Although the best car amplifier for subwoofer is relatively complex in manufacture and design, it serves a simple purpose. It takes the audio signal from the in-car head unit and amplifies it to be distributed to component subwoofers and speakers.
In simple terms, a car amplifier enables for more volume and can also boost the quality of sound by offering a better signal to noise ratio and reducing distortion when compared to a head unit. Buying this device doesn’t mean that the user has to change the speakers but this might be an option if he/she doesn’t know how to pick the right unit for his/her car.
With that in mind, here is a review of the top five amplifiers in the market today and a guide of how to choose the best for a particular car.
Table of Contents
| Name | Editor’s Rating | Class | Max Power | Channels | Dimension | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOSS Audio R1100M Riot Amplifier | 4.3 | Class A/B | 1100W | 1 | 10.4 x 9.1 x 2.2 inches | 5 pounds | Check Price |
| Rockville RW10CA Amplifier | 4.5 | Class A/B | 800W | 1 | 12.4 x 13.4 x 2.7 inches | 14.2 pounds | Check Price |
| BOSS Audio R3400DAmplifier | 4.3 | Class D | 3400W | 1 | 13.5 x 10.4 x 2.2 inches | 8 pounds | Check Price |
| Planet Audio TR4000.1D Amplifier | 4.3 | Class D | 4000W | 1 | 15 x 9.5 x 2.2 inches | 11.5 pounds | Check Price |
| Pioneer TS-WX120A | 4.7 | Class D | 150W | 1 | 9.7 x 15.3 x 4.4 inches | 4.4 pounds |
BOSS Audio R1100M is a class A/B Monoblock amp with 1100W max power and MOSFET power supply to take the car’s audio system to another level. It features a Bass Boost, Remote Control, and Variable Low Pass Crossover for customizing the sound to make it clearer than before.
Its Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors easily switch to non-conduction from full for high-efficiency output. This class A/B unit comes with specific linear circuitry that boats the power output as well as sound quality while eliminating distortion and enhancing efficiency.
The amp powers 2-ohm subwoofers or speakers when in use at two-ohms leading to more volume and power for that additional energy. It features low-level inputs that accept pre-amp output signals and high-level inputs that accept speakers’ output signal to enable for the addition of processors and amps to aftermarket source or standard factory units.
BOSS Audio R1100M Riot is perfect for people searching for an affordable amplifier with power.
Check Price
Rockville RW10CA is an all-in-one unit that gives users great sounding bass in their cars without taking much space. This amp enclosure is just 2.7 inches thick so that it can smoothly fit under the seat.
The unit is built-in, so wiring and installation are clean and easy to offer the installer much needed time to complete other things. The developer wanted to give the installer easy time by adding high inputs so he/she don’t need to wire the unit manually – it comes with a smart circuit that turns on the radio.
Another great feature that users will enjoy when they buy this amp is finding that the outputs and inputs are on the same side. This also makes wiring easier and neater. Other models are hard to install.
The amp boats of 800W of peak power and 200W RMS and is CEA-2006 compliant, meaning its ratings are approved by a regulator to give the user the required guarantee.
Rockville RW10CA is superb for people who don’t have sufficient space in their vehicle.
Check Price
BOSS Audio R3400D Riot is a class D Monoblock unit that boats of 34W max power as well as MOSFET power supply to get the bass pumping. Its features a Subsonic Filter, Remote Subwoofer Control, Bass Boost, and Variable Low Pass Crossover for customizing the sound – attach this unit to another R3400D for better performance.
The device generates more power and runs more efficiently using a more solid design than the customary class A/B amplifiers. It comes with an effective Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect which changes to non-conduction from full for better and higher output.
The 1-ohm stable offers the user the maximum power for maximum wattage and performance with minimal heat. The device also comes with a variable low-pass filter that provides the user control over the frequencies that run through the subwoofer.
BOSS Audio R3400D Riot is a great product for people who love music.
Check Price
Planet Audio TR4000.1D is a class D monoblock amplifier that features MOSFET power supply and 4000W max power to offer powerful and stable bass. It is able to customize the sound with its Bass Boost, Variable Low Pass Crossover, Switchable Phase Control, Remote Subwoofer Control, and Subsonic Filter.
