There is nothing like bass reverberating through your car, making your driving experience more enjoyable.
If you want to add more bass to your car audio system, you need to buy a car amplifier designed to boost bass output.
With so many different car amplifiers in the market claiming to be excellent at bass reproduction, it can be difficult to know which one will perform well. That’s why we have put together this detailed review of the 10 best car amplifiers for bass to narrow down your search.
After the reviews, we provided a buying guide to help you make an informed decision. The guide contains factors that you should consider before making your purchase. So without further ado, let’s get started!
[wptb id=3907]10 Best Car Amplifiers for Bass:
1. Kenwood KAC-9106D Monoblock Class D Car Audio Power Amplifier
Kenwood is a well-known brand in the car audio industry. The KAC-9106D is one of their monoblock power amplifiers, and it’s a great piece of gear.
It offers 2000 watts peak power, 500W x subwoofer channel @ 4 ohms, and 1000W x subwoofer channel @ 2 ohms. With this amplifier added to your car audio system, you’ll hear all the impacts and details in your music bass.
The Kenwood KAC-9106D Monoblock amplifier features a Class D design, which makes it very efficient without overheating.
It includes a range of protection measures to keep your equipment safe, including short circuit protection and thermal overload protection. The amplifier is very efficient and has a 20Hz-200Hz frequency response. Plus, a 100 dB signal-to-noise ratio makes it run quietly.
Featuring advanced technologies like a low pass filter (50 – 200 Hz @ 24 dB/oct), infrasonic filter (20 – 50 Hz @ 24 dB/oct), and 40 Hz (0 -18 dB) bass boost, the KAC-9106D delivers clear, powerful sound.
It comfortably accommodates the different range of signal levels from today’s factory and aftermarket stereos with adjustable gain control, 0.2-5.0 volts line level (RCA), and 4.0-12.0 volts speaker level.
The Kenwood KAC-9106D Monoblock amplifier installation process is stress-free. You only need a Phillips-head or flat blade screwdriver to tighten/loosen the terminals. The manufacturer recommends using a spade connector and a 4-gauge wiring kit.
Benefits
- It is a powerful monoblock amplifier.
- Its installation process is stress-free.
- This subwoofer has a short circuit, thermal, overload protection, so you can rest assured it won’t get damaged easily.
- It can accommodate a different range of signal levels.
Drawbacks
- You can only connect one speaker, which is a turn-off for people with multiple speakers.
2. Rockford Fosgate R500X1D Prime 1-Channel Class D Amplifier
Rockford Fosgate is a well-known and respected brand in the car audio world. They make some of the highest quality amplifiers on the market, and their R500X1D Prime 1-channel Class D amplifier is no exception.
This amplifier is perfect for bass lovers and audiophiles alike, delivering powerful sound with rich detail. It’s also easy to use.
The Rockford Fosgate R500X1D is a single-channel car amplifier that delivers up to 500 watts of power. It includes a MOSFET power supply that delivers clean, efficient power to provide excellent sound quality with minimal distortion.
Its overcurrent, thermal, and short circuit protection ensure durability. With the cast aluminum heatsink, you won’t deal with overheating.
In terms of features, the R500X1D amplifier doesn’t disappoint. It includes a low-pass filter, 12dB/octave Butterworth crossover, Punch EQ boost circuit with a +18dB boost @ 45Hz.
These features allow you to customize the sound of your system to match your specific preferences. Thanks to its 4-gauge power/ground connectors and RCA pass-thru output, it is easy to install in any vehicle. Rockford Fosgate also has a one-year warranty on it.
Benefits
- This amplifier performs well and has a lot of power.
- It is packed with tins of features to enhance your car audio system.
- Installation is as simple as ABC.
- The price point is decent.
Drawbacks
- You may get a defective product.
3. Rockville dB13 3000 Watt Peak/750w RMS Mono 2 Ohm Car Amplifier
Rockville dB13 mono 2-ohm car amplifier is one of the most popular car amplifiers on the market. Why? Because it delivers great sound quality at an affordable price. It features a MOSFET power supply, low pass filter, and bass boost.
