8 Best 2000 Watt RMS Amps (2023)

This article will help you choose the right amp for your car’s speaker system.

This article will help you to understand car amps and give you tips about what to look out for when shopping for a car amp.

We’ll explain what a car amp is and the different types. Finally, we’ll discuss power ratings, which, at this point, are the most controversial topic in car amps.

A buyer’s guide has been created. It contains all the essential specs that you need to know when purchasing an amp.

8 Best 2000 Watt RMS Amps

If you feel you know all there is to know about car amps, but you still want some suggestions, then you can skip to our 8 best 2000-Watt amplifiers.

Our Top Picks 8 Best 2000 Watt RMS Amps 

Picture	Product	Rating	Price
	BOSS Audio RIOT R2000M	4.3 / 5	Check Last Price
	Planet Audio AC2000.2 Anarchy	4.2 / 5	Check Last Price
	Rockville dB12 2000w Peak	4.4 / 5	Check Last Price
	Kenwood KAC-9106D	4.5 / 5	Check Last Price
	Hifonics BRX2016.1D	4.7 / 5	Check Last Price
	Audiopipe APMI 2000	4.7 / 5	Check Last Price
	Pioneer GM-D9705	4.6 / 5	Check Last Price
	Skar Audio RP-2000.1D	4.8 / 5	Check Last Price

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What You Need to Know About Power Ratings

First, you need to know that power ratings advertised are typically max/peak power outputs.

If an amp is listed as 2000-Watt, it means it can pump 2000W in short bursts (not continuously).

Sometimes, especially with reputable amps (expensive amps of $200+), the advertised power ratings may not be the actual RMS values (continuous power outputs).

It is not a good idea to base your decision on what the box says. It is important to read the specifications and focus on the power outputs that will produce the correct impedance for your speakers.

Must Read Most Recommendated 5000-Watt Amps

You should also know that power ratings are not something you can take for granted, especially if your goal is to find a cheap amp (under $100).

Budget amps often have power outputs that are too high. Sometimes, the actual power outputs of these budget amps are far lower than advertised.

Spending $70 on a 2000W amp that only produces 300W is a waste of money.

There is an easy way to determine the maximum power output. This equation is an example of Ohm’s Law. It will help you to understand amp’s true capabilities.

Your car battery’s voltage can vary, but we have decided to use the constant value of 14.4V to simplify calculations.

Efficiency is also variable and dependent on many factors, including speaker’s impedance. However, you can use.6 to analog (class AB) amps and 0.8 to digital (class D) amps. The user manual usually contains information about the fuse rating (recommended fuse, max current draw).

Also, you can check to see if the amp meets CEA2006 compliance. CEA-2006 is a standard for car amps, but it’s not required. CEA compliance is not required for many budget amps.

You can be sure that the amp will deliver the advertised RMS output if it has CEA-certified RMS power ratings.

Amp Dyno Tests are another useful tool. Many of these videos are available on YouTube. These usually include three types of measurement – uncertified, certified, and dynamic.

The CEA-certified RMS power output (clean RMS power, with a maximum of 1% distortion) is the certified value. The peak power output is the dynamic value.

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Once you have mastered the basics, it’s time to move on to the reviews.

This list of 8 best 2000-Watt amplifiers is broken down into three parts: best under $100, best below $200, and best beneath $300. You don’t need to read the entire list. Just set a price limit and you will see our top picks within the range.

When it comes to 2000-Watt amps, $300 isn’t the limit. While some of these amps can be expensive at $500 (up to $1000), we will only discuss budget-friendly options.

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Best 2000-Watt Amps Under $100

This section is not for amps that are capable of producing 2000W maximum. These cheap amps claim to be 2000W, but they don’t really deliver that much.

They have much lower power ratings. These could be a good option if you need to power a subwoofer 300W(RMS),/2 or two full-range speakers 100W(RMS), but that’s about it.

