Speaker wire
- Signal wiring
- Electrical terminals
The main power circuit should be fused near the battery according to proper installation practices and Taramps’ specifications.
Ground connections should be short, secure and attached to an appropriate low-resistance grounding point.
Class D efficiency helps reduce wasted power. It does not magically make undersized wire become larger.
Watch for Voltage Drop
Poor connections, damaged cables and inadequate grounds can cause voltage to fall before electrical power reaches the amplifier.
That can reduce amplifier performance and create operating problems under heavier loads.
The principles in our automotive voltage-drop testing guide can also be applied when diagnosing high-current accessory circuits. Measuring voltage at the amplifier while the system is operating can help reveal losses through power and ground connections.
If battery voltage remains healthy while voltage at the amplifier falls significantly under load, inspect the wiring before replacing audio components.
Make Sure the Charging System Is Healthy
Adding an external amplifier increases demand on the vehicle electrical system.
Before building a higher-powered audio system, verify that the battery, alternator and primary electrical connections are operating correctly.
If the battery warning light is already illuminated, diagnose the charging system before adding more electrical load.
Likewise, a battery that repeatedly goes dead deserves proper diagnosis rather than simply being replaced or recharged again.
An amplifier works much better when the vehicle’s electrical system isn’t already waving a white flag.
Correct Gain Setup Is Essential
Amplifier gain should be used to match input sensitivity to the source signal.
It is not an additional volume control.
Excessive gain can cause clipping, distortion and potential speaker damage.
When setting up the TS 400X4:
- Verify speaker impedance
- Select the correct HPF, LPF or Full Range mode
- Set source-unit EQ conservatively
- Match amplifier gain to source output
- Avoid audible distortion and clipping
- Confirm the amplifier remains within its supported load range
Proper tuning can make a modestly powered system sound considerably better than a more powerful amplifier that’s incorrectly configured.
Key Features
- Taramps TS 400X4 Black
- Four-channel car audio amplifier
- 400 watts RMS total power
- Full-range Class D architecture
- 2-ohm version
- 100W RMS x 4 at 2 ohms
- 200W RMS x 2 at 4 ohms bridged
- Bridgeable operation
- High-level speaker inputs
- Automatic turn-on with compatible high-level input
- RCA inputs
- Factory stereo integration capability
- Aftermarket stereo compatibility
- Built-in high-pass filter
- Built-in low-pass filter
- Full Range operating mode
- Suitable for speakers and drivers
- Supports properly filtered tweeter applications
- Can support compatible compact low-frequency configurations
- Efficient 12V operation
- Compact installation-friendly design
- Suitable for cars, trucks, SUVs and custom audio systems
Compact 400-Watt Amplification with OEM Integration
The Taramps TS 400X4 Black 2-Ohm 400W RMS 4-Channel Class D Amplifier delivers a useful combination of compact size, flexible input options and meaningful RMS output.
Its 100-watt-per-channel rating at 2 ohms makes it a strong candidate for powering four upgraded speakers, while bridged operation provides up to 200 watts RMS across two compatible 4-ohm loads.
High-level input and automatic turn-on capability make factory-radio upgrades easier, while RCA inputs provide conventional connectivity for aftermarket stereos. Built-in HPF, LPF and Full Range modes further expand the number of systems the amplifier can support.
It’s small, efficient and capable of powering a serious four-speaker upgrade without requiring half the trunk and an electrical engineering degree just to install it.
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