Most people assume that their car’s OEM audio or their new aftermarket stereo with 50 peak watts per channel is sufficient for a nice sounding system. The reality is that most ratings don’t match the demands of an aftermarket system, whether it’s an OEM system with ‘300 watts’ or an aftermarket one with 18 RMS watts per channel. This can result in poor quality or even speaker damage.
Using the right amount of electricity to power your speakers (aftermarket or not) may make a HUGE impact in the performance of both subwoofers and speakers. It doesn’t matter if you have the best speaker or subwoofer in the world if you don’t have enough power.
Allowing power to be a bottleneck in your system is not a good idea. Purchase an amplifier that will give your car audio speakers the strength they require to generate the crisp, clear sound you desire. A top-rated amplifier is a must-have for any great car radio system, whether you’re using high-performance component speakers, subwoofers, or OEM equipment.
Table of Contents
Rockford Fosgate R500X1D Prime 1-Channel Class D Amplifier
- 300 Watts x 1 @ 4-Ohms, 500 Watts x 1 @ 2-Ohms, Frequency 20Hz to 250Hz +/-1dB
- Onboard 12dB/octave LP/HP/AP crossover & Infrasonic filter. Power Wire Gauge- 4 AWG. Power Input Connector-Screw Terminal. Suggested Alternator-75 A
- On-board Punch EQ with +18dB boost at 45Hz. Input Sensitivity: 150 mV to 4 V
For a peek at the competition, we went to one of the most well-known automobile audio specialists from the best car amplifier brands. We opted to study an amplifier that is priced similarly to the first. To be honest, with a device from industry experts with the experience and know-how like Rockford Fosgate, this price point only covers their single channel model.
It’s a top-of-the-line 500-watt monoblock amplifier with a MOSFET power supply and advanced over- and under-current safety. To reduce overheating, it also incorporates a cast aluminum heatsink and highly responsive, real-time power supply temperature sensors. A Punch EQ control with a complete range of adjustment is also on board. It has RCA pass-through outputs and high-level inputs. Rockford Fosgate R500X1D is the best car amplifier in 2023.
Rockville dB45 3200 Watt/1600w RMS 4 Channel Amplifier Car Stereo Amp
- Includes: Amplifier. Birth sheet with tested power. Owner’s manual. Mounting Screws. Warranty.
- Features: Rockville dB45 3200 Watt/800 Watt Dyno-Certified RMS 4 Channel Amplifier Car Stereo Amp, Loud!!.
- Dyno Certified RMS Power Ratings: (Certified Dyno Test / Less than 1 % THD) (Use these ratings when comparing with top brands such as Kicker, Rockford...
The Rockville dB 45 is the automobile amplifier for you if you want a high-quality amp that can produce some loud sound. You get a constant 32000 watts of unrestricted power, with a peak RMS of 800 watts. Rockville hasn’t scrimped on quality, opting for the highest-grade components they could find. You can even compare their goods to some of the industry’s best, such as Rockford Fosgate.
Furthermore, this car amplifier brands has four channels, making it one of the rare four-channel amplifiers on our list. The majority of the amps we’ve discussed are two-channel power handling. The amp’s low impedance allows it to power subwoofers of any size. This amp features a subsonic filter with adjustable crossover and changeable circuitry for fine-tuning the bass settings. You won’t find similar features in other low-cost amplifiers.
The gentle start technique is a fantastic feature. This technology stops the system from returning to the amp’s last-tuned maximum volume. When you turn off your automobile, it’s common to forget to lower the level for the following time. When you get back in the car and turn on the music system, the sound shoots into your ears, injuring them. With factory amplifiers, such a thing isn’t going to happen. This is the best car amplifiers for the money.
Rockford Fosgate T1500-1bdCP Power 1,500 Watt Class-bd Constant Power Amplifier
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With the Power T400-2, you get a lot for your money, considering the ‘Power’ series of subwoofer amplifier are Rockford Fosgate’s flagship offerings. From high-quality connectors (to reduce quality degradation at the connection) to the wrap-around heat sink with dynamic thermal management technology to reduce distortion-causing hot spots on the amplifier body, it’s clear that the designers at Rockford Fosgate sweated the details for car owners.
Power levels range from 120 watts RMS to 2 channels at 4 ohms, 200 watts RMS to 2 channels at 2 ohms, and up to 400 watts RMS in bridged mode at 4 ohms. The circuitry of this amplifier uses advanced algorithms to prevent distortion and interference, and the differential input design ensures that the signal processor do not cross-contaminate. This is a highly capable, reliable amplifier that reveals no significant flaws, as one would expect from a flagship product from a manufacturer like Rockford Fosgate. This is the best car amplifier under $100.