The amplifier delivers true rated power of 750 watts RMS x 1 channel @ 2 ohms and 750 watts RMS x 1 channel @ 4 ohms.
This amplifier is very efficient because of the MOSFET power supply it uses. Plus, its internal components are all designed to dissipate heat as efficiently as possible, so the amplifier stays cool at all times! It also includes a remote control bass knob.
With its low pass filter (50Hz – 250Hz) and subsonic filter (15Hz – 55Hz), you will have no problem getting the perfect sound out of your subwoofer(s).
Rockville equipped it with built-in protection circuits that will protect your amplifier in case of a short voltage @ 10V, overload voltage @ 16V, and thermal emergency. The chrome-plated connections give this amp a very high-end look.
When you buy the dB13 amplifier, it comes with a full one-year warranty, mounting screws, and a user manual for a guide to a smooth installation.
Benefits
- This amplifier is a workhorse.
- It is packed with features that will take your in-car music experience to the next level.
- It comes with a remote control to regulate bass output to your preference.
- The manufacturer has a one-year warranty on it.
Drawbacks
- It goes into protection mode often.
4. Planet Audio AC2600.2 2 Channel Car Amplifier
The Planet Audio AC2600.2 amplifier is one of the company’s popular amplifiers. It’s a 2-channel amplifier that can produce up to 2600 watts of peak power, making it ideal for powering multiple speakers.
This amplifier is 2-4 ohm stable, delivering 975 watts RMS x 2 channels @ 2 ohm and 488 watts RMS x 2 channels @ 4 ohms. It also has a bridgeable design (1950 watts RMS x 1 channel @ 4 ohms), so you can increase its power output if needed.
The amplifier is Class A/B. It features a MOSFET power supply for increased efficiency and reliability. Thanks to its thermal and short circuit protection, you can rest assured that your equipment won’t get damaged from overheating and bad current.
The Planet Audio amplifier features high and low-level inputs, making it connect easily to different sources. It comes with variable high pass & low pass crossover to customize its sound to your liking. Additionally, the manufacturer included a remote subwoofer control and bass boost control.
Benefits
- This amplifier offers two channels for hooking up two speakers.
- It is inexpensive and offers excellent value for money.
- It has a remote subwoofer level control and bass boost control for adjusting bass.
- Its power output is very impressive.
Drawbacks
- It doesn’t last long.
5. BOSS Audio Systems R1100MK Car Amplifier and 8 Gauge Wiring Kit
When it comes to car audio, three things are considered essential: a good sound system, ample power, and clean wiring. The BOSS Audio Systems R1100MK car amplifier and 8-gauge wiring kit provide all of that. Plus, it costs below $100.
This monoblock amplifier produces 1100 watts of power. It is powerful enough to provide plenty of volumes, yet it’s still compact enough to fit in small spaces. Its 2-4 ohm stability and Class A/B circuitry will handle a wide range of speaker loads without problems.
But what makes this amplifier efficient is its MOSFET power supply. This ensures that you’ll get clean, consistent power even when the amplifier is under heavy load. It also helps to keep your car’s electrical system safe, so you don’t have to worry about any unwanted power surges.
Furthermore, its variable low-pass crossover and bass boost controls let you fine-tune your sound to perfection. Thanks to its built-in thermal and short circuit protection, you can rest assured that your amplifier will always be safe.
Unfortunately, the 8-gauge wiring kit is not 8-gauge, and it is not pure copper. We recommend buying a quality wiring gauge wiring kit for superior car audio performance.
Benefits
- This amplifier MOSFET power supply provides clean, consistent power.
- It’s a budget amplifier.
- It has built-in thermal and short circuit protection
- There are variable low-pass crossover and bass boost controls
Drawbacks
- The wiring kit isn’t 8-gauge.
- The amplifier may not last long.
