Today we are going to talk about car subwoofer amplifiers. We are going to discuss some of the top products in the category and list out the key things to consider while shopping for a car sub amp for your car subwoofers. Leading brands that make car stereo subwoofer amplifiers are Boss Audio, Kenwood, Pioneer, Rockford Fosgate and Rockville, among others. Most of these companies have long legacies and are known for their outstanding contributions to the automotive audio equipment industry. Let us take a peek into the best subwoofer amps currently sold in the market.
Best Car Subwoofer Amplifier
Let us now take a look at few best car subwoofer amplifier in the market in following table.
Boss Audio Riot R1100M Car Subwoofer Amplifier
The Boss Audio Riot R1100M is one of the most sought-after car subwoofer amplifiers. It is a monoblock amp meaning it can transmit only a single audio signal. It is suitable for speakers like subwoofers that generate low-end frequencies. It can handle a maximum of 1100 watts (1100 watt x 1 channel @ 2 ohms). Its RMS or continuous power handling is: 850 watts RMS x 1 channel @ 2 ohms and 413 watts RMS x 1 channel @ 4 ohms. The Riot R1100M is a Class A/B amp. Class A/B amps are known to be more efficient than traditional Class A amps. The amp features a specific linear circuitry that reduces distortion and enhances power handling and audio quality. It has high-level (speaker level) and low-level (RCA level) inputs for hooking up to your audio system. The high-level inputs accept signal from the speakers and the low-level inputs accept signal from the preamp outputs of the stereo head unit. It has a variable low pass crossover filter (35 Hz to 160 Hz) that prevents high and midrange frequencies from entering the subwoofer. It has a switchable bass boost which improves bass response of the amplifier. The sub is 2-ohm stable which. It accepts a lowest impedance of 2 ohms. Amps that are 2-ohm stable normally generate more power and volume than their counterparts. The Riot R1100M has thermal and short circuit protection. It has MOSFET power supply. It comes with a wired remote subwoofer level control and variable gain control. Frequency response of the device is 9 Hz to 50 Hz ± 1 dB. It has a smart cabinet with a steel grey finish and a blue LED backlit Boss logo adorning the top panel. The gadget is 10.43 inches wide, 9.125 inches long and 2.25 inches high. Warranty period is one year and can be extended by another two years.
Key Features :
- Monoblock Class A/B car subwoofer amplifier.
- MOSFET power supply, high-level and low-level inputs, low-pass crossover.
- Switchable bass boost, variable gain control, wired remote subwoofer level control.
- 2-ohm stable, thermal cum short circuit protection, frequency response 9 Hz to 50 Hz ± 1 dB.
- Power rating:
- 1100 watts max x 1 channel @ 2 ohms.
- 850 watts RMS x 1 channel @ 2 ohms.
- 413 watts RMS x 1 channel @ 4 ohms.
BOSS Audio Systems AR1500M Car Stereo Subwoofer Amplifier
The BOSS Audio Systems AR1500M is a 1500-watt peak power monoblock amp for car subwoofers. It is a 2-ohm-stable amp with MOSFET power supply. It has a bunch of inputs and filters for customizing the output. It also comes with a remote subwoofer control for easy adjustments while driving. The AR1500M is a high-performance Class A/B amp. It has a higher power capacity than traditional Class A amps due to a specific linear circuitry that produces more output and prevents distortion. The device has a max power handling of 1500 watts which it directs into a single channel. RMS power capacity is: 1125 watts RMS x 1 channel @ 2 ohms and 563 watts RMS x 1 channel @ 4 ohms. The amplifier has high-level and low-level inputs for connecting with various systems. The high-level inputs accepts signal from the speakers. The low-level inputs of the amp accept signal from the preamp outputs of the radio. The gadget has switchable input sensitivity so you can control the output from the head unit. It has variable gain control for balancing the output of the amplifier from the subwoofer it is powering. It also has switchable bass boost (0 or 18 dB) which lets you enhance the low end to suit your genre of music. The Boss Audio AR1500M has a variable low-pass filter that only allows frequencies between 50 Hz to 250 Hz to enter the subwoofer. It keeps out high and midrange bands, enabling the sub to function more smoothly. It has MOSFET power supply and is protected against short circuits and thermal failure. It has a remote subwoofer level control for convenient finger-tip control while driving. Dimensions of the amp are: length 10.31 inches, width 6.5 inches and height 2.8 inches. It has a frequency response of 9 Hz to 50 kHz ±1 dB, impedance of 2 ohm to 8 ohm, sensitivity of 105 dB and total harmonic distortion of 0.01%. Warranty period is one year and can be extended by another two years.
