For many auto owners, the factory stereo just will not be enough, and happily, there are numerous cost-effective upgrades available.
True, newer, more modern vehicles are equipped with great stereo systems out of the box, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be improved. For many automobile owners, the factory radio just will not be enough, and happily, there are numerous cost-effective options available one of them is a 1000 watts car amplifier.
An amplifier is required to get the most out of your speakers, especially if you’re using aftermarket speakers, whether you want greater sound quality or want to add some real bass to your system. If you want to install a separate subwoofer, you’ll almost certainly need an amplifier to power it.
We’ll look at five prominent automotive audio brands that make high-quality amplifiers, as well as how to shop for one, in this post. Refer to our table of contents for more information on automobile amplifiers.
What is a Car Amplifier?
Every car with a stereo has an amplifier, whether you realize it or not. Most factory amplifiers are hidden inside a car’s head unit, so you’re not even aware they’re there. At the end of the day, a stereo would be useless if it didn’t have an 1000 watts car amplifier.
An amplifier, in the most basic definition, is a device that boosts the power of a signal. In the case of a car radio, this entails boosting a weak audio signal so that it can drive your speakers.
Naturally, the more powerful an amplifier is, the greater sound it can produce – if your speakers are capable of handling it.
Why Do I Need a Car Amplifier?
So, you might be wondering, what’s the point of buying an aftermarket amplifier if your car already has one? Simply told, OEM amplifiers that are built into a head unit aren’t all that great.
Most car buyers didn’t choose their vehicle based on whether or not the factory radio sounded good, which means automakers don’t always have a compelling motive to employ high-quality components.
Some car owners may find that simply replacing their car speakers is enough to improve the sound quality inside their vehicle. If that’s not enough, consider adding an aftermarket amplifier to truly bring those new speakers to life.
As previously said, if you want to add a subwoofer to your car, you’ll need an aftermarket amplifier.
It’s worth noting that, depending on your listening habits, you may not require an amplifier. An updated head unit may occasionally supply enough extra power to your speakers to make them sound good enough for your ears.
What to Look for When Shopping for a Car Amplifier
If this is your first time looking for automobile amplifiers, you may find the process daunting and perplexing. Fear not, you’re not alone, and we’re attempting to make things easier for you.
There are many qualities that distinguish amplifier A from amplifier B, but there are a few things to consider before deciding on the best option.
Is the amplifier going to be used to power new speakers or a subwoofer? Do you want a single amp that can handle all of your needs?
To answer those problems, you must first realize that each speaker requires at least one “channel.” If you want to throw more power at everything, you can have multiple amplifiers in your automobile.
A 4-channel amp, for example, can power four separate coaxial speakers, whereas a mono (1-channel) amp can power your subwoofer.
Most significantly, you must realize that an amplifier must be matched to your system’s requirements. Some amps have low or high-pass filters that are good for woofers or tweeters, while others concentrate on bass enhancement.
The power that an amplifier offers is another factor to consider. Rather than looking at an amplifier’s maximum power rating, you should focus on the RMS number.
To get the best quality out of your speakers, try to match the RMS value to the power handling of your speakers.
Top 10 Best 1000 Watts Car Amplifier
1. BOSS Audio Riot Monoblock Power Amplifier
The Riot Monoblock Power Amplifier is BOSS Audio’s first suggestion. It comes in a variety of maximum power outputs ranging from 1,100 to 3,400 watts.
These are MOSFET power supplies featuring high and low-level inputs, configurable low pass crossover, bass enhancement, and remote subwoofer control for 1-channel amplifiers.
The Riot Series amplifiers are perfect for first-time car audio consumers who want to improve the quality of their stereo or add bass to their system at a low cost.
These amplifiers are made to power subwoofers so they may work as intended. The subwoofer level can be easily controlled with a wired remote, allowing you to tune the output for better sound.
You can regulate which frequencies flow through to the subwoofer using the variable low pass filter.
Pros – Price, a wide variety of power outputs, a MOSFET power supply, and a connected remote are all advantages.
Cons – Several owners have reported that their amps have died after only a month’s hours of use.
2. BOSS Audio Monoblock and 2-Channel Car Amplifier
BOSS Audio also offers monoblock and 2-channel amplifiers with power outputs ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 watts.
The 1,200-watt 2-channel amplifier can deliver 600 watts per channel at 2 ohms or 300 watts per channel at 4 ohms. It can also handle up to 1,200 watts of bridged power per channel at 4 ohms.