6. Skar Audio RP-600.5 700 Watt Full-Range Class AB/D 5-Channel Car Amplifier
The Skar Audio RP-600.5 5-channel amplifier (14.4v) unit delivers 60 watts x 4 channels + 250 watts x 1 channel @ 4 ohms, 90 watts x 4 channels + 300 watts x 1 channel @ 2 ohms, 400 watts x 5 channels @ 1 ohm.
It also supports bridging to get more power with 180 watts x 2 channels @ 4 ohms. With its superior build quality and powerful performance, it’s no wonder why this amplifier is so popular among car audio enthusiasts.
When it comes to design, the Skar Audio RP-600.5 is built with heavy-duty materials that can withstand the rigors of daily use. It features a full-range class AB/D design, meaning it can produce accurate and powerful sound across the entire frequency range.
The cast aluminum alloy heatsink ensures heat dissipation. While the 4-way protection circuitry (thermal, voltage, speaker, and DC) ensures the amplifier delivers high-quality sound for years to come.
In terms of performance, the Skar Audio RP-600.5 amplifier delivers crystal clear sound with thumping bass without distortion. This is because the amplifier features a high-speed MOSFET power supply. Additionally, its variable low pass filter (50Hz – 500Hz) and high pass filter (20Hz – 5kHz) allow greater flexibility when tuning the audio output to your specific needs.
The Skar Audio RP-600.5 amplifier includes a bass boost EQ that allows you to customize the low-end frequencies the way you want. It also has 4-gauge power and ground terminals for straightforward installation.
Benefits
- It is a very reliable five-channel amplifier.
- It has a low pass filter, high pass filter, and bass boost EQ to tailor the music to your taste.
- The amplifier sound quality is incredible.
- It is a full-range class AB/D amplifier, so you can bank on it to last for years.
Drawbacks
- Its motor is noisy.
7. JL Audio XD600/6v2 6-Channel car Amplifier
The JL Audio XD600/6v2 is a great choice for powering a wide variety of car audio setups. It has six channels that produce 75 watts of RMS power per channel.
You can bridge four of its channels to get a four-channel amplifier with 200 watts RMS x 2 channels and 75 watts x 2 channels @ 4 ohms for the rear satellites. You can even drive two subwoofers with 200 watts each. It achieves these configurations thanks to JL Audio NexD ultra-high-speed switching design.
This amplifier features an advanced switching MOSFET power supply and a cast-aluminum heatsink for improved thermal efficiency. Its automatic turn-on capability (via signal sensing or DC-offset sensing) handles a wide range of input voltage levels to prevent electrical damage.
The XD600/6v2 amplifier has a 12 dB/octave filter for each channel that can be configured as either a low-pass or high-pass filter with a cutoff frequency range from 50-500 Hz.
You can add the HD-RLC remote level control (sold separately) to control the amplifier’s level from your seat. JL Audio made it with a gasket brushed aluminum cover coated with ablack powder-coat finish for durability.
Benefits
- This amplifier has six channels, making it a great choice for powering a wide variety of car audio setups.
- The sound quality is crystal clear.
- It features an automatic turn-on capability (via signal sensing or DC-offset sensing) to handle different input voltage levels.
- It is a durable amplifier.
Drawbacks
- None we could find.
8. Lanzar VCT2610 2-Channel Amplifier
The Lanzar VCT2610 2-channel amplifier earns its place on our list with its high-power output. With a maximum power output level of 3000W x 2 channels and 6000-watt x 1 bridged channel, this amplifier produces high-quality audio.
It will fill your car interior with bass all day with its 300 watts RMS @ 4 ohms and 600 watts RMS @ 2 ohms. Thanks to the metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFET) power supply that easily switches from full to non-conduction, it delivers high efficiency.
The Lanzar VCT2610 2-channel amplifier has several features that make it a great choice for car audio systems. It features a 2 x 40 amp maxi type fuse for protection from thermal/overload/short circuit conditions.
