There are many of you out there looking for a way to boost your car’s audio quality. If you are one of them, amplifiers are what you need. External amplifiers are an excellent addition to enhance your vehicle’s sound system.
You surely must be asking questions many question starting with,
“What kind of amplifier should I buy?”
“How do I choose which one is best for me?”
Outboard amps are available in several configurations. The number of channels you require in your amp depends on how many speakers and subs your sound system consists of 5-channel amps allow you to power your entire audio system from a single unit.
In this article, we are reviewing the best 5-channel amps being sold in today’s market. These amps are a worthy investment for those who want to make a significant improvement to their car audio system.
Why should I use a 5-channel amp?
Let us answer this question for you before we proceed to the reviews.
If you own four-door speakers and a sub, you are most likely to need two amps. This is essential to help your speakers achieve their optimum performance. With the availability of 5-channel amps these days, you do not require more than one amp. Directly investing in one 5-channel amp will save your space and money.
Check out the 5-channel amps that we have reviewed after careful analysis and comparison. This will surely make your amp-buying process a cake walk!
10 Best 5 Channel Car Amplifiers
1. Rockford Fosgate P1000X5 Punch Amplifier – For a high-end amp
If you are ready to shed some extra bucks, you are in for a treat. The Rockford Fosgate P1000X5 Punch 5-channel amplifier does an excellent job of powering your whole car audio system. It delivers up to 75 watts as RMS power to your speakers and 500 watts to your subwoofer.
If you own some super powerful speakers, you can switch this amp to a 3-channel mode and supple each of your speakers with a 250 watts RMS.
The amp uses a class-BD amplifier design, making it exceptionally reliable and efficient. Its low-pass and subsonic filters help to produce a crisp, precise bass. The high-pass filters promote accuracy by removing bass from your full-range speakers.
If you want to energize your music further, this amp also offers treble and bass boosts. The most notable thing about this amp model its all-new Calibrated Level Eliminates Audible Noise or CLEAN technology. This makes sure that your music sounds super clean and powerful.
Setting the amp’s gain is also easy now because of the onboard clipping detectors. Its heat dissipation ability keeps the critical components cool and ventilated.
This promotes long-lasting performance and efficient functioning. Overall, if you do not have any budget issues, the Rockford Fosgate P1000X5 amplifier is of remarkable value.
2. Kenwood Excelon X802-5 Amplifier- For a compact amp
The Kenwood Excelon X802-5 is a compact 5-channel amplifier that offers an enormous amount of power. Do not be fooled by its size, because this amp still packs several impressive features!
It is capable of yielding 50 watts from 4 channels and up to 300 watts from the subchannel.
A super exciting feature of this amp is its frequency range. You can now enjoy a frequency response of up to a 50k Hz.
It also boasts a variable high and low-pass filter, bass boost features that work to deliver fantastic-sounding music. And there is more!
Kenwood did not hesitate to add a thermal management system further. This ensures safe functioning for long periods.
You can count on reliable performance and cooling internal components with the Class D technology that it comes with. For the right amount of hit, you can use the built-in bass boost so you can choose what suits you the best.
Kenwood designed a divided internal circuitry that involves directing power supply toward different, non-overlapping circuit boards.
So, if you are looking for a small amp that does not compromise while boosting your audio system, this is the perfect option.
3. Rockville dB55 Amplifier
Rockville dB55 is the most popular model produced by Rockville due to its high power rating. The amp is capable of distributing 4000 watts across all the channels.
Its MOSFET power supple gives it a significant edge over other models. This characteristic feature allows the amp to send optimum power to all channels and boost your sound system to full potential.
With this amp, you can adjust your sound system to your requirements by using the customization tools. This also includes a 12 dB bass equalizer and high, low, subsonic filters.
This amp features an optical coupler which enables a smooth transition between class and class A/B operation. It also uses a professional peak limiter that ensures you enjoy distortion-free music.
The Rockville dB55 also includes thermal and voltage protection. So, you do not have to worry about elemental damage as this amp offers optimum protection.
Finally, if you have a budget to worry about and still do not want to compromise on a decent performance, you have found a brilliant choice.
