Your car’s factory sound system could use some improvement. This is why you buy additional speakers, subwoofers, tweeters, and more. But, if you want to upgrade your car’s default audio system, you’ll need to get yourself a good amplifier.
The best monoblock amplifier might not be able to power multiple channels, but for a beginner, they’re great at helping improve the sound quality and clarity of your audio system. Most of the more experienced audiophiles buy one dedicated exclusively for their subwoofers. This allows them to drive as much power to their subs without drawing power from other parts of their cars.
Unfortunately, not all monoblock amplifiers are worth your money.
To make sure that you get your money’s worth, you should get nothing less than the best monoblock amplifier.
Below are Best mono-block amplifiers that will help you get your money’s worth.
Best Monoblock Amplifier for Car
Skar Audio SKv2-1500.1D
The Skar Audio SKv2-1500.1D is an excellent monoblock class-D amplifier equipped with 4-way protection circuitry and ground input terminals to help maximize power flow, as well as improve efficiency.
When it comes to performance, the amplifier has a peak power rating of 2,200 watts with a 1,500-watt RMS power both at 1 ohm. This means that you can connect it with a single 1,500-watt subwoofer, or three 500-watt subwoofers, and it won’t have trouble continuously pushing power to the said subwoofers.
The onboard bass boost control knob helps give users easy access to adjusting the bass quality, and with its heavy-duty heatsink, you’ll have no problems with cooling capacity and efficiency.
As a bonus, this amplifier comes with a remote subwoofer level control, as well as a user-adjustable low pass filter.
Skar Audio SKv2-1500.1D Specifications:
- Number of Channels: 1
- Class: Class D
- Rated Power
- @ 4-Ohm: 500 watts RMS x 1
- @ 2-Ohm: 930 watts RMS x 1
- @ 1-Ohm: 1,500 watts RMS x 1
- Frequency response: 15 – 270 Hz
- Features
- 4-Way Protection Circuitry and 1/0 Gauge Power & Ground Input Terminals
- User Adjustable Low Pass Filter
- Remote Subwoofer Level Control
- Heavy-Duty Advanced Heatsink Design Allows for Maximum Cooling & Efficiency
Pros:
- Capable of delivering plenty of power at 1 ohm
- Heavy-duty heatsink
- Protected from electrical shortage
- Remote subwoofer level control
Cons:
- Installation is not DIY friendly
- Competition Grade SPL Class D Monoblock MOSFET Car Power Amplifier
- Peak Power at 1 Ohm: 2,200 Watts | RMS Power at 1 Ohm: 1,500 Watts
- Stable at 1 Ohm, Frequency Response: 15Hz - 270Hz
- Featuring 4-Way Protection Circuitry and 1/0 Gauge Power & Ground Input Terminals for Maximum Current Flow
- User Adjustable Low Pass Filter (Variable): 35Hz - 250Hz, Remote Subwoofer Level Control Included
Planet Audio AC1500.1M Monoblock Car Amplifier
Planet Audio AC1500.1M Monoblock Car Amplifier is available in 1,500-, 2,500-, 3,000-, 4,000, and 5,000-watt configurations. However, the best part is that, even if you get the 5,000-watt unit, you won’t have to spend a lot of money. Not to mention, it’s backed by a six-year warranty when purchased through Amazon.
The cheapest of the bunch, the 1,500-watt version, can offer a maximum of 750 watts of power output at 4 ohms in 1 channel. It also comes with low-level, as well as high-level inputs, a variable bass boost control, as well as a low-pass crossover. It’s also relatively compact, measuring just 10 inches (width) by 2.4 inches (length) and 10 inches (depth).
This is an excellent choice if you’re buying your first monoblock amplifier and don’t want to spend a lot of money.
