When you’re shopping for a new car amplifier, the first questions you should ask yourself are, how will I use it? Am I going to power a whole sound system that comprises multiple speakers and subs? Or just one sub? One pair of speakers or a couple of pairs of speakers? Maybe both speakers and a sub?
Asking these questions will help your narrow down your choices and help you select the right amplifier for your vehicle based on the number of output channels and how much power your components can support. Car amplifiers come in different models with a different number of channels. For this guide, we take a look at some of the best 5 channel amps you can use to upgrade your sound system.
General Thoughts on Car Amps
- Some amps only have one channel and they’re referred to as mono-channel amps. They’re designed specifically for subwoofers, and depending on the amp and sub’s impedance load you can connect one or multiple subs to one single mono amp.
- 2-channel amps offer more versatility. They can be use to drive your front door speakers.They can also be bridged to (Combining the 2 channels into a single channel) power a subwoofer.
- 4-channel amps offer a wide variety of options. They are the perfect type for powering a couple of pairs of speakers. They can also be used to power a pair of door speakers using two channels while bridging the output of the other 2-channels to drive a subwoofer, enjoying clean highs and powerful, full lows out of one package.
- Amps don’t stop only at 4 channels though. 5 channel amps let you power a whole sound system. And they offer a rich blend of capabilities for a great value. They have 4 channels to power both front and rear deck speakers and a fifth dedicated powerful channel for powering your subs. The best thing about this type of amps is that they’re versatile and easier to install. A 5-channel amp is a great investment for those who want to give their sound systems the flexibility and room to grow down the road.
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Why Use a Multichannel Car Amplifier?
Our Reviews of the Best 5 Channel Amp
1. Kenwood KAC-7005PS
First up is the Kenwood KAC-7005PS, a pretty solid car amplifier on its own – it’s probably considered the best of Kenwood’s 5 channel amps, bar none. It can drive your entire car audio system giving it the boost it needs.
Kenwood, a brand we are rather enamored with, makes some of the best car stereos in addition to the best car amplifiers. So if you happen to pick up one of their impressive stereos, you might want to get this amp to accompany it (though if you like, any other stereo will work with this amp).
The Kenwood KAC-7005PS can deliver up to 40 Watts of output power to each of your fronts and rear speakers continuously and up to 300 watts RMS to your subs – this will result in crystal, clear, and rocking sound in your car.
Another positive to the KAC-7005PS is the flexibility it offers – for example, if you’ve only got a set of speakers that you want to drive, you can bridge the amp into 3-channel mode and send 100 watts of RMS power to each of your speakers. Of course, as we’ve already mentioned, the more channels your amp has, the more flexibility it offers.
To keep this amp working at optimal temperatures even under extreme loads, Kenwood incorporated a cooling option that comprises a cooling fan – sometimes up to 2 fans on some models and a rugged cast-aluminum heat sink for extreme heat dissipation.
In addition, this versatile amp also features separately adjustable crossover filters on all of its channels, not to mention a built-in variable bass boost on sub-channel for up to 18 dB of low-frequency thump.
The only downside, conceivably, is the relatively low RMS power rating makes it a bit lacking, especially if you have high-performance speakers that require more power than what this amp can put out. But, other than that, this is a great amp to add to your sound system.
Product Specification
- RMS Power Rating:
- 4 ohms: 40 watts x 4 chan. + 300 watts x 1 chan.
- 2 ohms: 50 watts x 4 chan. + 500 watts x 1 chan.
- Bridged, 4 ohms: 100 watts x 2 chan.
- Number of channels: 5-Channel
- Load impedance capability: 4 ohms
- Amp class: AB class
- Max RMS power output: 500 W
- Total max power: 1200 W
- Bass boost on sub channel: 0-18 dB @ 40 Hz
- Warranty: 1 Year
Pros
- Very Versatile Amplifier
- 3 way circuit protection system
- Built in bass booster for the subwoofer
- Variable High-Pass ad Low-Pass Filter
Cons
- Relatively low RMS
- You may need to upgrade your car speakers to achieve optimal performance
No products found.
2. Rockford Fosgate R600X5 Prime
The R600X5 by Rockford Fosgate is one of the most expensive car amplifiers out there and the most expensive that we’re going to review.
