Rockford Fosgate is one of the global innovation leaders in the car audio game. The designs they made are tailored to those who are car enthusiasts and fanatics. One of their high-quality design and engineering products that we particularly love is the Rockford Fosgate R500x1D Class D Amplifier.
The company’s patented ‘Punch EQ’ improves the bass quality of the sound for the human ear. The said amplifier is also created under this principle. As a mono amplifier, its purpose is to drive bass speakers. On top of that, it has a ‘Class D’ amplifier topology that aims to achieve the highest efficiency among other types of amplifiers.
Summary of Features
- High power efficiency
- Excellent sound quality
- Thermal sensing technology
- Standard heat sync design
- Superb build quality
- Massive power
Summary of Specifications
- Amplifier: Class D
- Number of Channels: 1
- RMS Power: At 4 ohms= 300 watts * 1 channel (@14.4 V)
- At 2 ohms = 500 watts * 1 channel (@14.4 V)
- Input Voltage: From 150 mV to 4 V
- Efficiency: At 4 ohms= 89%
- Total Harmonic Distortion: At 4 and 2 Ohms= < 1.0%
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >100 dB
- Frequency Response:From 20 Hz to 250 Hz +/- 1 dB
- Filter Slope: 12 dB/octave Butterworth Crossover
- Bass/Gain Remote: Punch Level Control; connected to ‘Gain Control’
- Tone Control: Punch Bass= From 0 to +12 dB at 45 Hz
- Phase Control= Varies from 0 to 180 degrees
- Fan Cooled: No
- Bridgeable: No
- Power Wire Gauge Size: 4 AWG
- Speaker Wire Gauge Size: 8 AWG
- Fuse Rating: 50 A x 1
- Safety Features:Power Supply Thermal Sensing
- Overcurrent Protection
- Short Circuit Protection
- Dimensions: 2.0 in (H) * 6.8 in (W) * 8.5 in (L)
- Net Weight: 5.1 lbs.
- 23% Increase of Thermal Mass Per Square Inch
- Small Chassis Design
- OEM Vehicle Integration
A car audio is best enjoyed with a stereo configuration, meaning that the audio frequencies are divided and distributed to different speakers. The reason for this is to give the human ear a better distinction of the sound, and the quality appears to be ‘cleaner.’ However, the Rockford Fosgate R500x1D Class D Amplifier is designed as a mono amplifier.
The said amplifier is intended to power car subwoofers only, ranging from 300 to 500 Watts RMS. As evidence for its specific usage, the operating frequencies are 20 to 250 Hz, the lowest sound range. Having a single purpose means that the car audio bass is essential.
Bass Boost and Efficiency
The signature ‘Punch EQ,’ most of the Rockford amplifiers have, can provide a bass boost of +18 dB at 45 Hz and filter higher frequencies to further emphasize the sound distinction.
Having a Class D topology means higher frequency and avoids wasting energy in the form of heat. This also affects the components used since a cooling fan is not needed, and much compact construction is applicable despite the large power it can handle.
CE Compliance
The CE marking of any electronic product indicates that the manufacturing of it conforms to the standards set by European Economic Area, or EEA, regarding safety, health, and environmental protection. This means that the amplifier is guaranteed safe for usage and seems to be ‘morally’ created.
CEA-2006 Compliance
This certification focuses on two aspects of an amplifier being evaluated: Output Power and the Signal-to-Noise Ratio. This means that the amplifier’s ability to draw large amounts of power and the quality of its sound output are indicators of its very great performance compared to other amplifiers of the same category.
Why We Like It
Here are the summarized advantages of the Rockford Fosgate R500x1D Class D Amplifier:
- Suitable for 10-inch and 12-inch subwoofers
- Being a Class D amplifier, less heat is being accumulated
- Having less heat means exceedingly high efficiency
- Having less heat justifies its compact design and uses only a heat sink
- Can drive audio system for trucks and busses
- Equipped with the patented technology for automated adjustment for bass boosting
- Compliant to standards for high performing amplifiers
- Equipped with protection features for common electrical component issues
- Easy and fast installation
What We Did Not Like
Here are the summarized disadvantages of the amplifier:
- The amplifier does not include screws for mounting
- The LED lighting used can appear too bright
- Since the amplifier draws a lot of power directly, a cap may be required
Final Thoughts
The R500x1D car amplifier is, without a doubt, a monster. However, with such a compact design, it can draw a large amount of power, and because of its internal construction, it can give you the bass quality you have wanted to hear. Plus, the efficiency alone guarantees that it is a good investment.
This is perfect not just for car audio but also on larger land vehicles where the sound must be deafening and, at the same time, less likely to appear as noise. Pair it with the appropriate speakers, and you will be set to create a mobile party anywhere you want to go.
- 23% Increase of Thermal Mass Per Square Inch
- Small Chassis Design
- OEM Vehicle Integration