The variable high-pass & low-pass (40 Hz-250 Hz) and supersonic filter (10Hz~100Hz, 24dB/octave) ensure accurate sound reproduction. With its low-level RCA input and line-level RCA output, the VCT2610 is easy to connect to your existing car audio system.
The Lanzar VCT2610 2-channel amplifier is also equipped with a bass boost function (0-18dB at 40Hz) for an extra thump. It is slim, lightweight, and comes complete with all required mounting hardware for easy installation in any vehicle.
Benefits
- It is a powerful amplifier with amazing sound.
- It is super easy to install.
- This amplifier has protection from thermal/overload/short circuit conditions.
- It is easy to connect to any car audio system.
Drawbacks
- It goes into protection mode often.
- It runs hot too.
9. PIONEER GM-D8701 500W Mono Class D Amplifier
PIONEER GM-D8701 500W Mono Class D Amplifier is a mono subwoofer amplifier that gives your car audio system an extra boost. With an RMS power rating of 300W x 1 channel @ 4 ohms, 500W RMS x 1 channel @ 2 ohms, and 800W RMS x 1 channel @ 1 ohm, this amp can drive your subwoofers with ease.
The Class D amplifier design is highly efficient and doesn’t produce heat, so it’s ideal for cars with limited space.
PIONEER equipped it with a variable low-pass filter that lets you control the cutoff frequency to get the perfect sound. They also included a bass boost remote control that lets you add some extra thump to your music.
The 1 ohm to 4-ohm allowable impedance makes this amplifier compatible with most subwoofers and audio systems on the market. Installation is pretty straightforward because the included instructions are clear and easy to follow.
Benefits
- It is a nice mono amplifier with ample power to produce thumping bass.
- It has 1 ohm to 8-ohm allowable impedance.
- Installation is simple as ABC.
Drawbacks
- The amplifier is not consistent.
10. Alpine PDX-V9, 5-Channel Extreme Power Density Digital Amplifier
The Alpine PDX-V9 5-channel digital amplifier delivers extreme power density. It’s smaller and lighter than traditional amplifiers, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to upgrade their car sound system without taking up too much space.
This amplifier delivers a peak power of 1600 watts. Its RMS power handling remains the same at 2 & 4 ohms impedance, with 100 watts x four channels + 500W RMS sub-channel. You can bridge it @ 4-ohm to get 200 watts RMS x two channels.
The Alpine PDX-V9 amplifier channel one to four delivers a crossover frequency response of 30 – 600 Hz (x1) @ 12 dB/oct, while the subwoofer channel has a crossover response of 50 – 600 Hz @ 24 dB/oct. Its Class D circuitry power provides tremendous headroom with low distortion due to less stress on the internal components.
Alpine used an efficient power management circuit to regulate all aspects of the amplifier performance. The circuit provides protection against short voltage and overheating to ensure uninterrupted power output for constant listening.
If the amplifier gets too hot, this circuit reduces the power level till the amplifier cools down. Similarly, if your car battery voltage decreases to a low level, the circuit will reduce power until it increases back to an acceptable level.
The Alpine PDX-V9 5-channel digital amplifier also features an adjustable low-pass filter, allowing you to fine-tune your sound system to your specifications. Alpine has a RUX-KNOB bass remote control (sold separately) for regulating bass output.
Installing this amplifier is straightforward. Its high-power speaker connectors have a unique quick disconnect design and accept 4GA & 8GA wiring for simple error-free installation. Thanks to its removable trim rings, you can paint the amplifier to match your car interior.
Benefits
- This amplifier delivers exceptional sound quality and power.
- It has a wide range of features that make it a great choice for car audio enthusiasts.
- You can custom-paint it to any color of your choice.
- It is compact and will fit tight spaces in your car.
Drawbacks
- If you buy from an unauthorized seller, there’s no warranty.