4. Rockford Fosgate R600X5 Prime 5-Channel Amplifier
If you are looking for a high performing amp with adequate power, it is tough to overlook this one. The Rockford Fosgate R600X5 Prime 5-channel amp does not fail to amaze you in terms of its efficiency.
Speaking about its performance, this amp has four channels with a 50 watt RMS power rating and the subwoofer channel with an RMS rating of up to 300 watts.
To meet high power output demands, high-performance components can be fed by this amp. The high and low pass filters push the amp to deliver an even better performance.
It features a heavy cast aluminum body designed to keep internal components cool and prevent heat damage.
The Rockford Fosgate R600X5 amp is capable of blowing up the music in your car while still sounding super clean and loud. This happens by sending 50 watts to each of the speakers and 300 watts to the subwoofer.
The Punch EQ adjustable boost can help you get a deeper bass right from your driver’s seat.
This amp also features a heavy cast aluminum body that draws heat away from the amp’s components. This ensures a reliable, long-lasting performance.
Furthermore, it also features built-in sensors that track the current output and power supply temperature, preventing short-circuits and plunging impedances.
5. Polk Audio PA D5000.5 Amplifier
Polk Audio produces a wide range of reputed amplifiers, and this extremely compact 5-channel amp does nothing but meets every expectation!
The Polk Audio PA D5000.5 amplifier is powerful enough to power your entire sound system. Speaking of its performance, 70 watts RMS is sent to each speaker and 500 watts to the sub.
This amp features adjustable high and low-pass filters, which prevents low frequencies around the full-range speakers and the high ones around the subwoofer.
In addition to that, the subsonic filters diminish the frequencies below the settings. It also includes a wired remote knob to control he subwoofer even from the front seat.
The fact that this amp can flexibly fit anywhere in your car due to its shape and size adds to the convenience factor.
Get ready to enjoy some smooth-sounding, distortion-free music with Polk Audio’s Class D technology and its adjustable high and low-pass filters.
Its MOSFET power supply ensures that there is efficient energy usage during sound reproduction. This amp also runs cool by drawing heat from its internal components.
About its construction, this amp is built to last. Its coated PB board and stainless steel part do not corrode even in typically unfavorable environments.
6. Pioneer GM-D9705 Amplifier
This one proves to you that simplicity is elegant. The Pioneer GM-D9705 cannot go too wrong, being produced by a well-reputed manufacturer.
This 5-channel amp has a 200 watt RMS rating for each of its speakers and 350 watts for the sub. It comes with high and low-pass filters that enable you to control the bass levels.
You do not have to worry about how this amp would fit because it can comfortably fit in most car models. Moreover, the user-friendly installation guide makes setting it up seem like a walk in the park.
Remind yourself not to be fooled by its size! This amp may look small, but it is an absolute beast. Its overall delivery is quite impressive and can efficiently power four speakers any day.
It also has a wide frequency range of up to 50k Hz, which supports clean, clear playback.
You can hook this amp up to a factory system without RCA connections as it comes with speaker level inputs.
The high and low-pass filters assist in adjusting your vehicle acoustics according to your requirements. And with the wired remote boost, you can control bass production from the comfort of your seat.
7. BOSS Audio PV3700 Phantom Budget-friendly Amp
Just when you think Boss could not get any better, they prove you wrong. The Boss Audio PV3700 Phantom is an affordable amp, packed with some of the best features that you would NOT expect at its price point. It is incredibly efficient and super easy to use.
If you are audiophile working to find an amp that can effortlessly power your big sub, you do not have to think twice.
You will be pleasantly surprised by what a 3700-watt peak power is capable of doing to your audio system. Its A/B circuitry enhances sound quality and audio output and minimizes potential distortion.
The MOSFET power supply increases the amp’s efficiency and decreases heat production.
The amp shows lots of flexibility in terms of high and low-level inputs. You can conveniently control the speakers passing through your speakers and subwoofer.
More importantly, its protection features are super reliable. You do not have to worry about damage due to overheating or current upsurge while listening to your favorite music at its best quality.
