Not satisfied with your stock stereo and trying to upgrade in the most cost-efficient ways?
Many newer vehicles manufactured today already come with good stock stereo systems. However, many car owners still feel the need to upgrade because we all know that it can be so much better. So, if you need improved bass and sound quality, it’s time that you get the best car amplifier. This would help maximize the capabilities of your speakers. Moreover, if you want to include a separate subwoofer, you will need an amplifier to power it correctly.
We’ve narrowed down the car amplifier options for you. Check out our list of the top 7 best car amplifiers today.
#1 BOSS Audio Riot Monoblock Power Amplifier
Brand: BOSS
The BOSS Audio Riot Monoblock Power Amplifier is one of the premier options when it comes to car amplifiers. It comes in different maximum power outputs that range from 1,100 to 3,400 watts. This device is a 1-channel amplifier that comes with MOSFET power supplies. It features high and low-level inputs, remote subwoofer control, bass boost, and variable low pass crossover. If you are just new to buying car audio equipment, you’ll find the Riot series from BOSS as an ideal option. The Riot Monoblock Power Amplifier enhances sound and turns up the bass of an audio system for a reasonable price.
This device comes with a wired remote so users can easily control the subwoofer level and help produce a more optimal sound. With the presence of the variable low pass filter, you can have more control over frequencies that go through your subwoofer.
Overall, we recommend this car amplifier because of the range of power outputs, its MOSFET power supply, and its strong reception among consumers. With this car amplifier, you’ll get a great product from a reputable brand at a reasonable price.
#2 Rockford Fosgate Punch Ultra Compact Amplifier
Brand: Rockford Fosgate
Rockford Fosgate is another well-known brand when it comes to car audio products. The brand’s Punch BRT lineup offers mono, 2- and 4-channel 300-watt amplifiers. One of their best car amplifiers is the Rockford Fosgate Punch Ultra Compact Amplifier. This device is designed to save space while providing decent stereo power. This device is ultra-compact. Take advantage of the nice lineup of options. The MOSFET output and Butterworth crossover are two great features as well.
Power ratings on all Rockford Fosgate amplifiers meet CEA-2006 industry standards. This means that their power ratings are actual power numbers and not inflated ones. The only negative thing about this product is that it gets hot. It would help if you had good ventilation to prevent it from overheating and breaking down.
#3 BOSS Audio Monoblock and 2-Channel Car Amplifier
Brand: BOSS
Another impressive car amplifier from the BOSS Audio line is the BOSS Audio Monoblock and 2-Channel Car Amplifier. Its power output ranges from 1,200 to 2,500 watts. This product comes with remote subwoofer control, variable filter, variable bass, high and low-level inputs, and MOSFET power supply. Some models include an install kit upon purchase.
The concerns raised about the BOSS Audio Monoblock and 2-Channel Car Amplifier are potential overheating issues and durability. Overall, it’s still one of the best car amplifiers in the market today.
#4 Rockford Fosgate Prime Class-D 1-Channel Amplifier (R1200-1D)
Brand: Rockford Fosgate
Our 4th entry on this list is the Rockford Fosgate Prime Class-D 1-Channel Amplifier. The Prime lineup offers a 1,200-watt Class-D mono amp. This one is developed to provide improved efficiency via the Class-D circuitry. You can expect enhanced bass to your system when you choose this impressive amplifier.
It offers an infrasonic filter that keeps ultra-low bass notes from harming your car’s subwoofer system. This was designed to ideally match a 4-channel amp that powers the mids and highs. This device offers Butterworth crossover, remote Punch Level Control, top mounted controls, RC pass-thru outputs, MOSFET power supply, real-time power supply thermal sensing, and short-circuit protection.
With the Rockford Fosgate Prime Class-D 1-Channel Amplifier, you’ll get many features from a reputable brand. You need to be careful that it does not overheat. Ventilation should always be considered at all times.
#5 Pioneer Class D Mono Amplifier (GM-D8601)
Brand: Pioneer
The Pioneer Class D Mono Amplifier features 1,600 watts of max power. What’s impressive about this is that it offers the brand’s new digital amplifier circuit known as the “Protection Control System,” that functions by sensing its internal temperature and moderating the input level automatically. This protects against circuit shutdown and also enhances the device’s flexibility.
The Pioneer Class D Mono Amplifier features a variable low pass filter that makes audio frequency more adjustable based on the subwoofer characteristics or your listening preferences. This amplifier includes a bass boost remote control that is wired. It’s perfect for adjusting optimal bass levels.
Like some of the amps on this top 7 best car amplifiers list, the main concern of users is overheating.
#6 Planet Audio Anarchy Monoblock Car Amplifier
Brand: Planet Audio
When it comes to budget car amplifiers, we would recommend the Planet Audio Anarchy Monoblock Car Amplifier. This mono amplifier offers a very reasonable price. All of Planet Audio’s Anarchy lineup comes at an affordable price point. Even the 5,000-watt unit is affordable. This product comes with a 6-year Platinum Online dealer warranty if purchased via Amazon.
The design of the Planet Audio Anarchy Monoblock Car Amplifier is fairly compact, and that is a huge plus for many car owners. The wide range of wattage outputs also makes this product a well-recommended one. This is not a perfect device; some users have claimed its power ratings are quite overrated. Some users have also claimed possible quality issues.
#7 Alpine Mono V-Power Digital Amplifier (MRV-M500)
Brand: Alpine
One of the most popular car amplifiers from the Alpine brand is the V-Power Digital Amplifier. It features 500-watts RMS x 1 channel at 2 ohms or 300-watts RMS x 1 at 4 ohms. This V-Power model is already in its fourth generation of providing quality and dependable power. The most recent version already offers Class D digital amplifiers. Class D amplifiers work much better because they operate at 80% greater efficiency than Class A and Class B amplifiers.
This model also benefits from the newer heat sink and circuit design that helps in gentle power control and gradual thermal absorption. The Alpine V-Power Digital Amplifier has integrated dual internal error collection technology. If you want, you can partner this device with Alpine’s RUX-KNOB remote bass knob. These two items are compatible with each other.
Durability and heating issues are also the main concerns for this car amplifier.
Selecting the Best Car Amplifier
If you are overwhelmed with many car amplifier options in today’s market, take the time to analyze your specific needs. Will you be investing your hard-earned money, and are you willing to pay more for a premium option, or will you strictly work on your budget? Our top 7 best car amplifiers list offers a variety of options for your car’s audio system upgrade.