Best Car Amplifier For Bass Buying Guide
In this buying guide, we will discuss factors you should consider before purchasing an amplifier for your car audio system to improve the bass output. We’ll help you understand what each factor means and how it affects the overall performance of your amplifier. Read on!
The Amplifier Power Output:
The first factor to consider is the power output of the amplifier. It is measured in watts and indicates how much power the amplifier can produce. The higher the wattage, the louder and clearer the sound will be. There are two measurements to consider: peak power and RMS power.
Peak Handling Power: This is the maximum amount of power the amplifier can produce for a short period.
RMS Handling Power: It tells how much power the amplifier can produce continuously without damaging the speaker or overloading the electrical system. A higher RMS power rating means that the amplifier can handle more powerful bass notes without distortion.
When choosing an amplifier, look for one with high peak and RMS power ratings.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio:
The signal-to-noise ratio measures how much background noise there is in relation to the music signal. A higher ratio means a cleaner sound, free from interference. When shopping for an amplifier, look for one with a signal-to-noise ratio of at least 85 decibels.
Frequency Response:
You’ll also want to consider the frequency response of the amplifier. This indicates how well the amplifier can reproduce low and high frequencies. Most bass car amplifiers have a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
Additionally, some amplifiers feature variable crossover frequency controls. These controls let you select the frequencies that are sent to each speaker or pair of speakers. For example, you can use the crossover to send low frequencies to your subwoofer and high frequencies to your tweeters.
Amplifier Input sensitivity:
Look at the input sensitivity of the amplifier. This indicates how much power is required to produce a certain volume level. A higher input sensitivity means that less power is required to achieve the same volume. This is important if you want to avoid overloading your amplifier.
Amplifier impedance:
Impedance is measured in ohms and indicates how much resistance the amplifier has to electrical current flow. A lower impedance means that more current can flow through the amplifier, resulting in more power output. Most car amplifiers have an impedance of two, four, or eight ohms.
Amplifier Channels:
There are different types of amplifiers based on the number of channels they have. Some have one channel, some two, and some four. There are even 5 channels and 6 channels amplifiers. The rule of thumb is that the more channels, the better the sound quality will be. However, this also depends on how you use those channels.
Also, consider if the amplifier can be bridged. Bridging is useful if you’re looking to increase the power output of your amplifier. This feature helps you combine two separate channels into one, allowing the amplifier to produce more power.
Amplifier Size:
Think about the size of the amplifier. Car amplifiers come in different sizes, so you’ll need to choose one that will fit in your vehicle.
Budget:
Car amplifiers range in price. Decide how much you’re willing to spend on an amplifier, and then shop around for one that fits your needs and budget.
Warranty:
Most manufacturers offer a limited warranty of one or two years. However, some brands offer longer warranties of up to five years. This just goes to show how confident they are in their product’s quality. A longer warranty also means that you’ll have peace of mind in case something goes wrong with your amplifier.
Important Features to Look for
Now that we’ve gone over the basics, let’s talk about features.
One feature to look for is a bass boost. This gives you the ability to increase the level of bass output from your amplifier. Some amplifiers come with a bass remote control, which lets you adjust the bass level from your front seat. This is a great way to fine-tune the sound of your system without taking your eyes off the road.
Another feature to look for is built-in EQ. This stands for equalization and lets you adjust the sound of your amplifier to match your music preferences. Most amplifiers have a few different EQ presets, such as “flat” or “rock.”
If you want more control over the sound of your amplifier, look for one with a parametric EQ. This gives you more flexibility in how you shape the sound of your system.
Lastly, the three-way circuitry protection feature that protects your amplifier against damage caused by overheating, short circuits, and excessive current flow.
Final Thoughts
Bass amplifiers are not all created equal. So, it’s essential to buy the one that will give you the sound quality you are looking for without overpowering your system.
We have carefully selected ten of our favorite amplifiers on the market today and provided a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed purchase.
With the tips we have provided, we are confident you will be able to find the perfect amplifier for your ride. Have fun shopping for your new car amplifier!