While there are many types of car amp systems available, not all offer the same type and quality of sound. The model that will be best for you and your vehicle depends on what your end goal is. Are you looking only to amplify the bass, or are you looking to power an entire sound system? These questions are a good starting point when deciding on which amp will be best for you.
The types of car sound amplifiers on the market range from single or mono amps to 5 channel amps. The number of channels will determine the sound quality. The higher the number of channels, the more amplified the sound will be.
This review will outline what the different types of vehicle amps are and why a 5-channel amp might be the best choice.
Contents
- 1 Why Choose a 5-Channel Amp?
- 2 Power Acoustik RZ5-2500D – 2500 Watt 5-Channel Car Audio Amplifier
- 3 Planet Audio AC1800.5 ANARCHY 1800-Watt Full Range Class A/B 2 to 8 Ohm Stable 5 Channel Amplifier with Remote Subwoofer Level Control
- 4 Soundstream TN5.950D 950W 5-Channel Tarantula NANO Series Class AB/D Amplifier
- 5 Pioneer GM-D9605 Gm Digital Series Class D Amp (5-Channel Bridgeable, 2,000W Max)
- 6 Rockford P1000X5 Punch 5-Channel Amplifier
- 7 Buying Guides For 5-Channel Amps
- 8 Types of Amplifiers
- 9 The Best 5 Channel Amps
- 10 1. Power Acoustik RZ5-2500D – 2500 Watt 5-Channel Car Audio Amplifier
- 11 2. Planet Audio AC1800.5 ANARCHY 1800-Watt Full Range Class A/B 2 to 8 Ohm Stable 5 Channel Amplifier with Remote Subwoofer Level Control
- 12 3. Soundstream TN5.950D 950W 5-Channel Tarantula NANO Series Class AB/D Amplifier
- 13 4. Pioneer GM-D9605 Gm Digital Series Class D Amp (5-Channel Bridgeable, 2,000W Max)
- 14 4. EDITOR’S CHOICE: Rockford P1000X5 Punch 5-Channel Amplifier
- 15 Conclusion
Why Choose a 5-Channel Amp?
Other amplifiers can improve the sound quality of the existing car’s sound system. They can add more bass, add sound clarity, or be used to replace a car’s sound system that isn’t working. A 5-channel amp, however, can do it all. It can add power to both the front and back car speakers while also being able to power a subwoofer.
A 5-channel amp can offer many benefits over a single, 4-channel, or other amplifiers, including:
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Comprehensive
Other amps will enhance the bass (a single channel amp does just this), others will power the front, back, or both speakers, but only a 5-channel amp will cover all of those things in one package.
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Top Quality Sound
When the sound is managed and coming from one central amplifier rather than different ones connected to your vehicle, you can achieve the best sound and listen to music the way it was intended to sound.
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Value
If you were to purchase multiple single or multiple channel amps to try to achieve the same purpose, it would end up costing more than buying one single product. A 5-channel amp can get it all done with one product.
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Space Saving
5-channel amps can be tucked away in the trunk out of view, and don’t take up that much space. Multiple amps to achieve the same purpose could take up an entire trunk in a mid-sized vehicle.
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Customizability
Most 5-channel amps have the option of connecting to subwoofers or not—you can connect them to all speakers and the sub, but you don’t have to. This way you can tweak the sound to your preference.
Editor’s Picks
| Product | Description | Users Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Power Acoustik RZ5-2500D – 2500 Watt 5-Channel Car Audio AmplifierKey Features: 2500 Watt max power compact size Class D Output transistors RMS @ 4O Bridged: ... |
User Rating: ( votes)
|
Check Amazon
|
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Planet Audio AC1800.5 ANARCHY 1800-Watt Full Range Class A/B 2 to 8 Ohm Stable 5 Channel Amplifier with Remote Subwoofer Level ControlKey Features: Remote subwoofer control High and low-level inputs Full Range Class A/B, MOSFET ... |
User Rating: ( votes)
|
Check Amazon
|
|
Soundstream TN5.950D 950W 5-Channel Tarantula NANO Series Class AB/D AmplifierKey Features: Class AB/D car Amplifier Max power output: 950 watts Dash mounted remote gain ... |
User Rating: ( votes)
|
|
|
Pioneer GM-D9605 Gm Digital Series Class D Amp (5-Channel Bridgeable, 2,000W Max)Key features: Class D Amp with variable low-pass filter Compact, efficient design 1 Ohm stable ... |
User Rating: ( votes)
|
Check Amazon
|
|
Rockford P1000X5 Punch 5-Channel AmplifierKey Features: Accepts high level and RCA input Cast aluminum heatsink 4 Gauge power 12 ... |
User Rating: ( votes)
|
Check Amazon
|
Buying Guides For 5-Channel Amps
Car audio systems have come a long way, and so have amplifiers. A lot of factory in dash sound systems already have somewhat decent quality, and an amp can add significant value if added just to the existing systems. Other amps may work better if connected to after-market speakers and subwoofers. If your goal is more bass, and you have already purchased a subwoofer, an external amp will be necessary, as the built-in dash amplifier will not be able to power it sufficiently.