A 1,600-watt unit with 800 watts max power at 2 ohms by 2 channels, 400 watts max power at 4 ohms by 2 channels, and 1,600 watts max bridged power at 4 ohms by 1 channel is the other 2-channel amp in this series.
If you want a monoblock amp, this portfolio has 1,500 watts, 2,000 watts, and 2,500 watts to choose from.
MOSFET power supply, low and high-level inputs, variable filter, variable bass boost, and remote subwoofer control are all included in the amps.
Certain variants are also available with an installation kit.
Pros – Low cost, a wide range of power output, MOSFET power supply, and some models come with an installation kit.
Cons – Potential overheating difficulties, as well as comparable concerns about longevity and quality.
3. Rockford Fosgate Punch Ultra Compact Amplifier
The Punch BRT range from Rockford Fosgate includes mono, 2-, and 4-channel 300-watt amplifiers.
These ultra-compact amplifiers come with a one-year limited warranty and are designed to save you space while providing adequate power for your system.
The mono amp features a MOSFET output stage, a Butterworth crossover of 12 dB/octave, and high- and low-level inputs. It has a power rating of 300 watts at 1-ohm RMS, 150 watts at 2 ohms, and 75 watts at 4 ohms.
With a rated power of 100 watts x 2 channels at 4 ohms, 150 watts x 2 channels at 2 ohms, or 300 watts x 1 channel at 4-ohm bridged, the 2-channel amp also has a MOSFET output stage and a 12 dB/octave Butterworth crossover.
The 4-channel amp includes all of the same capabilities as the other two models, plus a switch to switch between 2 and 4 channels. Because this amp can only operate at 4 ohms, RMS output is rated at 75 watts x 4 channels @ 4 ohms. It cannot be bridged.
All power ratings on Rockford Fosgate amplifiers comply with CEA-2006 industry standards, ensuring that the output power ratings are accurate and not inflated marketing claims.
Pros – Reputable brand, ultra-compact design, extensive feature set, MOSFET output stage, Butterworth crossover, CEA-2006 power ratings
Cons – Expensive, and it can get very hot if not properly ventilated.
4. Rockford Fosgate Prime Class-D 1-Channel Amplifier (R1200-1D)
Rockford Fosgate’s Prime range features a 1,200-watt Class-D mono amp if you need something more powerful. This amp’s Class-D circuitry ensures excellent efficiency while delivering rich, deep bass to any system.
It is subwoofer-optimized, with an infrasonic filter that prevents ultra-low, inaudible bass tones from hurting your subwoofer system. It’s best paired with a four-channel amp that drives your mids and highs.
This amplifier has a 12 dB/octave Butterworth crossover, infrasonic filter, on-board Punch EQ with +18 dB boost at 45 Hz, remote Punch Level Control, RCA pass-thru outputs, real-time output, and power supply thermal sensing, cast aluminum heatsink, top-mounted controls, 4-gauge power and ground connectors, MOSFET power supply, short circuit protection, muted turn on, and a one-year limited
RMS is 400 watts x 1 channel at 4 ohms, 800 watts x 1 channel at 2 ohms, or 1200 watts x 1 channel at 1 ohm, with a total power of 1,200 watts.
Pros – Reputable brand, strong Class-D amplifier, infrasonic filter, Butterworth crossover, MOSFET power supply, excellent for driving a subwoofer
Cons – Expensive, runs hot and may cause overheating.
5. Pioneer Class D Mono Amplifier
Pioneer’s Class D mono amplifier has a maximum power output of 1,600 watts and a compact design that allows for a variety of placement options. 800 watts x 1 channel at 1 ohm, 500 watts x 1 channel at 2 ohms, or 300 watts x 1 channel at 4 ohms is the RMS power ratings.
This amp includes Pioneer’s unique “Protection Control System,” a digital amplifier circuit that senses its internal temperature and adjusts the input level accordingly.
The technology not only helps to prevent circuit failure, but also gives you more options when it comes to connecting several subwoofers to a system.
The Class D amp also incorporates a variable low pass filter for further flexibility, allowing you to modify audio frequency based on the characteristics of your subwoofer(s) and your personal listening preferences.
The low pass filter can be adjusted between 40 and 240 Hz. A connected bass boost remote control is included with the amp for fine-tuning the bass volume.
Pros – Reputable brand, small and powerful, Protection Control System, Class D amplifier, and wired bass boost remote included
Cons – Some customers have reported problems with overheating.