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1. BOSS Audio RIOT R2000M

Editor’s Rating: (4.3 / 5)

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BOSS Audio is a budget-friendly brand. They produce marine and car audio equipment. Their amps have a problem with power ratings.

They are not rated for their power outputs and this is something that you need to keep in mind when purchasing BOSS amps. We present to you the RIOT R2000M mono-AB class-AB amp.

Although the amp’s advertised maximum power output is 2000W, it will actually deliver only 500W. This amp is good for powering your subwoofer 300W (RMS), but you’ll need to pay more if you require 1000W pure RMS power.

Impressions

The box contains your amp, bass controller, mounting screws and a user manual. The wiring kit will need to be purchased separately, as is the case for all car amps.

R2000M is completely black. The housing is made from brushed aluminum. The top features a BOSS logo with backlighting. It’s stylish and nice. It measures 15.5in in length, 10.43in width, and 2.25in high.

You don’t need to purchase a high-to low adapter because the amplifier has both high- and low-level inputs (RCA).

R2000M features a variable low pass crossover filter (50Hz-250Hz), but no subsonic filter.

You can either use the bass boost knob or install the bass remote to get more thump. The bass can be amplified up to +18dB.

R2000M is a good value for money, but it doesn’t have the 2000W advertised. It is fused at 60A and uses 2 external 30Afuses. The equation in the introduction will give you 518.4W.

You could get 600W maximum. Although RMS ratings aren’t published in the manual, we have found that this amp can deliver between 300 and 400W continuously.

R200M provides overload and heat protection.

Advantages

• Affordable
• Compact
• It is easy to install
• Inputs of high and low levels
• Variable low-pass crossover filter, 50Hz-250Hz
• Stable at 2
• Performance reliability with subwoofers that are less demanding (up to 400W RMS).

Disadvantages

• Subsonic filters not available
• At 1 it is not stable
• Actual power output is lower than advertised (518W VS 2500W).

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2. Planet Audio AC2000.2 Anarchy

Editor’s Rating: (4.2 / 5)

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Planet Audio, like BOSS Audio, is another budget brand. These two brands may actually be one and the same.

It almost feels like R2000.M and AC2000.2 were made in the same factory. AC2000.2 is a 2-channel, class-AB amp that has a power output of 2000W.

AC2000.2 is not capable of pushing 2000W, just like the BOSS amp. It will actually deliver less than 500W.

Impressions

AC2000.2 includes a wired bass controller, mounting screws and a user manual. The wiring kit, which is sold separately, is not included.

AC2000.2 measures 16in in length, 10in wide and 2.4in high.

Both low-level (RCA), and high-level inputs (speaker-level) are available to the amp. If your receiver does not have RCA outputs, you won’t need an adapter.

AC2000.2 features variable sensitivity as well as variable high- and low-pass crossover filter settings. The high-pass crossover range is between 50Hz and 500Hz, while the low-pass range is between 45Hz to 90Hz.

You can add some punch to your music with the bass boost (upto +18dB). The amp has a bass boost knob, and you can also mount the bass level remote in your car.

This amp is rated at 432W maximum. Two 25A fuses are recommended.

Actual power outputs are not as high as advertised. This amp can output 750W continuously at 2 channels (at 2), which is quite optimistic considering the actual power output.

You can also use the amp in bridged mode to provide more power to one speaker/subwoofer. Bridged mode’s max power output (at 4) is advertised at 2000W, but it’s actually lower.

This amp is not recommended if your amplifier can push 2000W. This amp will not power a 1000W/2 or 500W/2 subwoofer. AC2000.2 can power up to two 100W RMS speakers and one subwoofer (200W/4).

Advantages

• It’s affordable
• Compact
• Inputs of high and low levels
• Variable crossover filters for high-pass and low-pass frequencies (50Hz-500Hz)
• Bass boost (0-18dB) & bass level controller
• Stereo mode: Stable at 2.
• Bridged Mode: Stable at 4

Disadvantages

• Actual power ratings are nowhere near the advertised 2000W

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3. Rockville dB12 2000w Peak

Editor’s Rating: (4.4 / 5)

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Rockville is our favorite budget brand. It has the same overrated max power outputs as other cheap amps. But what makes Rockville different than other cheap brands is its CEA-certified RMS power ratings, which are far more precise.