However, despite that, you’ll have to shell out some serious dough if you want to get this. Nevertheless, it definitely earns its keep when it comes to performance and reliability.
The R600X5 can drive 4 speakers with 50 watts RMS each while sending 200 watts to the subwoofer on a continuous-flow basis. So if you’ve got a powerful set of speakers, you can bridge the amp to 2 channel mode to power these speakers with 150 watts RMS each while sending 300 watts to your sub.
This model includes variable high and low pass filters to take full advantage of your speakers and subwoofer. It also comes with speaker-level inputs – these inputs allow you to hook this amplifier up to almost any head unit, including a factory head unit.
The R600X5 offers long-term reliability and provides superior sound quality. In addition, its heavy cast-aluminum chassis incredibly contributes to heat dissipation by drawing heat away from the internal components making the amp running at its peak performance at optimal temperatures. Long story short, this is one of the best 5 channel amps out there.
Product specification
- RMS Power Rating:
- 4 ohms: 50 watts RMS x 4 at 4 ohms + 200 watts RMS x 1
- 2 ohms: 75 watts RMS x 4 at 2 ohms + 300 watts RMS x 1
- Bridged, 4 ohms: 150 watts RMS x 2
- Bridged, 2 ohms: 300 watts RMS x 1
- Number of channels : 5-Channel
- Load impedance capability: 4 ohms
- Amp class: AB/D
- Max RMS power output: 600 Watts RMS
- Bass boost: 0/6/12 dB @ 45 Hz
- Frequency response: 20-20K Hz
- Warranty: 1 Year
Pros
- Built in 12dB crossover
- Top mount controls that are easy to access
- Cast aluminum heatsink allows quick cooling
- Superior sound quality
Cons
- Connection is a little awkward
- No cooling fan included
- 50 Watts x 4 + 200 Watts x 1 @ 4-Ohm / 75 Watt x 4 + 300 Watts x 1 @ 2-Ohm
- Accepts High Level & RCA Level Input
- Cast aluminum heatsink with Top Mount Controls
- 12dB/octave crossover. MOSFET power supply
- 4 Gauge power/ground connectors. The R600X5 produces up to 75 Watts into each of its four channels with a dedicated subwoofer channel capable of producing 300 Watts into 2-Ohms.
3. Rockford Fosgate P1000X5 Punch
The brother of the R600X5, the main difference between that amp and this is its performance. That’s identified by Its RMS coming in at 75 watts RMS per channel along with up to 150 watts RMS on the sub’s channel with the amplifier output impedance being set at 4 ohms.
The advantage of this is that you can drive a couple of pairs of high-performance speakers as well as a powerful subwoofer.
Additionally, the sub’s low and high pass filters are powerful features that come in handy for getting the right sound from your sub(s). The amp’s high-pass filters can be used to trim off low frequencies from your full-range speakers so they’ll play more efficiently. The low pass filters do the opposite – they filter high frequencies.
If you happen to have a very powerful pair of speakers and a subwoofer, you can switch this amp into 3 channel mode to drive your speakers with 250 watts RMS while sending 500 watts to your subwoofer.
Rockford Fosgate incorporated a patented dynamic thermal management system that uses channeled air through its large heatsinks to dissipate heat and lessen the temperature of the internal parts, so the amp stays cooler and works better.