JL Audio HD Series HD900/5 Amplifier
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The HD line of amplifiers from JL Audio represents the pinnacle of the company’s output. The HD900/5 is said to be the product of combining two of JL Audio’s outstanding Slash v2 amps: the 300/4v2 and the 500/1v2. With all of the sophisticated and handy features found on the Slash v2 amplifiers, the result is stunning performance. With varied output levels intended to meet voltage and impedance, versatility is the name of the game. When the impedance is reduced to 1.5-3 ohms, you get 100 watts RMS via four channels at 4 ohms, or 75 watts RMS when the impedance is reduced to 1.5-3 ohms.
The remaining channel will receive 500 watts RMS at 1.5-4 ohms, ensuring that your subwoofer will be sufficientlyi loud. Bridging the outputs results in 150 watts RMS through two channels at 3-6 ohms, with the output of the’subwoofer’ channel remaining constant. The HD900/5 is jam-packed with JL Audio’s greatest features, including adjustable high- and low-pass filters that reduce frequency response that your speakers can’t handle while maintaining sound quality. The differential-balanced inputs keep your speakers free of background noise by separating the audio signal cables from the chassis ground. Though the price tag may appear high, if you can afford it, this is undoubtedly one of the best car audio amplifier from any car audio brands.
BOSS Audio Systems R1100M Monoblock Car Amplifier
- Power - 1100 Max x 1 @ 2 Ohms, 550 Max x 1 @ 4 Ohms
- Class A/B Topology - Class ‘A’ amplifiers have enormous amount of current flowing through its output transistors with no audio signal. Class...
- Mosfet Power Supply - A MOSFET is an electrical switch that allows the flow of electrical current. It controls the output voltage & current precisely...
Riot Monoblock Power Amplifier by BOSS Audio comes in a variety of maximum power outputs ranging from 1,100 to 3,400 watts. These are MOSFET power supplies featuring high and low level inputs, configurable low pass crossover, bass enhancement, and remote subwoofer control for 1-channel amplifiers. The Riot Series amplifiers are perfect for first-time car audio consumers who want to improve the quality of their stereo or add variable bass boost to their system at a low cost.
These car stereo amplifier are made to power subwoofers so they may work as intended. The subwoofer level can be easily controlled with a wired remote, allowing you to tune the output for better sound reproduction. You can regulate which frequencies flow through to the subwoofer using the variable low pass filter.
Pioneer GM-D8601 Class D Mono Amplifier with Wired Bass Boost Remote
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Pioneer’s Class D mono amplifier has a maximum power output of 1,600 watts and a compact design that allows for a variety of placement options. 800 watts x 1 channel at 1 ohm, 500 watts x 1 channel at 2 ohm, or 300 watts x 1 channel at 4 ohm are the RMS power ratings. This amp includes Pioneer’s unique “Protection Control System,” a digital amplifier circuit that senses its internal temperature and adjusts the input level accordingly. The technology not only helps to prevent circuit failure, but it also gives you more options when it comes to connecting several subwoofers to a system.
The Class D amp also incorporates a variable low pass filter for further flexibility, allowing you to modify audio frequency range based on the characteristics of your subwoofer(s) and your personal home audio listening preferences. The low pass filter can be adjusted between 40 and 240 Hz. A connected bass boost remote control is included with the amp for fine-tuning the bass volume in the best competition car amplifiers.
Ignite Audio 2 Channel Class A/B Car Amplifier 1600 Watts Peak Power
The first item up for review is this low-cost double-channel monoblock amps from Ignite, which is a competitively priced Class A/B amplifier. It can be used as a two-channel amplifier with a maximum output of 90 watts at 2 ohms or a reduced output of 60 watts. The other option is to utilize it as a single-channel bridged amplifier with a peak RMS power of 180 watts for listening experience. It contains high-quality circuitry as well as a sensitive heat sensor to help detect and avoid overheating. This is the best cheap amplifier car.
Kenwood XR601-1 MONO REF SERIES AMP
- High Performance Parts
- Deep Bass Sound
- Enhanced Signal to Noise Ratio
Kenwood is a well-known manufacturer of high-quality vehicle amplifiers. Kenwood’s high-performance series amplifier were perfected to the point where they became the most popular amp brand on the planet. The eXcelon XR601’s sophisticated design is constructed using refined materials, making it lightweight and small. The capacitors and inductors used in the amplifier’s digital LC filter are precisely chosen to provide a clear, high-resolution sound.
eXcelon’s high-performance components ensure that noise and distortion are reduced, giving you the best sound possible from a car audio products. The Kenwood eXcelon is a class D mono amp that can deliver a powerful bass kick that will undoubtedly shake you. Because of the modern technology, you will be able to employ a deep bass subwoofer and speakers for a hardcore sound output that will rock your mind while driving.