Rockville dB12 mono-amp is classified as a Class D amp and has a power output of 2000W.

Impressions

Rockville dB12 includes a wired remote for bass level, mounting screws, a user manual, as well as a 1-year warranty.

It measures 13.1in in length, 9in wide and 2.4in high. The amp is sleek and simple, with a nice brushed aluminium housing and a backlit Rockville logo at the top.

It has RCA (low level) inputs and RCA outputs. You will need a high to low adapter if your receiver does not have speaker-level inputs.

The amp features a low-pass crossover filter (50Hz – 250Hz) and a subsonic filter (5Hz – 55Hz).

You can also adjust the bass phase (0-180deg) or turn the boost knob. You can increase the bass level by as much as 12dB.

This amp is overrated for power outputs just like other cheap amps. The amp’s fused current is 60A. It’s digital (class D), which gives us the maximum power output of 691W (see equation below).

The actual power output is less than 2000W, but it’s still more than what you would get from Audio Planet and BOSS Audio amps.

The CEA certification is a plus for this amp. Rockville dB12 is CEA certified and can produce 500W continuous at 2 or 300W at 4.

These values are much more realistic than advertised maximum power outputs. If you own a subwoofer with a 500W/2 output, and are looking for an affordable, reliable amp, Rockville is the best option.

Advantages

• It’s affordable
• Compact and small
• It is easy to install
• Low-level RCA inputs, RCA preamp outputs
• Variable low-pass filters (50Hz-250Hz), and subsonic (15Hz-60Hz) filters
• Phase switch and bass boost (0-12dB).
• CEA-compliant
• Stable at 2
• A 500W/2 subwoofer delivers reliable performance

Disadvantages

• At 1 it is not stable
• Actual max power output is much lower than advertised (691W VS 2500W).

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Best 2000-Watt Amps Under $200

These amps are rated at 2000W (maximum power output at the lowest permitted impedance). They can be much closer to the advertised power outputs than the three previous amps.

These amps will pump 2000W maximum and are affordable.

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4. Kenwood KAC-9106D

Editor’s Rating: (4.5 / 5)

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Kenwood, along with Pioneer are two of the most well-known brands in car audio equipment. The amps are affordable, but they offer reliable and good performance.

They are CEA-compliant, which is always a bonus. We present the Kenwood KAC-9106D Class-D monoamp.

Impressions

Your KAC-9106D amp, speaker-level input cable, mounting screws and a user manual are all included in the box.

It measures 13.2in in length, 7.6in width, and 2.2in high. The amp features the recognizable Kenwood design, and is quite compact.

KAC-9106D can be used for both low-level and high-level inputs. You can also connect another amp to it with the RCA outputs.

Variable low-pass and subsonic filters are also available on the amp. The low-pass crossover range is between 50Hz and 200Hz, while the subsonic range is from 20Hz through 50Hz.

The Kenwood KAC-9106D isn’t equipped with a remote for bass, but it does have a knob to boost the bass. The amp can be tuned to boost the bass up to 18dB.

The amp is fused at 120A with three 40A external fuses and it’s digital (Class D). The equation in the introduction will give you the maximum power output of 1382W. It’s not 2000W, but it’s still better than the budget amps.

KAC-9106D meets CEA requirements and has a certified RMS rating of 4. The specs state that the amp can power 500W continuously at 4. The RMS ratings of 2 are not CEA-certified, but the manufacturer claims that it can push 1000W continuously.

We don’t know if 1000W is the right value. It could be somewhere between 800W to 900W. It is stable between 2-8. It is not stable at 1.