Key Features :
- Monoblock car subwoofer amplifier.
- Class A/B amp, MOSFET power supply, remote subwoofer level control.
- Low-pass filter, high and low-level inputs, variable gain control, switchable bass boost.
- Switchable input sensitivity, 2-ohm-stable, thermal, overload, short protection.
- Power rating:
- 1500 watts max x 1 channel @ 2 ohms.
- 1125 watts RMS x 1 channel @ 2ohms.
- 563 watts RMS x 1 channel @ 4 ohms.
Rockford Fosgate R500X1D Car Subwoofer Amplifier
Another high-performance car subwoofer amplifier is the R500X1D by Rockford Fosgate. It is a Class D monoblock amplifier with an RMS power rating of 500 watts. It is designed to run a 2 ohm load and has MOSFET power supply. The Rockford Fosgate R500X1D has 12 dB octave variable Butterworth crossover (50 Hz to 250 Hz) to screen the frequencies entering the subwoofer. It has adjustable Punch EQ with +18dB boost @ 45 Hz. It has RCA pass-through output jacks for connecting additional amplifiers by daisy chaining. The amp has 4-pin Molex high-level inputs and one RCA pair low-level input. It has a wired remote Punch level control which can be installed under the dash or the centre console. It also has a 0/180 degree phase switch. The R500X1D is a Class D amp which means it is designed to reduce current consumption. It complies with CE regulations and is made as per the environment and safety standards prescribed by the European Directives (768/2008 EC). It also complies with CEA-2006 industry rules. This means the power ratings specified on the product and product manual are REAL POWER numbers and not inflated or fabricated for marketing purposes. Power rating of the R500X1D is as follows: Total power (sum of rated power) = 500 watts RMS. Rated power (RMS continuous power) = 300 watts RMS x 1 channel @ 4 ohms; 500 watts x 1 channel @ 2ohms. Dynamic power 333 watts x 1 channel @ 4 ohms 0ᵒ Res; 647 watts x 1 channel @ 2 ohms 0ᵒ Res. The amplifier is not bridgeable. It has a frequency response of 20Hz to 250Hz +/-1dB and efficiency of 89% @ 4 ohms. The coolest aspect of the R500X1D car subwoofer amplifier is that it has real time output and power supply thermal sensing. It has a durable cast aluminum heat sink that works to keep temperatures low. It is also protected against extreme high temperatures, excessive current and short circuits. The multiple security features ensure the amp lasts longer and the bass reproduction is unaffected. The device has muted turn on. It has 4 gauge power and ground connectors. It has a warranty of one year. Dimensions of the product are: 1.98 inches (height) by 6.77 inches (width) by 8.5 inches (depth). It weighs 5.1 lbs.
Key Features :
- Class D monoblock car subwoofer amplifier.
- 12 dB octave variable Butterworth crossover, high and low-level inputs.
- Cast aluminum heat-sink, variable Punch bass, Punch level control.
- Phase switch, RCS pass-through outputs, CE and CEA-2006 compliant.
- Power rating:
- Total power = 500 watts.
- RMS power = 300 watts x 1 @ 4 ohms; 500 watts x 1 @ 2ohms.