Below is a guide of some terms you will find here when amps are discussed, and what the different types of amps are and what they do.
Amp Terms Explained
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Class
Amps are classified according to how their sound output is powered and how the sound is dissipated. Each class has different characteristics and advantages/disadvantages.
To read more about it check this out.
Class A – high sound quality, but overheats quickly and is inefficient
Class B – saves energy by “turning off” periodically during the sound cycle, but some distortion
Class AB – A combination of classes A and B, allows the amp to stay on when there is no signal but at a lower level, so overheats less easily, but still close to the quality of sound of Class A
Class D – output transistors regulate the signal, rapidly turning it on and off. There is some distortion but it is out of the range of our hearing, so it can be a good alternative to Class A or A/B
Class A/D – Inputs signal the same way as Class A but uses the energy saving output system of Class D
Class BD – very efficient because it uses Class D design, but offers the same excellent sound quality as Class B
Class FD – This amp includes the benefits of Class D amps, but filters out the distortion that can occur from signal switching
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Watts
A unit of measurement of how loud an amp (or another speaker, etc.) can play. It is equal to voltage multiplied by current.
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Ohms
A measurement that measures resistance or impedance from a flow of current. The higher the ohms, the more power required to play music at the same volume from a speaker signal.
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Decibels
An algorithmic measure of how loud sound is. One decibel (dB) is almost inaudible, while 10 dB is very loud.
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RMS power
RMS or “Root Mean Square” measures the amount of the signal of continuous power coming from an amp. It is measured in watts. The higher the number, the higher quality the sound and the amp. This is the feature you should be comparing when deciding which amp to purchase.
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Subwoofer
A speaker that focuses on magnifying lower frequencies of sound or music (bass). Also referred to as a “sub.”
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Tweeter
In contrast, a tweeter is a loudspeaker that amplifies and reproduces higher pitched frequencies.
Types of Amplifiers
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Mono Channel
These are usually class D amps that have one channel. Sound passes through multiple transistors and is filtered. They are typically used to power subwoofers.
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2-Channel
These are amps that can power two channels, usually speakers. They commonly are used to power a subwoofer and a front stereo. They are ideal for vehicles like trucks that probably don’t have speakers in the back.
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3-Channel
These usually combine Class AB and D. They can power two speakers and a subwoofer. The circuit that powers the two speakers is separate from the class D mono channel that powers the speaker.
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4-Channel
4-channel amps can power 4 circuits at a time and are flexible—each channel can be connected to either a speaker or subwoofer. They are capable of providing enough power for an entire sound system.
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5-Channel
5-channel amps are a great option for providing high-quality sound systems for vehicles without having to purchase all the components separately. Similar to a 3-channel amp, they have a separate mono channel specifically for a sub, and four other channels that can be connected to 4 other speakers, usually 2 front and two back.
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6-channel
This variety of amp is not seen as often. It can power six channels separately, including a subwoofer. It is usually used in large vehicles that have more than four speakers.
The Best 5 Channel Amps
From the information above, it is clear that a 5-channel amp can be a great option for improving your vehicle’s stereo system. Not all amplifiers are created equal, however. Some come with different features and different levels of quality.
The rest of this guide will go over the best options that are out there based on our research. Each product that we’ll go over comes highly rated and recommended and have the best customer satisfaction in the industry. If you want cheaper amps read our best amps under 500 guide or under 1000.
1. Power Acoustik RZ5-2500D – 2500 Watt 5-Channel Car Audio Amplifier
Key Features:
- 2500 Watt max power
- compact size
- Class D Output transistors
- RMS @ 4O Bridged: 2 x 300 + 1 x 600 RMS Power
This amp has a RMS power handling @ 4O Bridged of 2 x 300 + 1 x 600. It comes with a remote gain control for easy adjusting of the power and frequencies. It uses class D output transistors that switch on and off at least once each cycle, for optimum efficiency.