Product Specification
- RMS Power Rating:
- 4 ohms: 75 watts RMS x 4 + 150 watts RMS x 1
- 2 ohms: 125 watts RMS x 4 + 300 watts RMS x 1
- Bridged, 4 ohms: 250 watts RMS x 2
- Bridged, 1 ohms: 500 watts RMS x 1
- Number of channels: 5-Channel
- Load impedance capability: 4 ohms
- Amp class: AB/D
- Max RMS power output: 500 Watts RMS
- Total Power: 1000 Watts
- Bass boost: 0 – 18dB @ 45Hz
- Frequency response: 20-20K Hz
- Warranty: 1 Year
Pros
- Cast aluminum heatsink
- Three way protection circuitry: over current, thermal and speaker short protection
- Class A/B + Class BD (Sub) topology
- Automatic turn-on system
Cons
- You’ll need to purchase the bass knob separately
- The Punch P1000X5 is an ultra-efficient 5-channel amplifier (2.38” x 7.76” x 15.03”) capable of running your entire system without excessive drain on your charging system and rocking 1000 watts of RMS power
- Perfect for running a front/rear system and a dedicated subwoofer (RMS Power Output: 75 Watts x 4 + 150 Watts x 1 @ 4-Ohm OR 125 Watts x 4 + 300 Watts x 1 @ 2-Ohm OR N/A + 500 Watts @ 1-Ohm)
- RCA inputs can accept both Hi and Low level audio signals without the need of a signal converter and tri-stage protection that covers thermal, over-current and short circuits
- Featuring Class A/B + Class BD (Sub) topology, on-board Punch EQ with +18dB boost @ 45Hz, variable 12 dB/Oct Butterworth crossovers, and C.L.E.A.N. Set-up
- Famous Rockford Fosgate build quality with a full 1-year warranty
4. Planet Audio AC1800.5 MOSFET
The Planet Audio AC1800.5 is one of the best multiple channel amps out there. It’s slightly less expensive, but it’s a solid amplifier that’s worth every penny.
So what makes this a solid amp? Basically, its power handling coming in at 210 watts for all of its four channels when the amp is configured for 4-ohm impedance load. That’s a huge amount of power. The price also makes it perfect for budget-conscious audio enthusiasts looking for a good amp to drive their entire sound system.
It can be challenging to find a decent amp that won’t totally break the bank. While most of the best 5 channel amps are priced at over $190, the AC1800 is very affordable. However, it does not forfeit quality for the price. On the contrary, it’s one of the best amps at this price point.
For some people, music is the driving force of their lives. Planet Audio built this AC1800 5-channel amp to send 210 watts RMS to both your rear and front speakers, plus up to 420W RMS to a sub, so you can hear and feel the musical joy. You can also bridge the amp. If you’ve got a pair of speakers and a very powerful subwoofer that requires tons of power, you can switch the amp into Tri-Mode and increase the power output to the subwoofer.
The built-in high- and low-pass filters come in handy to let you adjust your amp’s output, so your speakers and sub(s) deliver the music you’ve been missing. The built-in Variable Bass Boost is also a great feature. It gives you control over the amount of bass you want to pump out to your sub(s).
Product Specification
- RMS Power Rating:
- 210W RMS x 4 + 420W x 1 @ 4 Ohms
- 420W RMS x 4 + 500W x 1 @ 2 Ohms
- Number of channels: 5-Channel
- Load impedance capability: 4 ohms
- Amp class: A/B
- Total max power: 1800 W
- Max RMS power output: 600 Watts RMS
- Bass boost: 0 – 18 dB
- Warranty: 1 Year
Pros
- Variable Low and high level pass filter
- Variable bass boost
- Remote sub control
Cons
- The quality of the high level output could have been better
- The size of the amplifier is a bit large
- Power - 300 max x 4 @2-Ohms plus 5th channel 600 watts max x 1 @2-Ohms, 150 max x 4 @4-Ohms plus 5th channel 300 max x 1 @-4-Ohms, 600 max x 2 bridged @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
- Full Range - With a Full Range amplifier you not only have the option to run your speakers, but also your subwoofers
- Mosfet Power Supply - A MOSFET is an electrical switch that allows the flow of electrical current. It controls the output voltage and 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
5. MB Quart OA1100.5
The OA1100.5 by MB Quart is another great multiple-channel amp. MB Quart is a brand we haven’t come across very much at all, but we were quite impressed when we did, and we think you will be pleasantly surprised with it as well. After much review, we can say that this has a place for one of the best 5 channel amp out there.
I admit that although this amp’s price is fairly steep, it provides an excellent damping factor, and if you’re here, then that is important to you.
MB Quart has been in the business since 1962 until acquired by Maxxsonics in 2005. They are known for providing high-end products for people who don’t mind shelling out a few extra dollars for added benefits.
Product specification
- RMS Power Rating:
- 75W RMS x 4 + 350W x 1 @ 4 Ohms
- 150W RMS x 4 + 500W x 1 @ 2 Ohms
- 300W RMS x 2 + 500W x 1 @ 4 Ohms
- Number of channels: 5-Channel
- Load impedance capability: 4 ohms
- Amp class: D
- Total max power: 1100 W
- Max RMS power output: 600 Watts RMS
- Bass boost: 0 – 12 dB @ 45 Hz
- Warranty: 1 Year
Pros
- Well made amplifier design
- Powerful bass output
- Remote bass boost control
Cons
- Large footprint
- No cooling fan
No products found.