Planet Audio AC1500.1M Anarchy Car Stereo Subwoofer Amplifier
The next top-rated car subwoofer amplifier is the Planet Audio AC1500.1M Anarchy. It is a massive 1500-watt amp with outstanding power handling abilities. It is a mono amp for car and truck subwoofers. It has MOSFET power supply, adjustable low-pass crossovers and a remote subwoofer control. The AC1500.1M Anarchy delivers out-of-the-world power to your sub. It is a Class A/B amp with a special linear circuitry that enhances sound and power and counters distortion. It is 2-ohm-stable and can easily drive your sub at 2 ohms. The device has high-level and low-level inputs for accepting signals from speaker outputs and preamp outputs respectively. This lets us add additional sound gear like, amplifiers, processors and after-market/factory source units. The amp has a variable low-pass filter (45 Hz to 90 Hz) that doesn’t allow high and midrange frequencies to enter the subwoofer. It has bass boost so you can adjust the bass delivery within the available range to suit your requirement. For ease of control while driving, the manufacturers have provided a remote wired subwoofer level control whch you can install in the dash. The Planet Audio AC1500.1M Anarchy has auto shut-off safety feature in case of overheating or short circuits. It has a max power of 1500 watts x 1 channel @ 2 ohms and RMS power of 1125 watts RMS x 1 channel @ 2 ohms; 563 watt RMS x 1 channel @ 4 ohms. It has an input sensitivity selector and a variable input gain selector. There are LED indicators to show power and protection statuses. Dimensions of the gadget are: length 10 inches, width 10 inches and height 2.4 inches. It weighs 6.8 lbs. The top panel of the amp features a blue illuminated Planet Audio logo. Frequency response of the device is 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±1 dB, impedance is 2 to 8 ohm and signal-to-noise ratio is 102 dB. Warranty period is one year, extendable by two more years.
Key Features :
- Class A/B monoblock car subwoofer amplifier.
- High and low-level inputs, variable low-pass filter, bass boost, variable gain control.
- Remote wired subwoofer control, input sensitivity selector, 2-ohm-stable.
- Thermal, overload and short protection.
- Power rating:
- 1500 watts max x 1 @ 2 ohms.
- 1125 watts RMS x 1 @ 2 ohms.
- 563 watts RMS x 1 @ 4 ohms.
Rockville dB14 Class D Car Subwoofer Amplifier
The Rockville dB14 is another highly sought-after car subwoofer amplifier. It has a peak power handling of 4000 watts and an RMS power handling of 2000 watts. It is a Class D 2-ohm-stable mono amp with CEA compliant power ratings. The Rockville dB14 is a force to reckon with. It generates incredible power for your automobile subwoofer. The company provides three power ratings of the amp, CEA-compliant, RMS and peak power, for easier comparison with other brands. The CEA compliant power rating allows comparison between brands like Kickers and Rockford Fosgate that make CEA compliant amps. The RMS power ranting allows comparison between a large number of brands including Hifonics that use RMS power to rate its amps. Finally, the peak power is also provided to indicate the max power the device is able to put out at the loudest points of a song. Here are the power ratings:- CEA Compliant Power Ratings: 1000 watts x 1 channel @ 2 ohms <1% THD+N; 600 watts x 1 channel @ 4 ohms <1% THD+N. RMS power rating: 2000 watts x 1 channel @ 2 ohms; 1200 watts x 1 channel @ 4 ohms. Peak power rating: 4000 watts x 1 channel @ 2 ohms; 2400 watts x 1 channel @ 4 ohms. The Rockville dB14 has high-speed MOSFET power supply. It has Optical Coupler technology and a variable 12 dB octave crossover with differential circuitry. It has a low-pass filter (50 Hz to 250 Hz) and subsonic filter (15 Hz to 55 Hz). It also has switchable phase control and a 12 dB adjustable bass EQ. The amp is fully protected against thermal damage and voltage fluctuations. It has an IC-controlled protection circuitry. It has RCA inputs and RCA preamp line output. There is a dash-mountable subwoofer control for greater convenience. The dB14 car subwoofer amplifier also has a mute and delay soft start system. It features an 8-volt preamp circuitry. Frequency response of the system is 15 Hz to 250 Hz and S/N is > 90 dB. It measures: 9 inches (W) x 2.4 inches (H) x 15.5 inches (L).
Key Features :
- Class D mono amp for car subwoofer.
- MOSFET power supply, Optical Coupler technology, 12 dB octave crossover.
- Low-pass filter, subsonic filter, phase switch, IC-controlled protection circuit, adjustable bass EQ.
- 3 power ratings (CEA, RMS, peak) for greater transparency.