Planet Audio AC1500.1M Monoblock Car Amplifier Specifications:
- Number of Channels: 1
- Class: Class A/B
- Rated Power
- @ 4-Ohm: 563 watts RMS x 1
- @ 2-Ohm: 1,125 watts RMS x 1
- Frequency response: 20Hz – 20Khz
- Features
- High- and low-level inputs
- Low-pass crossover
- Variable bass boost
- Thermal, overload, and short protection
Pros:
- Affordable
- Wide range of power wattage availability
- Compact design
- 6-year warranty
Cons:
- Low-quality components
- power: max power output of 1500 watts at 2 ohms into one channel. maximum power output of 750 watts at 4 ohms into one channel. this amplifier is designed to run your subwoofer(s) giving them the power that they need to perform as they were meant to
- high level inputs: speaker level inputs are commonly referred to as high-level inputs. this input will be used to connect the ac1500.1m to your factory radio or aftermarket radio that does not have low-level (rca) inputs
- low level inputs: line level inputs, also known as rca inputs or low-level inputs, use rca interconnect cables to link the ac1500.1m with the source unit. most aftermarket radios have multiple pairs of rca outputs that can connect to multiple amplifiers
- low-pass crossover: a low-pass filter is an electronic circuit that removes all the notes below the filter's frequency setting. a low-pass filter will primarily keep high notes out of your subwoofer(s)
- variable bass boost: variable bass boost allows you to adjust the low bass within the boost range to just the way you like it
BOSS Audio Systems R1100M Monoblock Car Amplifier
The Boss Audio Systems R1100M Monoblock Car Amplifier is another good example of a monoblock amplifier that’s available in a variety of maximum power outputs. However, the one we’re recommending, in particular, is the 1,100-watt version, which is equipped with high- and low-level inputs on its MOSFET power supply.
Other useful features include a low pass variable crossover, bass boost, and even a remote subwoofer control.
If it’s your first time buying a car subwoofer, we recommend putting this subwoofer on your list. Not only because it’s affordable, but also because it’s user-friendly, and comes with useful features.
BOSS Audio Systems R1100M Monoblock Car Amplifier Specifications:
- Number of Channels: 1
- Class: Class A/B
- Rated Power
- @ 4-Ohm: 413 watts RMS x 1
- @ 2-Ohm: 825 watts RMS x 1
- Frequency response: 9 Hz to 50 kHz
- Features
- High- and low-level inputs
- Low-pass crossover
- Variable bass boost
- Thermal, overload, and short protection
Pros:
- Wide range of power outputs
- Wired remote control
- Low price
- 3-year only warranty
Cons:
- Multiple reports of the amps being short-lived
- Power - 1100 Max x 1 @ 2 Ohms, 550 Max x 1 @ 4 Ohms
- Class A/B Topology - Class ‘A’ amplifiers have enormous amount of current flowing through its output transistors with no audio signal. Class ‘B’ amplifiers have no current flowing through its outputs with no audio signal
- Mosfet Power Supply - A MOSFET is an electrical switch that allows the flow of electrical current. It controls the output voltage & current precisely by removing the output current sensing loss & eliminating all secondary feedback circuitry
- Low & High Level Inputs - A low level (RCA) input is measured in voltages. A high level (+/- wire) input is measured in wattages. Both essentially carry signal from your receiver to your amplifier to your speakers
- Variable Low-Pass Crossover - Subwoofers reproduce sound based on a number of different low-range frequencies. You can set exact sound specifications for the bass frequency reproduction
Audiopipe Class D Monoblock Amplifier
The Audiopipe Class D Monoblock Amplifier is one of the more interesting-looking amplifiers on our list. But, at the same time, it’s also one of the best. Although the 1,500-watt max power at 1 ohm isn’t exactly head-turning, its combination of MOSFET circuit design with high-quality aluminum sink and cooling fans for a low price is.
When it comes to performance, expect to hear rich and clear bass with minimal distortion at even the highest volumes.
In terms of added features, you get to enjoy a bass-boost equalizer with variable low-pass and bass boost, as well as dual-speaker terminals and a subsonic filter, all of which are protected via a three-way circuit.
You even get a remote bass level control with the amplifier, and its compact design means that it will fit on most cars no problem.