6. Pioneer GM-D9705 Class-D 5-Channel Amplifier
If you are looking for the best 5 channel amp for your small car, this top-quality amp from the popular Pioneer brand is a great place to start.
The GM-D9705 5 channel amplifier does not disappoint. In fact, this amp is one of the best Class D car amps out there. Its small size does not compromise its performance. It is a versatile full-range amp capable of powering your entire speaker system. You can use it to power your front speakers, rear speakers, plus one subwoofer.
This amp can also be bridged to various speaker configurations. On top of that, this amp is very powerful. It has a max power output of 2,000 watts and sends 100 watts to each of the four speakers and 350 watts to your sub at 2 ohms.
In a nutshell, the Pioneer GM-D9705 is a solid amplifier with decent performance. If you are all about the bass, then this amp is worth considering. Its boom is guaranteed to shake your car and that of your neighbors too.
Product Specification
- RMS Power Rating:
- 100W RMS x 4 + 350W x 1 @ 4 Ohms
- 75W RMS x 4 + 600 x 1 @ 2 Ohms
- 200W RMS x 2 + 350W x 1 @ 4 Ohms
- Number of channels: 5-Channel
- Load impedance capability: 4 ohms
- Amp class: D
- Total max power: 2000 W
- Max RMS power output: 600 Watts RMS
- Bass boost: 0 – 18 dB @ 50 Hz
- Warranty: 1 Year Pros
Pros
- Bass boost remote knob
- Variable high pass and low filters
- Great power handling
Cons
- Occasional overheating
- The warranty isn’t great
No products found.
7. Rockville dB55 4000 Watt/2000w RMS 5 Channel Amplifier Car
Though Rockville is a relatively new brand in the car amp market, Rockville is gaining popularity fast. And to prove its ability, this brand has come up with an equally great 5 channel amp that matches the standards of other giant brands such as Alpine, Pioneer, and Rockford Fosgate.
Rockville dB55 is a CEA 2006 compliant 5 channel car amp with an unbeaten performance at its price point. This amp has a 4,000Wpeak power rating and works flawlessly to give a loud, clear, and crisp sound.
Additionally, Rockville has the needs of each of its users in mind. The amp has a 12dB bass boost control plus high, low, and subsonic filters. Plus, the optical coupler ensures a smooth operation in either class A/B or class D.
You can rest assured that your entire car system will be powered by a powerful 2000W amp that gives distortion-free audio regardless of the volume or genre.
Product specification
- RMS Power Rating:
- 80W RMS x 4 +300W x 1 @ 4 Ohms
- 120W RMS x 4 + 500 x 1 @ 2 Ohms
- Number of channels: 5-Channel
- Load impedance capability: 4 ohms
- Amp class: Class A and B/D
- Total max power: 4000 W
- Max RMS power output: 2000 Watts RMS
- Bass boost: 0 – 12 dB @ 50 Hz
- Warranty: 1 Year Pros
Pros
- Adjustable bass equalizer
- Low pass, high pass, and subsonic filters
- Over and under-voltage protection
- fully adjustable 12dB/Octave crossover
Cons
- Not ideal for small cars
- Heavier than most others in its class
- Includes: Amplifier. Bass Remote. Birth sheet with tested power. Owner’s manual. Mounting Screws. Warranty.
- Rockville dB55 4000 Watt/2000 Watt RMS 5 Channel Amplifier. CEA Compliant Power Ratings (Rated at less than 1 % distortion) (Use these CEA ratings when matching and comparing with other CEA compliant brands such as Kicker, Rockford Fosgate, etc). 2 Ohm: 120 Watts x 4 + 500 Watts x 1 <1% THD+N. 4 Ohm: 80 Watts x 4 + 300 Watts x 1 <1% THD+N.