Advantages

• Compact and lightweight
• Inputs of high-level and low level (RCA)
• RCA preamp outputs
• Variable low-pass, subsonic and high-pass filters
• Bass boost (0-18dB)
• Stable from 2-8
• CEA-certified (500Wx1 at 4)

Disadvantages

• At 1 it is not stable
• Actual max power output is not at par with advertised power output

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5. Hifonics BRX2016.1D

Editor’s Rating: (4.7 / 5)

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In the 1990s, Hifonics amplifiers were very popular. Although they were powerful and reliable, they were quite costly. Hifonics has become a more budget-friendly brand.

They are very affordable, and while they may not be as good as they once were (especially in terms of quality components), they are still quite acceptable considering their price. The BRX2016.1D Class-D monoamp has a power output of 2000W.

We don’t like Hifonics amps’ inability to provide complete specifications. You’ll see power ratings on their website. However, it’s not possible to determine if they are RMS or maximum power outputs.

These values represent peak/max outputs, according to our view.

Impressions

You’ll also receive a wired remote for bass, mounting screws, a user manual, and a 1-year warranty.

Because of the shiny aluminum housing, the amp appears a little cheap. It measures 14.7in in length, 9.8in width, and 2.4in high.

The amp has balanced inputs and low-level inputs from RCA. It does not have high-level inputs (speaker volume). You can also use the slave-in or slave-out RCA ports to attach your strapping.

There are two types of subsonic and variable low-pass filters. The low-pass crossover range is between 35Hz and 250Hz, while subsonic crossover spans between 15Hz-35Hz.

BRX2016.1D has a bass boost knob, and a remote for bass level control. You can increase the bass level by as much as 10dB. Additionally, you can choose the frequency to boost (30Hz to 80Hz). You can also switch between 0 and 180deg.

The amp is fused at 200A. If we assume it can achieve 80% efficiency, its maximum power output would be 2304W (see equation below).

Although we couldn’t find amp dyno test videos for BRX2016.1D online, it appears that the RMS outputs advertised for BRX1116.1D or BRX3016.1D are slightly exaggerated based on tests.

BRX2016.1D is expected to deliver 2000W at 1, 1400W 2 and 700W 4 respectively. These are the maximum power outputs.

The amp can deliver between 1000W and 1300W continuously at 1. It’s not terrible, but it’s also not great. You can get something stronger and better if you spend 20-50$ more (Audiopipe APMI2000, for instance).

Advantages

• Balanced inputs and low-level RCA inputs
• For strapping, slave-in and slave out RCA ports are available
• Variable low-pass filters (35Hz-250Hz), and subsonic (15Hz-30Hz) filters
• Bass boost (upto 10dB) & bass level remote
• Variable frequency of bass boost (30Hz-80Hz).
• Stable at 1

Disadvantages

• It appears cheap
• It does not have speaker-level inputs

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Best 2000-Watt Amps Under $300

Our top three picks for amps under $300 are the last three. The Pioneer amp boasts a maximum output of 2000W, while the Skar Audio amps and Audiopipe amps have a staggering 2000W RMS output.

These three amps, along with the Hifonics amplifier, are our top picks for reliable and stable performance.

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6. Audiopipe APMI 2000

Editor’s Rating: (4.7 / 5)

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Audiopipe is a favorite when it comes to the W/$ ratio. APMI 2000 is a mono-amp with a Class-D power output of 44W.

It’s 1944W RMS and not peak power output, you’ve understood it. It’s slightly more than $200, which is the best part.

Impressions

Your APMI 2000 amplifier, wired remote for bass, mounting screws, wrench, 150A fuse with inline fuse holder, manual and 1-year warranty are included in the package.

The amplifier measures 16.4in in length, 6.5in width, and 2.2in high.

Only RCA inputs are available for the amp. If your receiver does not have RCA outputs you will need a high-to-low adapter. For strapping, you also have RCA bridge in and bridge out ports.

APMI 2000 features variable low-pass filters and subsonic filters. The low-pass crossover range is between 40Hz-180Hz and the subsonic crossover spans between 0-50Hz.