The current feedback value of the XR Amplifier has been tuned to improve the S/N ratio. The noise level has been reduced by up to 40% in this case. The noise reduction system has a unique architecture that separates the analogue, digital amplifier, and power supply circuits. This reduces noise and improves performance and sound quality by managing interference inside the circuits in the best car amplifier for the money.
Planet Audio AC1500.1M Monoblock Car Amplifier
- power: max power output of 1500 watts at 2 ohms into one channel. maximum power output of 750 watts at 4 ohms into one channel. this amplifier is...
- high level inputs: speaker level inputs are commonly referred to as high-level inputs. this input will be used to connect the ac1500.1m to your...
- low level inputs: line level inputs, also known as rca inputs or low-level inputs, use rca interconnect cables to link the ac1500.1m with the source...
The Planet Audio AC1500.1M gets one and only mention from Planet Audio. It’s yet another of our top low-cost vehicle amplifiers. There are a number of features that distinguish this amplifier. Take, for example, its impedance of 2 ohms, which allows it to output 1125 watts of pure power to the subwoofers and speakers. It is of outstanding quality because it is a class A/B amplifier. The amp includes variable level inputs, so you may play music from any best competition amplifiers.
You also receive modern MOSFET technology, which channels sound without causing significant distortion. The sound delivered is of the finest quality thanks to this technology. Despite the fact that Planet Audio is not well-known in the automobile amplifier industry, those who have observed its performance hold it in high regard. Definitely a good low-cost, high-output alternative. This is the best car stereo amplifier.
BOSS Audio R1004 4 Channel Car Amplifier
- Power - 100 Watts Max X 4 @2-Ohms, 50 Watts Max X 4 @4-Ohms
- Class A/B Topology - Class ‘A’ Amplifiers Have Enormous Amount Of Current Flowing Through Its Output Transistors With No Audio Signal. Class...
- Full Range - With A Full Range Amplifier You Not Only Have The Option To Run Your Speakers, But Also Your Subwoofers
It contains four channels to handle both high and low-level inputs. At 2 ohms, the channels can deliver 400 watts, whereas at 4 ohms, they can deliver 200 watts. The switchable input sensitivity allows modifications to the input signal from the head unit, allowing for a better overall balance between power levels and sound quality, resulting in improved performance.
Some of the more significant built-in functions of the more expensive BOSS versions, such as the MOSFET power supply, automatic shut-off protection to prevent shorting, and distortion-free, efficient linear circuitry, are still present. The only thing it appears to be missing is a variable low pass filter, however this can be changed in other parts of the system.
It is extraordinarily affordable for a four-channel amplifier; it compares with amplifiers costing three or four times as much. However, the lack of a low-pass filter setting may be a deal-breaker for some; regardless, it enters our list as a top choice as one of the best amplifiers for cars.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a car amplifier do?
A car amplifier, in simple terms, amplifies the sound from your head unit to your car speakers. Different speaker configurations will necessitate different output connection choices and power outputs. Mono, 2-channel (or dual), and 4-channel amplifiers are the most common amplifier kinds.
Mono- Provides power to a single item and is best used in conjunction with a subwoofer. Two channels are the very minimum for a full-range 2-way or 3-way class speaker, making them perfect for a sub and satellite setup (left and right, and bass).
The 4-channel system provides the most flexibility since it allows customers to employ two pairs of speakers in conjunction with their subwoofer for a more dramatic and full-range sound. If you buy a 4-channel but only need a 2-channel setup, you can bridge it and still have the option to add a second set of speakers later.
How does a car amplifier work?
An amplifier is an electrical transistor circuit that controls the flow of electrons using capacitors and resistors. It takes a low voltage signal and utilizes it to regulate a much higher voltage signal, essentially amplifying an inaudible line-level signal from your head unit (vehicle audio) until it can power your speakers’ drivers to move their cones. Because most head units aren’t capable of driving a loudspeaker, an amplifier is the only way to get a full-range sound that’s free of buzzing and less synthetic for a lengthy road trip. This is especially true for individuals who enjoy their bass booming; a subwoofer requires a lot of power to operate, and a basic car audio isn’t up to the task.
You’ve undoubtedly noticed that the bulk of the ones we’ve looked at have a MOSFET power supply. Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors is an acronym for Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors. It’s a field-effect transistor with a gate isolated from the body by an insulating layer, allowing the device’s conductivity to be adjusted by assessing the voltage needs. When the voltage is below the threshold, conduction between the terminal and the drain source is minimal or non-existent.
This means they can smoothly and safely adjust the voltage to amplify and switch electronic signals. With a MOSFET power supply, your system will function efficiently, with no wasted energy, and you won’t be able to overload your speakers, which will result in distortion, overheating, shorting, and long-term damage.