- RMS Power Ratings: (Use these RMS ratings when comparing with great brands such as Hifonics, Earthquake, Soundstream, etc). 2 Ohm 240 Watts x 4 + 1000 Watts x 1. 4 Ohm: 160 Watts x 4 + 600 Watts x 1. Peak: (The amount of power the amplifier can produce for a split second at the loudest part of a song. 2 Ohm 480 Watts x 4 + 2000 Watts x 1. 4 Ohm: 320 Watts x 4 + 1200 Watts x 1.
- High-Speed MOSFET Power Supply. Rugged switching MOSFETs for Class D in CH5. Under Voltage Protection at 10V. Over Voltage Protection at 16V. Optical Coupler Class “AB” +“D” Technology. Studio-Grade Bipolar Output Stage Transistors. Fully Adjustable 12dB / Octave Crossover with Differential Circuitry. Low Pass Filter: (CH1-CH4)40Hz –4KHz /(CH5)50Hz –250Hz. High Pass Filter: 15Hz – 4KHz. Subsonic Filter: 15Hz - 55Hz.
- Full IC-Controlled Protection Circuitry. Remote Dashboard Subwoofer Control. Fully Adjustable 12dB Bass Equalizer. Mute and Delay Soft Start System. 8 Volt Preamp Circuitry. Status Mode LED Indicator. Minimum THD at Rated Power: < 0.05%. S / N Ratio: >90dB. Frequency Response: 15-35KHz. Damping Factor: >100@ 100Hz. 40 Amp x3. Dimensions: (W x H x L) 9'' x 2.4' x 18.6".
8. BOSS Audio Systems PV3700 5 Channel Car Amplifier
To wrap up this list of the best 5 Channel Amps is another surprising entry from BOSS. This amp will impress any audio enthusiast with its great features.
To begin with, the BOSS audio system PV3700 5 channel car amplifier has a whopping max power rating of 3700 watts. So you can rely on this 5 channel amp to power you’re the entire stereo system of your car.
And, to set the music mood in your car, this amp has multi-LED backlights, which are perfect for accentuating any space. Are you looking for an app that will add a punch to the music in your car? Consider the BOSS audio system.
This amp also boosts the MOSFET power supply tech that guarantees improved efficiency and lower heat production.
Product specification
- RMS Power Rating:
- 275W RMS x 4 +750W x 1 @ 4 Ohms
- 550W RMS x 4 + 1500 x 1 @ 2 Ohms
- 1100W x 2 @ 4-Ohms
- Number of channels: 5-Channel
- Load impedance capability: 4 ohms
- Amp class: Class A/B
- Total max power: 3700 W
- Max RMS power output: 00 Watts RMS
- Bass boost: 0 – 12 dB @ 50 Hz
- Warranty: 1 Year
Pros
- Well made and sturdy
- Attractive LED backlight
- Great design
- Affordable price for its performance
Cons
- Warms up quickly
- Amp shuts down when “overworked”
- Power - 550 Max x 4 @2-Ohms, 275 Max x 4 @4-Ohms, 1100 Max x 2 Bridged @4 Ohms
- Full Range - With a Full Range amplifier you not only have the option to run your speakers, but also your subwoofers
- Variable Bass Boost - With Variable Bass Boost you have the control of exactly how much BASS you want to pump out to your subwoofer(s)
- Specs - Dimensions: 17” x 10.31” x 2.25”, Weight: 12.53 lbs., Speaker Impedance: 2 to 8 Ohm, THD @ RMS Output: 0.01%, S/N Ratio: 103 dB, Frequency Response: 9 Hz to 50 kHz, Fuse Quantity: 2 40 Amp ATO Blade
- BOSS Audio Systems provides a powerful 6-year Platinum Online Dealer Warranty so long as the purchase is made through Amazon.com. We strongly encourage professional installation of this product to ensure proper and safe functionality
In Conclusion
As you can already tell, you’ll be spoilt for choice when searching for the best 5 channel amp. The options available are numerous. That’s why we could not narrow it down to only one best 5 channel amp. So instead, we came up with a whopping 8 options for you to choose from!
All the options on this list are great. And you cannot go wrong with either of them. However, the best one for you will depend on the power rating of your speaker and subs.
Some of the powerful amps on this list, like the Rockville dB55, have an impressively high power rating of 2000 watts. Others like the Kenwood KAC-7005PS have a lower power rating, but its performance and reliability remain unmatched.
Enjoy!