Rockford Fosgate R1200-1D Class-D Mono Car Subwoofer Amplifier
If you are a car audio enthusiast looking for a good amplifier for your car subwoofer, we suggest you check out the Rockford Fosgate R1200-1D Class D mono amp. It is a powerful amplifier with a continuous power output of 1200 watts. It has easy-to-access top-mounted controls, MOSFET power supply and a bunch of other cool features. The R1200-1D can pump an RMS power of 1200 watts into a 1 ohm load without stressing out the audio circuitry. It can be used alongside a 4-channel amplifier (for the main speakers processing high and midrange bands) to produce all the frequencies of sound. It has a superior Class D circuit board that delivers rich bass without distortion. It has an infrasonic filter that cuts out ultra-low inaudible frequencies from reaching the sub and causing potential damage. The amp has 12 dB octave Butterworth crossover and muted turn on function. It has integrated Punch EQ with +18 dB boost @ 45 Hz to regulate the output. It also has a remote wired Punch Level Control for easy bass adjustments from the driving seat. The gadget has RCA pass-through outputs. It has a durable cast aluminum heat-sink. It has 4 gauge power/ground connectors. The circuit board has thermal, overload and short protection for uninterrupted trouble-free service. The R1200-1D has real time output and power supply thermal sensing. It is a CEA-2006 and CE compliant gadget. Its power rating are:- Total power (sum of rated power) = 1200 watts RMS. RMS power = 400 watts x 1 @ 4 ohms; 800 watts x 1 @ 2 ohms; 1200 watts x 1 @ 1 ohms. Dynamic power (PVC/Power Cube) = 499 watts x 1 @ 4 ohms 0° Res; 898 watts 1 @ 2 ohms 0° Res; 1400 watts x 1 @ 1 ohms 0° Res. Please note that the R1200-1D is not a bridgeable amp. It has a warranty of one year.
Key Features :
- Class D mono car subwoofer amplifier.
- Punch level control, MOSFET power supply, infrasonic filter, cast aluminum heat-sink.
- Top-mounted controls, built-in Punch EQ, 12 dB octave Butterworth crossover.
- Power ratings:
- Total power 1200 watts RMS.
- RMS power: 400 watts x 1 @ 4 ohms; 800 watts x 1 @ 2 ohms; 1200 watts x 1 @ 1 ohms.
Ignite Audio R1600/1D Mono Block Class D Car Subwoofer Amplifier
One of our evergreen choices for a reliable car subwoofer amplifier is the R1600/1D by Ignite Audio. It has a maximum power handling of 4000 watts and an RMS power handling of 750 watts x 1 @ 1 ohm; 530 watts x 1 @ 2 ohms and 300 watts x 1 @ 4 ohms. It has a frequency response of 10 Hz to 300 kHz @ 1 dB and is perfect for a car or truck subwoofer. The R1600/1D is a single channel Class D power amplifier. It has an optimized circuitry for minimizing disturbances so you get unhindered bass. It has a total harmonic distortion of < 1% and signal-to-noise ratio of > 85 dB. It has a low-level input sensitivity of 0.2 to 6 volt. The device has variable gain control and 0 to 18 dB bass boost. It has a 32 Hz to 300 Hz low-pass filter and a 10 Hz to 50 Hz sub sonic filter. It also has a 0 to 180 degree phase switch. The amp has line-level inputs. A remote subwoofer control is provided for quick adjustments from the wheel. Dimensions of the amplifier are: 13.66 inches length, 2.05 inches height and 8.94 inches width. Warranty period is one year.
Key Features :
- Single channel Class D car subwoofer amplifier.
- Low-pass filter, bass boost, variable gain control, phase switch, sub sonic filter, line-level input.
- Low-level input sensitivity of 0.2 to 6 volt, remote subwoofer control.
- Power rating:
- Max power 4000 watts.
- RMS power @ 1 ohm 750 watts x 1, @ 2 ohms 530 watts x 1, @ 4 ohms 300 watts x 1.