Audiopipe Class D Monoblock Amplifier Specifications:
- Number of Channels: 1
- Class: Class D
- Rated Power
- @ 4-Ohm: 600 watts RMS x 1
- @ 2-Ohm: 950 watts RMS x 1
- @ 1-Ohm: 1,500 watts RMS x 1
- Frequency response: 8 Hz to 180 kHz
- Features
- Full MOSFET circuit design
- Parametric bass-boost equalizer
- Subsonic filter
- Dual speaker terminals
- Three-way protection circuitry
Pros:
- Rich and clear bass
- Attractive price point
- Easy to install
Cons:
- The heatsink isn’t enough to keep the amp cool under constant use
- 1500 Watts
- 1 Channel Class D
- 1 Channel @ 4 Ω - 600W
- 1 Channel @ 2 Ω - 950W
- 1 Channel @ 1 Ω - 1500W
Kicker CX1200.1 Monoblock Amp
Kicker is one of the most well-known names in the auto audio industry, and the CX1200.1 is a good example of why that is the case.
With a 1200-watt power at 2-ohms and 600-watt power at 4 ohms, this Class D amplifier is capable of producing clear and clean sound. It also utilizes what Kicker refers to as their very own Failsafe Integration Technology to help make sure that the amplifier can withstand constant abuse.
Kicker also fitted the amp with a variable low-pass crossover and bass boost (with KickEQ), as well as a 24dB subsonic filter.
The high-quality amp uses a heavy-duty heat sink that’s capable of effectively dissipating heat, thanks to its special transformers and oversized transistors.
Kicker CX1200.1 Specifications:
- Number of Channels: 1
- Class: Class D
- Rated Power
- @ 4-Ohm: 600 watts RMS x 1
- @ 2-Ohm: 1,200 watts RMS x 1
- Frequency response: 25 to 200Hz
- Features
- Full MOSFET circuit design
- Parametric bass-boost equalizer
- Subsonic filter
- Dual speaker terminals
- Three-way protection circuitry
Pros:
- High-quality construction
- Capable of handling heat very well
- Powerful and clear sound
Cons:
- No remote bass level control included
- Kicker CX Series CXA12001.1
- Class-D 2-Ohm Stable Monoblock Amplifier
- RMS Power Rating: 4 ohms: 600 watts x 1 chan. 2 ohms: 1200 watts x 1 chan.
- Soft start turn-on
- Mono channel operation
What is a Monoblock Amp
Monoblock amplifiers are considered one of the very first upgrades a car owner makes to their car’s audio system, along with the subwoofer.
Why? Because, at stock, factory car stereos aren’t capable of powering non-OEM configurations. This includes high-RMS subwoofers that require more power. Thus, to make use of all that power, you need to have a subwoofer to power it, which is where a monoblock amplifier comes in.
But, why a monoblock amplifier?
Well, while there are other types of amplifiers out there, monoblock amplifiers are ideal because most only need to power a single channel, which, in this case, is the subwoofer.
By powering your subwoofers via a dedicated amplifier, you help make sure that the rest of your car’s audio system is only reproducing frequencies they were designed to play. This helps improve their durability, longevity, and of course, sound quality.
At the same time, you’re giving your subwoofer enough power, resulting in better, deeper, and clearer bass tones.
Some amplifiers also come with added features. This includes low-pass filters to limit the frequency that your subwoofer will only try to produce. Some also come with subsonic filters. This will help limit any sound distortion and allow you to tune your sound stage properly to fit its enclosure.
How to Tune a Monoblock Amplifier
Tuning a monoblock amplifier is easy. It’s not rocket science. However, you want to do it properly to minimize any issues, including and most especially, blown speakers.
Here are the necessary steps to help you tune your monoblock amplifier.
- Minimize all of your head unit settings and keep them flat
- Turn the volume level to as loud as it can get with minimal or no distortion
- Keep all gains and bass boats flat or to the minimum
- Turn the low pass level to the highest
- Play a 50Hz 6dB tone and slowly increase the gains until you hear noticeable changes in the sound output
- Adjust the subsonic filter (if applicable) to the same level as your subwoofer tuning
- Lower the low pass filter down to 80
- Continue adjusting until you are satisfied with the sound output
Conclusion
Factory car speakers are no good. They’re small with minimal bass and are far from loud enough. This is why installing a subwoofer with a proper monoblock amplifier should be your top priority if you want to improve your daily driver’s audio quality.
With that said, we are aware that the best monoblock amplifier for your car depends on your own individual needs and preferences.
This is why we rounded up a variety of products for you to choose from.
Hopefully, you’ll find the best monoblock amplifier for your car that satisfies what you’re looking for so that you can start enjoying rich and deep bass tones the next time you’re out driving and on the road.