You can also adjust the amp’s bass boost to up to 12 dB. You can also choose the frequency to be boosted (30Hz-80Hz). You can also install the bass level remote, which works the same way as the amp’s bass boost knob.

You will receive the amplifier’s advertised RMS output of 1944W. You will get slightly lower values if you use our old equation. However, there are many amp dyno test videos on YouTube to confirm these power ratings.

Audiopipe ratings can be relied upon to be accurate.

APMI 2000 will continuously output 1944W at 1, 1300W 2 and 770W 4 at 4. The APMI-2000 amp is the perfect choice if you are looking for an amp that can power your 1000W/2 subwoofer, but also save money.

Advantages

• Excellent Watt/$ ratio
• Low-level RCA inputs
• For strapping, bridge-in and bridge out RCA ports are available
• Variable low-pass filters (40Hz-180Hz), and subsonic (0-50Hz).
• Bass boost (0-12dB) & bass level remote
• Variable frequency of bass boost (30Hz-80Hz).
• Stable at 1
• With a power output of 1944W RMS, the unit delivers reliable and stable performance

Disadvantages

• It does not have speaker-level inputs

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7. Pioneer GM-D9705

Editor’s Rating: (4.6 / 5)

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Pioneer is a well-respected brand in car audio equipment.

Their equipment is affordable and we like it because they are CEA compliant. They can also deliver the power outputs advertised.

The GM-D9705 5-channel Class-D amp has a max power output of 2000W (all channels together).

2000W max is probably a little overrated. However, the RMS power ratings seem more realistic.

Impressions

Your GM-D9705 amplifier, high level input harnesses and wired bass-level remote are all included in the package. The user manual is also included.

The amp looks stylish and elegant. It is compact and small (12.4in in length, 7.9in width, 2in height).

The GM-9705 has both low-level RCA inputs as well as high-level inputs. The speaker level input harness is included so that you don’t need to purchase them separately. Four inputs are provided for front and rear speakers. They can be arranged in two channels (A or B).

Both channels feature variable low-pass and high-pass crossover filter. The range of crossover filters is between 40Hz and 500Hz. Two high/full/low switches are available for each channel.

You can choose the crossover filter that is appropriate for the speaker type you are trying to connect.

The crossover frequency can only be changed when the switches are in their full-range position.

You can boost the bass response by installing the remote. There is no bass boost knob. The bass can be amplified up to 12dB. The frequency of the bass boost is 50Hz.

The amp is fused at 90A (it has three external 30Afuses), and it’s digital (it should reach 80% efficiency).

The equation, which is more suitable for monoamps, but we will still use it), gives you the maximum power output of 1036.8W, which is quite far from the advertised 2000W. We were left wondering if the amp could deliver the RMS outputs.

The amp is CEA compliant, so you don’t have to worry about RMS outputs (actually, only 4 ratings of the amp are CEA-certified).

These ratings show that GM-D9705 is capable of pushing 75W continuously into four channels and 350W into one subwoofer (4 channels). (650W total).

According to the manufacturer, the amp can also deliver 100W continuous into four channels + 600W into one subwoofer (2500W total). Bridged mode (three-channel operation) allows the amp to push 200W into four speakers and 350W into one subwoofer (4500W total).

In 5-channel mode, the min allowed impedance is 2. Bridged mode has a min allowed impedance of 4. At 1.

Advantages

• Compact and small
• Inputs of high- and low-level (RCA),
• Variable high-pass/low-pass crossover filters (40Hz – 500Hz)
• Bass boost (0-12dB)
• 3-channel (bridged) and 5-channel operation
• Stable at 2 or 5 channels mode
• Stable at 4 in 3-channel (bridged mode) mode
• CEA-certified RMS power ratings (75Wx4 at 4 +350Wx1 at 4)

Disadvantages

• At 1 it is not stable
• Actual max power output is less than advertised

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8. Skar Audio RP-2000.1D

Editor’s Rating: (4.8 / 5)

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Skar Audio is a favorite brand. They are powerful amps that are affordable. The RP-2000.1D can produce more than 2000W at 1 load, which is quite impressive.