Rockford Fosgate R150X2 Prime 2-Channel Car Subwoofer Amplifier
When it comes to car subwoofer amplifiers, very few brands can match the standards of Rockford Fosgate. It is a leading audio equipment maker with a knack for making highly reliable sound gear. The R150X2 by Rockford Fosgate is an unbeatable car subwoofer amplifier. It is a dual-channel amp that delivers 75 watts of pure power into each channel at 2 ohms. It can also be bridged into a mono amp to drive a subwoofer. The gadget is pretty adaptable and can be used to power either full-range or component speakers (for midrange and high frequencies) in stereo mode, or it can be bridged into mono mode to power a sub at 4 ohm load. The R150X2 has a 12 dB octave Butterworth crossover. It has 4-pin high-level inputs and RCA pass-through outputs. It has built-in Punch EQ settings with up to +18 dB bass boost @ 45 Hz. The gadget has real time output and power supply thermal sensing. It houses all its parts inside a cast aluminum heat-sink that prevents heat from building up. It has 4 gauge power and ground connectors. The amp has MOSFET power supply. It is fully protected against sudden rise in over current and short circuits. It is a Class A/B amp that combines the best of Class A and Class B amps. For instance, it has a Class A preamp and a Class B output stage which makes it very convenient. The Rockford Fosgate R150X2 is a CEA-2006 and CE-compliant amp. Its power rating is as follows:- Total power (sum of rated power) = 150 watts RMS. Rated power (RMS power) = 50 watts x 2 @ 4 ohms; 75 watts x 2 @ 2 ohms; 150 watts x 1 @ 4 ohms bridged. Dynamic power (PVC/power cube) = 61 watts x 2 @ 4 ohms 0° Res; 94 watts x 2 @ 2 ohms 0° Res. The device has muted turn on and visual power and protect LED indicators. It weighs 6.6 lbs and measures 1.98 inches (H) by 6.77 inches (W) by 11.22 inches (D). Warranty period is one year.
Key Features :
- 2-channel bridgeable Class A/B car subwoofer amplifier.
- 12 dB octave Butterworth crossover, high-level inputs, RCA pass-through outputs.
- Punch EQ with +18 dB bass boost @ 45 Hz, cast aluminum heat-sink, CEA-2006 & CE-compliant.
- Power rating:
- Total power = 150 watts RMS.
- Rated power = 50 watts x 2 @ 4 ohms; 75 watts x 2 @ 2 ohms; 150 watts x 1 @ 4 ohms bridged.
BOSS Audio Systems PM1500 Car Subwoofer Amplifier
BOSS Audio is a pioneer in the world of sound systems. It makes high-quality car audio components and the PM1500 is one of its premium subwoofer amplifiers. It is a Class A/B monoblock amp with a maximum power of 1500 watts. It has MOSFET power supply, a temperature-resistant housing and eye-catching red LED illumination. The amplifier has high-level and low-level inputs for greater flexibility so you can build your sound system with any factory or aftermarket source unit. It has a lowest impedance of 2 ohms which means it is capable of more volume and power. It is a Class A/B amp with a specific linear circuitry designed to lower disturbance and improve bass accuracy. It has MOSFET power supply. It has a red LED backlit top panel which creates cool light effects in the dark. The amp has a number of protections for guarding against mechanical failure. It has thermal, overload and short circuit protection which automatically turns off the device in case of a safety threat. The PM1500 has switchable input sensitivity. This means you can pair the amp with any source unit and control the output from the source unit to suit your needs. It has variable bass boost so you can adjust the bass. It has variable gain control so you can regulate the amp’s output. It also has a variable low-pass filter to keep out high and midrange frequencies. The amplifier is accompanied by a remote subwoofer control for greater convenience. It has a frequency response of 9 Hz to 50 kHz ±1 dB, speaker impedance of 2 ohms to 8 ohms and signal-to-noise ratio of 103 dB. Power rating of the device is:- Total power output = 1500 watts. Peak power output @ 4 ohms = 750 watts x 1 channel. RMS power output @ 4 ohms = 563 watts x 1 channel. Dimensions of the amp are: width = 10.31 inches, length = 10 inches, height = 2.25 inches. Warranty period is one year, extendable by two additional years.
Key Features :
- Class A/B 2-ohm-stable mono amp for car subwoofer.
- MOSFET power supply, high-level and low-level inputs, low-pass filter.
- Variable gain control, bass boost, switchable input sensitivity, remote subwoofer control.
- Power rating:
- Total power 1500 watts.
- Peak power 750 watts x 1 channel @ 4 ohms.
- RMS power 563 watts x 1 channel @ 4 ohms.