Lastly, the multi-LED backlight is a significant eye-catcher and gives the amp an aesthetic angle.
8. Kenwood KAC-7005PS Performance Series
The Kenwood KAC-7005PS amplifier is ready to power your whole car audio system so you can enjoy a superior sound quality!
This amp can feed about 40-50 watts to all your speakers and about 300-500 watts to the subwoofer, offering clear sound amplification.
Since it is bridgeable, you can use it in a 3-channel mode and send 100 watts RMS to each of your speakers and up to 500 watts to the sub.
The aluminum heatsink and the cooling fan prevent it from over-heating and provide an excellent heat dissipation capacity.
So, feel free to blast the music while still keeping the amp cool. This amp also features advanced circuit protection that increases its durability.
You can set your perfect tone with the help of the adjustable crossover filters along with the bass boost. This Performance Series amp provides long-lasting, reliable performance and superior sounding music in a small, compact package.
9. Planet Audio AC1800.5 Anarchy Amplifier
The Planet Audio AC1800.5 amplifier is high performing 5-channel amp that provides a spectacular audio experience at an affordable price point.
This amp can yield up to 1800 watts max power; this means 225 watts from 4 channels and 450 watts from the sub.
It features a unique bridging ability, which enables your subwoofer to get more power with minimal distortion.
The Switchable Input Sensitivity lets you control the input signal from the receiver. This allows you to customize your sound settings accordingly.
This amp also gives full protection against thermal, current overload, and short-circuits. The heavy-duty aluminum heatsink promotes heat dissipation and prevents any sort of thermal breakdown.
It is also featuring high and low-level inputs that make the interface more accessible. It also includes remote subwoofer control.
10. Alpine PDX-V9 Amplifier
The Alpine PDX -V9 car amplifier is an affordable, compact product that is manufactured by an extremely reliable brand.
Regarding its performance, this amp delivers a staggering 100 watts RMS to each of your speakers and an impressive 500 watts to your subwoofer.
Its powerhouse has a class-D circuitry design, making it highly efficient to use. The adjustable crossovers have crossover points so you can use it with mid-range speakers, component tweeters and midbass drivers.
The front-mounted controls make it easy to operate the amp despite great proximity between them. This amp also has a useful quick disconnection feature, which makes the installation process a whole lot easier.
It features a stacking system that enables you to pack your amps in more proximity. This ensures that there are no gaps and avoid wastage of space, while you can couple the amps heatsinks directly to cool the whole stack.
If you are looking for a compact, yet powerful 5-channel amplifier, you should take this into serious consideration. It keeps its performance at its best by delivering a strong power output and enhancing the control.
What to Consider While Buying a Best 5-Channel Car Amplifier
There are a few crucial factors that you need to consider before you settle on an amp. You will inevitably lose your mind with the number of options available to you! Here are some features that we have listed to help you decide which 5-channel amplifier would best suit you.
1. RMS Power
Root mean square or RMS power is the total amount of power an amp produces continuously. Generally, most amps have an RMS power range of 600-1000 watts.
More the RMS output, the more the power. This means a higher RMS power rating initiates a better outcome.
2. Peak Power
The maximum amount of power that an amp can handle, for a short duration without burning out, is called its peak power. This is not as important as RMS power but is still capable of blowing out your amp.
3. Impedance
Impedance is the measure of electrical resistance offered. 5-channel amps usually have an impedance of either 2 ohms or 4 ohms. Ensure that your amplifier’s impedance matches your audio system to promote smooth functioning.
4. Heat Dissipation
Heat dissipation mechanism is essential to keep the amp cool even after a long time of usage. If the amp heats, it will end damaging its internal components, therefore, altering its whole performance. Some amplifiers feature a heavy cast aluminum body that draws heat away from the internal components.
This is an important feature to keep in mind while looking for an amp. You can also look for other models that have heatsinks or thermal protection mechanisms. Make sure to go through customer reviews to ensure that these cooling mechanisms truly work.
5. Sound Quality
This is a crucial feature that you should pay attention to at the beginning itself. Even if you have a loud, thundering sound output, it does not mean much with low sound quality.