The Power Acoustik has a slim, compact design can fit anywhere, even in very small vehicles. It is flexible and can be used on speakers with different Ohms (for example, two at 2 Ohms and two at 4 Ohms), while still sounding clear and with ample bass. It’s bridged power allows you to combine two channels into one for more power.
The Power Acoustik has a slim, compact design can fit anywhere, even in very small vehicles. It is flexible and can be used on speakers with different Ohms (for example, two at 2 Ohms and two at 4 Ohms), while still sounding clear and with ample bass. It’s bridged power allows you to combine two channels into one for more power.
2. Planet Audio AC1800.5 ANARCHY 1800-Watt Full Range Class A/B 2 to 8 Ohm Stable 5 Channel Amplifier with Remote Subwoofer Level Control
Key Features:
- Remote subwoofer control
- High and low-level inputs
- Full Range Class A/B, MOSFET Power Supply
- Variable high pass crossover, low pass crossover, and bass boost
This amp is customizable based on your vehicle model and year—make sure to check the fit when purchasing it to make sure it’s the right one for you. It is a full range amplifier with a MOSFET power supply that creates a clean sound that is strong enough to power all speakers and a sub in your vehicle. Channels can be bridged for further customization. The bass from the subwoofer can be adjusted remotely to your tastes.
This amp more so than the others is meant for “tweakers” who like to be in control of their sound experience. Its variable crossovers and sub boost allow you to experiment so you can get the sound you’re looking for.
This amp more so than the others is meant for “tweakers” who like to be in control of their sound experience. Its variable crossovers and sub boost allow you to experiment so you can get the sound you’re looking for.
3. Soundstream TN5.950D 950W 5-Channel Tarantula NANO Series Class AB/D Amplifier
Key Features:
- Class AB/D car Amplifier
- Max power output: 950 watts
- Dash mounted remote gain control
- Variable bass boost
The Soundstream 5-channel Tarantula is rated very highly because it packs a high value into a small amp at a very reasonable price. Because of its crossover feature, which filters out frequencies above a certain point, it filters out otherwise high frequencies from reaching the subwoofer and is able to balance the sound nicely. It is perfect
This is a great option if you are working with a smaller space and need a nice compact system that can power the whole car. This amp requires eight gauge power and ground wiring to be installed. It has slightly less power so may not be able to produce as high quality of sound at greater decibels, but it offers significant enhancement to factory speakers or the existing car unit at a great price and small design.
This is a great option if you are working with a smaller space and need a nice compact system that can power the whole car.
4. Pioneer GM-D9605 Gm Digital Series Class D Amp (5-Channel Bridgeable, 2,000W Max)
Key features:
- Class D Amp with variable low-pass filter
- Compact, efficient design
- 1 Ohm stable
- Bridgeable
- 2000 Watts max
The Pioneer amp offers customization with its variable low-pass filter that can adjust the frequency to the subwoofer, controlling the bass. It is easy to install, with a built-in line out converter that will work with various speakers wires even if you don’t have RCA output. It offers great overall sound even in small spaces.
This amp comes with easy to read instructions and is easy to set up. With its compact design, it can fit either under the passenger seat or in the trunk and does not take up a lot of space. Even with its small size, it has more than enough power for four speakers in a car and a subwoofer.
Even with its small size, it has more than enough power for four speakers in a car and a subwoofer.
4. EDITOR’S CHOICE: Rockford P1000X5 Punch 5-Channel Amplifier
Key Features:
- Accepts high level and RCA input
- Cast aluminum heatsink
- 4 Gauge power
- 12 dB/octave crossover
This amp is very popular among car audio enthusiasts. It is a great option to provide overall power and clean, crisp sound in your vehicle akin to the quality produced by high quality marshall amps. It allows for customization and control over the signal sent—you can adjust the filters to send the appropriate frequency to each speaker and the sub. When used at 4 Ohms, it provides 65 Watts x 4 plus one at 150 watts for the subwoofer.
Unlike other 5-channel amps that may compromise the bass because it is not solely dedicated to powering the subwoofer, this one has a clean sounding bass that is enough to be felt in the vehicle. It also packs a significant value into a small package and fits nicely in your trunk. It is also very easy to set up, with clip indicators that show you where speakers and the sub should be connected. This is the best 5-channel amp we found based on price, power, and functionality.
It is also very easy to set up, with clip indicators that show you where speakers and the sub should be connected. This is the best 5-channel amp we found based on price, power, and functionality.
Conclusion
There are many 5-channel amps on the market but not all may offer the customization and sound quality that you need. Use these as a guide to choose the best option for you.