Planet Audio Pulse PL1500.1M Car Subwoofer Amplifier
The Pulse PL1500.1M by Planet Audio is built for audiophiles. It is a Class A/B mono amp that can handle a load of 2 ohms and 4 ohms. It pumps out a peak power of 1500 watts @ 2 ohms x 1 channel and an RMS power of 750 watts @ 4 ohms x 1 channel. The amplifier is equipped with high-level and low-level inputs for receiving input signals from a wide range of gadgets like aftermarket and factory head-units, speakers, etc. It has a variable low-pass crossover (50 Hz to 250 Hz) for controlling the frequencies that enter the subwoofer. It has variable bass boost (0 or 18 dB switchable) for enhancing the low-end sound. It also has gain control for getting the gain right. Remember, too much gain can distort the sound while too little can cause clipping. The Pulse PL1500.1M can be managed from the driving seat, thanks to the remote subwoofer control. It has MOSFET power supply. It is a Class A/B amp which is more efficient than traditional Class A amps. It has a special linear circuitry that enables it to generate more power and output and cut down on distortion. The device has switchable input sensitivity which allows you to monitor the input signal coming in from the stereo head-unit for a more customized bass output. It has a smart cabinet with LED illuminated logo and end panels. The blue LED light strips and logo glow in the dark lending the amp a nice sassy look. The PL1500.1M has short circuit, thermal and overload protection. In case of a safety issue, the system automatically shuts down to safeguards the circuitry. Dimensions of the amp are: 9.96 inches (L) x 7 inches (W) x 2.39 inches (H). Warranty period is one year, but can be extended by another two years.
Key Features :
- Class A/B monoblock car subwoofer amplifier.
- High and low-level inputs, low-pass crossover, bass boost, switchable input sensitivity.
- Variable gain control, 2-ohm-stable, MOSFET power supply, remote subwoofer control.
- Power rating:
- Peak power @ 2 ohms 1500 watts 1 channel.
- RMS power @ 4 ohms 750 watts x 1 channel.
Kicker 43CXA300.1 Car Audio Amplifier
The Kicker 43CXA3001 is a top-rated Class D car subwoofer amplifier. It is a single-channel amp with KickerEQ variable bass boost and a 12 dB crossover for fine tuning the output. It is ideal for powering car and truck subwoofers. The 43CXA3001 belongs to the CX-Series of mono amps by Kicker. It has a frequency response of 25 Hz to 200 Hz, ± 1 dB. It has a high-level input sensitivity of 250 mV – 10 V and a low-level input sensitivity of 125 mV – 5 V. The amp can pump in as much as 300 watts into a single channel at 2 ohm load. Its RMS power handling is 150 watts x 1 @ 4 ohms. The device complies with the power rating rules of CEA-2006 industry standards. It has an active low-pass crossover @ 12 dB/octave variable between 50 to 200 Hz. It also has a sub sonic filter @ 24 dB/ octave, high-pass fixed at 25 Hz. These two filters let you have more control over the frequency bands entering the subwoofer. The device has a bass boost adjustable up to +12 dB, centered at 40 Hz. It has preamp inputs and outputs. It has speaker-level inputs for which you will need speaker wire to RCA adapters. An optional remote bass level control is also available. The package contains a pair of mounting brackets and four self-tapping screws for vertical mounting. Total harmonic distortion rated at RMS power is 1%. Minimum impedance (unbridged) is 2 ohm and signal-to-noise ratio is >95 dB. The gadget is 8 1/8-inches wide, 6 ¾-inches deep and 2 3/8-inches high. It has a parts and labor warranty of 2 years.
Key Features:
- Class D mono car subwoofer amplifier.
- CEA-2006-compliant ratings, low-pass filter, sub sonic filter, bass boost.
- Speaker-level inputs, preamp inputs and outputs, vertical mounting, optional wired remote.
- Power rating:
- 300 watts RMS power x 1 @ 2 ohms.
- 150 watts RMS power x 1 @ 4 ohms.