You need to ensure that your amp is capable of delivering distortion-free music and can cancel out noise. If a manufacturer mentions that a particular amp has the required technology to avoid distortion, seriously consider that option.
6. Bridgeability
Bridgeability is another factor you might want to consider. Although 5-channel amps are designed for a 5-way system, you can still use it for a 3-way system, as long as it is bridgeable. This is a feature that most amps today include.
So, you will not find it too difficult to find. This feature is essential because it provides more flexibility to your audio system as you can add or remove amps in the future as per your requirement.
What to Keep in Mind After You Pick an Amp
Now that you have finalized an amplifier for your car audio system, we can move on to the next step: Installation. Either get professional assistance or just take out a couple of hours from your day to do it yourself.
Correctly installing the speakers is a crucial step as it can directly affect the performance of your amp. While the installation process is not that hard, you need to keep a few points in mind. Make sure you do the required research so that your amp can produce clear, crisp, and smooth-sounding music. Here are a few tips we think might help you.
- Set the gain on your amp correctly to avoid any distortion when you play music. You can remove distortion by setting the amp gain on low and continuously turning up the volume until you hear any distortion. Turn it down until it disappears. This is how you adjust the gain on an amp.
- Check the specs of your audio system’s components before connecting them to a subwoofer.
- Do not use a sub that has a lower impedance rating than required. This can lead to overheating and damaged components.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Should the impedance be considered first or power rating?
A. This is a common doubt many people have. It is essential to consider the impedance before the power rating. Ensure that the amp you choose can match the impedance. Otherwise, it will be unable to work with the subs. Keep in mind not to wire the subs to the wrong impedance. This is one of the most common reasons why voice coils burn and subwoofers blow.
Q. What locations are the best to install a 5-channel amp?
A. When you are about to install your amp, figure out how you route the connecting wires. Some places we suggest are under a seat or in the trunk. Measure these spaces and purchase an amp of a suitable size.
Q. Are there any advantages of buying a bridgeable amplifier?
A. The process of bridging multiple amplifiers increases the power supplied to a speaker. It is especially helpful if you drive a single channel subwoofer. While this is easy, we highly suggest leaving this to the professionals to avoid audio problems. Note that amplifiers that you want to bridge must be identical.
Q. Can I install a 5-channel amp if I have less than four car speakers?
A. Sure. If you happen to have three speakers and a subwoofer, you can put 4 of the five channels of an amplifier to use. This will only give your audio system more power, which is never a problem. An amplifier with unused channels also gives you a chance to install more speakers in the future.
Q. Is buying a 5-channel amp a good idea?
A. 5-channel amps are great if you plan on installing one speaker in each corner of your car, along with a subwoofer at the back. The amp will power all of your speakers efficiently as there are enough channels to power each of your speakers individually.
Q. What is the general configuration of a 5-channel amp?
A. 5-channel amp is a combination of two amplifiers. The most common design consists of a 4-channel amplifier with a 1-channel unit. These amps are capable of powering four speaker s and one subwoofer.
Q. If I only have RCA output for my speakers, can my sub-channel work that?
A. The subchannel is separate from all the other channels. We would suggest replacing the head unit entirely before you use it. This way, you will not have to degrade sound quality by splitting one.
Conclusion
Trying to find the right 5-channel amp can get hectic. The number of models and the amount of technology that has come about is enough to confuse you thoroughly.
We hope that we have greatly simplified this process for you and narrowed down your options—all you need to select one that will fulfill your car audio needs.
While we have chosen some of the best 5-channel amps, if you are still in doubt, we would not hesitate to help you further.
Our winner for the best 5-channel amplifier is the Rockford Fosgate P1000X5 Punch amplifier. This amp may be one of the more expensive models on our list, but it is worth every penny.
This amp is easy to install and includes top-mount controls for easy access. It features incredible technology such as CLEAN and the onboard clipping detectors.
The subwoofer volume control is a useful addition as well. Rockford Fosgate is a reputed brand that has been in this business for 45 years so that you can have complete faith in their products.
Finally, we hope you find a great 5-channel amp that will take your car audio experience to a whole new level!
Last update on 2023-03-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API