It’s also available for as low as $250. The RP-2000.1D, along with the Audiopipe APMI 2000, is our top choice when it comes affordable car amps.

Impressions

The RP-2000.1D includes a wired remote for bass, mounting screws, a user manual, and a 1-year warranty.

It measures 17.7in in length, 6.3in width, and 2.2in high. It is stylish and looks great. The housing is made from brushed aluminum. The top features a simple Skar Audio logo. Inputs and controls are located on one side and speaker terminals, power/GND and power/GND on the other.

RP-2000.1D only has low-level RCA inputs. If your receiver does not have RCA outputs you will need a high to low adapter (not included).

The amp does not have RCA output ports, so it is impossible to attach two amps together to get a greater power output.

Variable low-pass and subsonic filters are available on the amplifier. The subsonic crossover range is 0-50Hz and the low-pass crossover range is from 50Hz through 220Hz.

You can adjust the bass response by using the amp’s bass boost switch (0/6dB/12dB), or installing the bass level remote.

The amp is fused at 200A (recommended fusiing) and it’s digital Class-D. The equation in the introduction will give you the maximum power output of 2304W.

The amp’s efficiency is up to 90%, so the maximum power output can reach 2600W. It’s close to the max output advertised.

RMS outputs advertised are somewhat underrated. You will get more than 2000W continuous at 1, 1400W at 2 and 800W at 4. YouTube has many amp dyno test videos for this amp. They all affirm that RP2000.1D amp is excellent.

Advantages

• Low-level RCA inputs
• Variable low-pass crossover filters (50Hz-220Hz), and subsonic (0-50Hz).
• Remote control for bass boost and remote control for bass level
• Stable at 1
• The amp can deliver 2000W continuously at 1
• Excellent W/$ ratio

Disadvantages

• It does not have any high-level inputs
• It cannot be strapped

This is the end of our list of 8 best 2000-Watt amps. Hopefully, there was something you liked. In case you want to keep searching, we’ve made a short buyer’s guide for you.

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Why You Should Buy an External Car Amp

Your car amp, along with your head unit, is the most important component of your car’s audio system.

The majority of new cars have some type of amp built-in, but they are often very small and lack power ratings.

The built-in amp won’t work if you need to replace the speakers or install a subwoofer.

An amplifier that can provide enough power for your speaker system to shine will be needed. An amplifier is required for any speaker upgrade.

It is unlikely that you will get the desired results by connecting new speakers to your small amp.

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How do you choose the right amp

It is difficult to choose the right amp, mainly because of false specifications (overrated power outputs).

We will explain the process first, then we will give you tips and tricks on how to determine the actual power outputs.

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Step 1: Number of speakers/channels

You should match the number of speakers that you wish to install with the car amp’s channels.

There are many types of car amplifiers: 1-channel (monoblocks), 2-channels (stereo), 3-channels, 4-channels, 5-channels, etc.

You will select a different amp depending on how many speakers you wish to install. A 4-channel amp is sufficient if you want to install a subwoofer.

A mono amp would be the best choice. A 3-channel amplifier would be an option if you want to upgrade the amp in the future or replace the 2 front speakers.

It’s about matching the speakers to the amp channels.

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Step 2: Specs matching

Once you have decided how many speakers you want, you can begin to check the specifications. These are the most important.

Look for amps with the same number of channels as the impedance and the matching power ratings.

If you are looking to install a subwoofer with 500W continuous power and a low impedance, you will need a monoamp with 500W RMS power output.

It is fine to have a RMS power output of more than 500W (600W, 700W), but it is unacceptable to have a significantly lower RMS power output.

Your speakers won’t reach their full potential if the RMS power output of your speakers is lower. Worse, clipping risk will be higher.