PIONEER GM-D9701 Mono 2400W Class-D Car Amp
The last product to make our list of car stereo subwoofer amplifiers is the Pioneer GM-D9701. It is a powerful 2400-watt 1-ohm-stable Class D amp with versatile connectivity. It has a compact design for fitting in tight places in vehicles. The GM-D9701 is an ultra-efficient Class D amplifier that delivers enormous amounts of power despite being 50% smaller than standard Class A/B amps from the GM Series. The main attraction of the amplifier is its remote bass boost control which lets you manage the bass output between 0 to 18 dB. The amp has a special Protection Control System that prevents system shut downs. It continuously monitors the internal temperature of the device and accordingly adjusts the input level. The amp also features a Stable Durable Circuitry which reduces the risk of high input power for the amp to sustain 1-ohm loads. This circuit design makes the amp more flexible and lets you connect additional subwoofers to your system. The Pioneer GM-D9701 has a variable low-pass filter (40 Hz to 240 Hz). It has Automatic Signal Sensing and Turn On. Peak power handling of the amp is 2400 watts x 1 @ 1 ohm; 1600 watts x 1 @ 2 ohms; 1000 watts x 1 @ 4 ohms. RMS power handling is 1200 watts x 1 @ 1 ohm; 800 watts x 1 @ 2 ohms; 500 watts x 1 @ 4 ohms. Frequency response of the amp is 10 Hz to 240 Hz, signal-to-noise ratio is > 100 dB and load impedance is 1-8 ohms. The device has speaker-level inputs for connecting with the OEM head-unit without adapters. It has a MOSFET transistor. There are LED indicators on the side of the cabinet, red is for protection and blue is for power. The amplifier is accompanied by a 20 cm speaker input cable, a hex wrench, a 5 meter bass remote cord, screws for mounting the gadget and a user manual. Dimensions of the product are: 302 mm (W) x 60 mm (H) x 215 mm (D).
Key Features :
- 1-ohm stable Class D monoblock car subwoofer amplifier.
- Remote bass boost, speaker-level inputs, low-pass filter (40 Hz to 240 Hz).
- Protection Control System, Stable Durable Circuitry, Automatic Signal Sensing and Turn On.
- Power rating:
- Max power: 2400 watts x 1 @ 1 ohm; 1600 watts x 1 @ 2 ohms; 1000 watts x 1 @ 4 ohms.
- RMS power: 1200 watts x 1 @ 1 ohm; 800 watts x 1 @ 2 ohms; 500 watts x 1 @ 4 ohms.
How to select a good car subwoofer amplifier?
An amplifier can be distinguished based on two things: the number of channels and the class. The number of channels can be between one and six. Each channel corresponds to a speaker and indicates the number of speakers the amp can drive. The class of the amplifier indicates the basic construction of the amplifier. It can be one of four types: A, B, AB or D. Each class has a different circuit design and number of transistors.
For the purposes of a car subwoofer, a monoblock amp is the ideal choice. It is a single channel amp that generates massive amounts of power. It is best suited for a subwoofer which only needs a single channel. A subwoofer also requires a lot of power as it has to move a lot of air to produce bass.
A mono amp fulfils this requirement perfectly because it puts out more power than multi-channel amps. The rule of thumb is, the less the number of channels in an amp, the higher the amount of power per channel. As a mono amp has just one channel to drive, it pumps in all it power into that single channel.
Therefore, a mono amp is the best choice for a car subwoofer. Alternately, a 2-channel amplifier can also be used to drive a subwoofer by bridging the channels into a single channel to produce more power. But, the output will most likely not be as robust as that generated with a mono amp.
The load of a subwoofer is called impedance and it is denoted in ‘ohms’. The amp senses out this load on its output and accordingly puts out the appropriate amount of power (measured in RMS wattage) needed to drive the sub. When choosing an amp for your car sub, you need to make sure the amp’s capabilities perfectly compliment the subwoofer’s specifications.
If you have more than one subwoofer, make sure the coil type and the impedance are the same for each sub. If they are not, the power distribution will be different, and you will have one device that is over-powered and another that is under-powered. The result will be an uneven bass production which can mar your listening experience. But, if you want different types of subwoofers in your audio set-up, we suggest you get a separate amp for each sub.
When selecting an amp, the RMS power of your sub(s) is key. To calculate the power required from an amp, multiply the RMS rating of each sub that you want to power with the amp with the number of subs you have to arrive at the total RMS power rating. The amp you choose must be able to comfortably put out 75% to 150% of the total RMS power of your subwoofer system.
Finally, you need to consider the system compatibility of the new amp. Most factory-installed and some aftermarket head-units do not features preamp outputs for adding an external amplifier. In that case, you will have to get an amp with speaker-level inputs. If you are building a car sound system from scratch, you should definitely select a head-unit with preamp outputs and an amp with line-level inputs.
These are some of the things you need to keep in mind when selecting an amplifier for your car subwoofer.
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