6. Pioneer Class FD 4-Channel Bridgeable Amplifier (GM-D8604)
Pioneer’s 4-channel bridgeable amplifier has a maximum power output of 1,200 watts and a compact design for a number of installation possibilities.
This 4-channel amp, like the Class D mono amp, has Pioneer’s Protection Control System, which detects the amp’s internal temperature and adjusts the input level accordingly. T
his amplifier also has changeable low and high pass filters that can be adjusted from 40 to 500 Hz to fine-tune your listening experience.
This amp’s continuous power output is 125 watts x 4 channels at 1 ohm, 150 watts x 4 channels at 2 ohm, 100 watts x 4 channels at 4 ohms, or 300 watts x 2 channels at 4 ohms when bridged.
This is a Class FD amplifier with exceptional efficiency and sound quality, making it ideal for driving your mids and highs.
Pros – Reputable brand, bridgeable, small, Protection Control System, perfect for driving mids and highs
Cons – After a short period of use, a small percentage of consumers experience troubles with the amplifier.
7. Planet Audio Anarchy Monoblock Car Amplifier
If you’re looking for a low-cost mono amplifier, Planet Audio’s Anarchy series delivers 1,500, 2,500, 3,000, 4,000, and 5,000 watts of power.
Even if you go for the 5,000-watt model, these mono amps are inexpensive. Each of these amplifiers also comes with a six-year Platinum Online dealer warranty if purchased through Amazon.
The 1,500-watt amp can deliver 750 watts into a single channel at 2 ohms or 1,500 watts into a single channel at 4 ohms. It has high and low-level inputs, as well as a low-pass crossover and selectable bass boost. The AC1500.1M has a 10-inch width, a 2.4-inch height, and a 10-inch depth.
It’s rated at 2,500 watts max power x 1 channel at 2 ohms or 1,875 watts x 1 channel at 4 ohms for the 2,500-watt monoblock amp. High and low-level inputs, variable low pass crossover, variable bass boost, and remote subwoofer control are all included in this amp. The AC2500.1M is ten inches wide, two inches tall, and fourteen inches deep.
The AC3000.1D has a maximum power output of 3,000 watts per channel at 1 ohm, 1,500 watts per channel at 2 ohms, and 750 watts per channel at 4 ohms. This amp is 10-inches wide, 2.4-inches tall, and 13-inches deep, with all of the same features as the other models.
A 4,000-watt max power monoblock at 1 ohm or 2,000-watts peak power x 1 channel at 2 ohms are available for even more power.
You can also run it at 4 ohms for a maximum output of 1,000 watts. The AC4000.1D is 10-inches wide, 2.4-inches tall, and 15-inches deep, with switchable phase control and a variable subsonic filter.
The AC5000.1D, a Class D amplifier with a max output of 5000 watts x 1 at 1 ohm, 2,500 watts max power x 1 at 2 ohms, or 1,250 watts peak power x 1 at 4 ohms, is at the top of the line. The 10-inch-wide, 2.4-inch-tall, and 18-inch-deep monoblock amp is rated at 5,000 watts.
Low-level inputs are only available on the 3,000, 4,000, and 5,000-watt amps.
Pros – Low cost, a wide range of wattage outputs, and small size
Cons – Users claim that power ratings are “overrated,” and there may be quality issues.
8. Planet Audio Anarchy 2-Channel Bridgeable Amplifier
Planet Audio’s Anarchy family of 2-channel amplifiers is also available at a reasonable price. These Class A/B amplifiers are bridgeable and 2- or 4-ohm stable, with a maximum power output of 600 to 2,600 watts.
When purchased through Amazon, the 2-channel amps come with a six-year Platinum Online dealer warranty, the same as the Anarchy monoblock amplifiers.
The AC600.2, a 600-watt amp with low and high-level inputs, variable filter, variable bass boost, and MOSFET power supply, is the most economical product in this portfolio.
It has a maximum bridged power of 600 watts per channel at 4 ohms, or 300 watts per channel at 2 ohms, or 150 watts per channel at 4 ohms.
1,000 watts max bridged power x 1 channel at 4 ohms, 500 watts x 2 channels at 2 ohms, or 250 watts x 2 channels at 4 ohms are the ratings for the 1,000-watt amp.
The AC1000.2 includes remote subwoofer control in addition to the same functions as the AC600.2. The AC1000.2 has a 10-inch width, a 2.4-inch height, and a 9.5-inch depth.