A 4-channel amplifier would be required to install four full-range speakers. If the speakers have the same power ratings (100W RMS) and the impedance of 4, then you’ll need an amp that can produce 100W+ continuously at 4 loads.

Although this sounds simple, there is a problem: some amp manufacturers don’t always publish accurate specs.

It is important to look beyond numbers. Next chapter will be about power ratings and what you need to know.

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Buyer’s guide – Specifics to Be Aware Of When Buying a Car Amp

Channels (mono, stereo, 3-channel, 4-channel, etc. )

This one is easy. You should choose the right amp for you based on how many speakers you intend to install.

Mono amps with the appropriate power output are all that you will need when installing a subwoofer. A 4-channel amplifier with matching power ratings will work best if you need to replace two front and two rear speakers.

If you need to replace four speakers (or just two), and add a subwoofer, choosing the right amp can be more difficult.

There are many types of amps available. A 5-channel amp can be found with four class-AB channels for speakers and one channel for subwoofer. If you need to replace all four speakers or add a subwoofer, this amp is the best choice.

Amplification Type

Multichannel amps are almost impossible to choose from – all multichannel amps have Class-AB topology.

It is very simple. Multichannel amps can be used to power full-range speakers. They produce a cleaner midrange and a more precise treble than Class-D amps.

Although Class-AB amps are hotter than those of Class-D, they are less efficient and have a lower power output. However, the end product (the sound) is more important than all that.

Mono amps, which are usually used for subwoofers, can be chosen between Class-AB or Class-D. We recommend Class-D amps as they are more efficient and provide cooler performance. But most importantly, they deliver great and controlled bass.

Allowed Impedance and Power Ratings

The introduction has already covered power ratings so we won’t repeat it all. Here is a quick recap.

1. Do not take power ratings advertised as a given.
2. Verify that the amp meets CEA compliance
3. Use the below equation to calculate the max power output.

1. YouTube search for amp dyno testing

Dimensions

Although the amp dimensions may not seem important, they are extremely important. You have limited space in your car so you need to plan carefully how you will install new equipment, especially if it is hidden or not noticeable.

You will need to measure the amp carefully if you plan to put it under your seat.

You must also leave enough space for airflow. This is especially important with Class-AB amps, which have higher operating temperatures.

Wiring

Rarely, the car amps come with all the required wires and plugs. A separate wiring kit will be required.

It is easier to choose the right wiring kit than the right amp. There are two choices: OFC wire or CCA. OFC wire is the better choice. Although it is more costly, it is well worth the investment. You can spend up to $150 for the entire OFC wiring kit

Features – high/low-level inputs, high/low-pass filters, subsonic filters, bass boost, etc.

The number of features depends on the amp type (mono or multiplechannel) and the price.

Amps can have speaker level inputs (also known as high-level RCA inputs) or low-level RCA inputs. Both input types are available on many inexpensive amps.

Some amps that are more expensive have only RCA (low level) inputs, but they can receive speaker-level signal from their RCA inputs. You will end up with amps that have low-level inputs but can’t receive high levels of signal.

You will need to purchase an adapter that is high-to-low.

Subwoofer amps are mono amps that have low-pass crossover filters. This allows you to select the frequency range the subwoofer will reproduce.

Subsonic crossover filters are also available on more expensive amps. Multichannel amps will come with low-pass filters, but also high-pass filters. These filters can be either variable or fixed.

Many mono amplifiers have a bass boost knob that allows you to raise the bass. Many of them can even be fitted in your car with a remote control for the bass level.

High-end amps can support advanced car equipment such as ADAS and HALOSonic.

How about the price?

This is where the old saying “You get what you pay” applies perfectly. One simple tip: If you require your amp to provide 2000W, spend more than $100.

It is virtually impossible to find an amp with 2000W peak power for less than $100 unless you are buying a used or refurbished one.

The majority of amps below $200 can output 2000W (maximum). You will need to spend at least $200 to get an amp capable of delivering 2000W continuously.