When strapped with another TR4000.1D, the user is guaranteed to enjoy double the performance of 8000W @ 2-ohms. It’s designed for those who cannot resist pumping it up and is built to last for decades.
Planet comes with variable input feature that allows the amp input to match the output to achieve maximum performance when turned correctly. Its switchable input sensitivity offers adjustable control over the input to offer balance between sound quality and power.
Another notable feature of this unit is the phase control that let the user switch the subwoofer phase with the amp if the subwoofer or speakers are connected “out of phase”.
Planet Audio TR4000.1D is for users with vehicles that have the power to satisfy its hunger.
Check Price
Pioneer TS-WX120A is a 150 powerful amp subwoofer system that allows installation in small spaces because of its compact size. It is pretty easy to install it under seats as well as other small spaces.
Many users consider it to be the best car amplifier for subwoofer due to its MOSFET power supply that produces solid and deep bass. Its cover is made of aluminum which facilitates steady bass response.
The unit also comes with a wired remote for easier control of audio adjustments.
Pioneer TS-WX120A is a good amp and is worth every dollar.
Remember that all components in a vehicle will have an influence on its system design. To get it right, always keep these points in mind:
With that in mind, there are a few things that the buyer will need to consider before making that important purchase.
Car amplifiers are generally broken down into three categories:
In addition, the buyer needs to pay attention to these specifications:
All the amplifiers we reviewed above are of great quality. They have a relatively THD, often less or equal to 1 percent.
The best unit should also be efficient and come in a small size. See the physical dimensions of every amp from the table.
Note that the best amps for subwoofer follow CEA-2006 compliance concerning RMS rating guidelines.
Buyers should ensure that they look at the amp’s RMS power rating and see what Ohms or impedance it is rated at. Some fake car amp firms out there will advertise an unreasonable power handling rating to grab the buyer’s attention.
Generally, it is only when the buyer looks at the manual does he/she find these ratings listed at an unreasonable impedance such as less than 1 ohm.
For interior speaker amps, frankly speaking, the user is always going to run the amplifier at 4 Ohms. For subwoofers, the final impedance should be between 2-4 ohms. Anything less than two ohms is often too little resistance for an amp to handle effectively.
Therefore, buyers should pay attention to the RMS ratings when purchasing these gadgets. RMS stands for Root Mean Square – an estimate of continuous average power.
The most popular amplifiers are in the 500W powering handling category and above. When shopping for the amp, buyers should also test the sound quality and ensure it is within their budget.
There are lots of buyers who don’t take time to inspect the specs of what they buy. After all, they are confusing. These specs might be hard to comprehend.
Here are some of the features that should be looked at:
A car great amp should be seen as an investment for an enhanced music experience, so don’t hesitate to spend the money for it will bring much joy when riding in a pumped up vehicle. With that said, a car amp doesn’t need to be expensive to provide the much-needed enjoyment – cheap doesn’t necessarily mean low quality.
The search for the best car amplifier for subwoofer isn’t easy. However, if the buyer keeps in mind the things we have discusses above, including some of the amps that we have reviewed, he/she will find it much easier to make the ideal decision.
Troy is a freelance sound engineer with over ten years’ experience in the music industry. His passion for music started when he was young. He would often be found dismantling old radios or television sets and fixing them. Troy is renowned for hosting some of the best live concerts in his hometown. When not working, Troy loves taking his thirsty Ford Mustang for a long drive in the wild. He has been married to Jane for the last 20 years, and together they have two lovely girls. His also known for his delicious, honey coated, barbecued pork chops; which he prepares in his backyard.
Every amplifier has its day in the sun and its day in the repair shop.…
There's more to speakers than meets the eye. Let's venture down the rabbit hole of…
Amplifiers are crucial components in any audio system, providing the power and clarity needed to…
When it comes to amplifiers, there are two primary options that dominate the market: tube…
Nowadays, more and more musicians discover the advantages of playing guitar with pedals. To add…
To select an amplifier with minimal efforts, you need to have a solid knowledge base.…
View Comments
Thanks a lot for sharing your incredible ideas. It is an appreciated and pretty tip for all those music lovers. What a Fatal post for those who want to upgrade exist subwoofer with new one
Author has kept superb unknown ideas that will help most of music lover. It is not only includes huge ideas but also user friendly with figure-out post. If anybody, read this article will reinforce to get this. Thanks a million for this post.