The AC1200.2 has a slightly higher power rating, with 1,200 watts max bridged power x 1 channel @ 4 ohms. The 1200-watt amp is ten inches wide, 2.4 inches tall, and twelve inches deep.
1000 watts max power x 2 channels at 2 ohms, 500 watts max power x 2 channels at 4 ohms, or 2000 watts max bridged power x 1 channel at 4 ohms is all possible with the 2,000-watt amp. The AC2000.2 has a 10-inch width, a 2.4-inch height, and a 16-inch depth.
A 2,600-watt max bridged power x 1 channel at 4-ohm amp is the most powerful option in the portfolio. It can also be tuned to 1,300 watts max power x 2 channels at 2 ohms or 650 watts max power x 2 channels at 4 ohms.
The dimensions of this amplifier are 10-inches wide, 2.4-inches in height, and 18-inches deep.
Pros – Low cost, small size, and a wide range of power outputs
Cons – It gets hot, and users complain that the power output is overestimated.
9. Alpine Mono V-Power Digital Amplifier (MRV-M500)
The Alpine V-Power Digital Amplifier is a popular mono amplifier that delivers 500 watts RMS x 1 channel at 2 ohm or 300 watts RMS x 1 at 4 ohms. V-Power amplifiers are now in their fourth generation of dependable, high-quality power, with the most recent models being Class D digital amplifiers.
The latest V-Power amps, according to Alpine, provide a substantial efficiency boost over their predecessors, without draining your battery or your money. Class D amplifiers are 80 percent more efficient than Class A or B amplifiers, giving constant clean power to your system.
A revised circuit and heat sink design benefit these amps as well, allowing for gradual thermal absorption and gentle power regulation. Dual internal error-correcting technology is now included in the V-Power amplifiers.
Alpine claims that the audio input signal is dynamically evaluated, compared and rectified twice as it passes through the amplifier. Wide frequency response, increased damping factor, and reduced noise is the end results.
Alpine’s RUX-KNOB remote bass knob, which is offered separately, is compatible with this amp.
Pros – Reputable brand, Class D digital amplifier, small size, dual internal error correction, RUX-KNOB compatible
Cons – Longevity and heating difficulties are possible drawbacks.
10. Alpine 5-Channel Extreme Power Density Digital Amplifier (PDX-V9)
It’s one of the most costly amplifiers on our list, but it’s also the one you should go for if you’re a true audiophile. The RMS power ratings of the PDX-V9 are 100-watts RMS x 4 channels + 500-watts RMS at 4 ohms, 100-watts RMS x 4 channels + 500-watts RMS at 2 ohms, or 200-watts RMS x 2 channels at bridged 4 ohms.
This amp isn’t your usual Class D amplifier; it promises to be the first Class D amplifier to give incredibly high resolution and detail, breaking with tradition.
Class D amplifiers aren’t usually known for having minimal distortion and wide frequency response, but the PDX-V9 is an exception. It has a frequency range of 5 to 100 Hz.
The amp is also capable of delivering its rated power from 2 to 4 ohms and is stable at low impedances. It also has Alpine’s innovative Power Management circuit, which monitors voltage, temperature, and output for nonstop listening and adjusts all aspects of amplifier performance.
When the amp gets too hot, the Thermal Protection circuit kicks in and reduces output power until the amp cools down. When it cools down, the power output will automatically return to its previous level.
The PDX-V9 also works with Alpine’s RUX-KNOB, which offers you complete control over bass adjustments from within your vehicle. With telephone cord adapters, you may control many amps with one controller.
Pros – Reputable brand, strong 5-channel amp, Class D amp, Power Management circuit, Thermal Protection circuit, and RUX-KNOB compatibility
Cons – Could become hot, and digital amplifiers aren’t for everyone.
Our Final Conclusion
As you may have guessed, it’s difficult to propose a single device because the right amplifier is highly dependent on your stereo’s requirements.
We recommend sticking with respected manufacturers like Pioneer, Alpine, and Rockford Fosgate, which all carry warranties. Unless you’re on a tight budget, it’s sometimes preferable to spend a little more money on a high-quality product from a firm that will take care of any problems that arise.
Remember that amplifiers are electronic devices, and depending on how they’re put, some will get hot.
There’s always the chance that something will go wrong with them, so you’ll need good customer service. If you’re not confident in your ability to wire and install an amplifier, hire a professional.
