Thursday, September 3, 2020

Best Mono Amplifier For Subwoofer For Bass

In order for your car audio subwoofer to work properly, you need to provide a strong signal. A subwoofer doesn't need a stereo signal as the low frequencies are not localizable when compared to higher frequencies, so we can use a mono amplifier instead of a stereo amplifier. In order for the subwoofer to keep up with the rest of the stereo system, the subwoofer needs a lot of power to move the air needed to make impactful bass compared to higher frequencies.

You'll need some additional features to fully enjoy your subwoofer. Each of the mono subwoofers below includes a remote bass knob and a low pass filter. 

Skar Audio Skv2-4500.1D Mono Amplifier for Subwoofer

The Skar Audio SKv2-4500.1D is a no holds barred competition subwoofer amplifier. It is built for "burps" but is clean enough to use for daily listening. This amplifier delivers a whopping 4,500 watts into one channel at 1ohm from 15-270 hz. The amplifier is "strappable", meaning you can use two of them in conjunction with one another to deliver a face-melting 9,000 watts mono into 2 ohms, if you've got the vehicle electrical system upgrades to deliver it. The amplifier accepts two 1/0 gauge wires each for power and ground.


Skar Audio Skv2-4500.1D Features

  • 1-ohm Stable Car Subwoofer Amplifier
  • Competition Grade Quality and Performance
  • Low Level Input (Gain): 6V - 0.2mV
  • RCA pass through
  • Low Pass Filter at 24dB Slope: 35Hz - 250Hz
  • Variable Bass Boost at 45 Hz: 0dB - 9dB
  • Subsonic Filter at 24dB Slope: 10Hz - 50Hz
  • Phase Shift: 0 - 180 Degrees
  • LED Power & Protection Indicators
  • Strappable
  • Remote Bass Knob & Wire Included
  • Dual 1/0 Gauge Power and Ground Terminals (2 of each terminal)
  • Working Voltage: 8.5V - 18V
  • Fuse Rating: 450 Amp
  • Dimensions: 25.6" (Length) x 9.15" (Width) x 2.5" (Height)

Skar Audio Skv2-4500.1D Specifications

  • RMS Power at 2 Ohms: 2,800 Watts x 1 Channel (14.4v)
  • RMS Power at 4 Ohms: 1,500 Watts x 1 Channel (14.4v)
  • RMS Power at 1 Ohm: 4,500 Watts x 1 Channel (14.4v)
  • Peak Power at 1 Ohm: 7,400 Watts x 1 Channel (14.4v)
  • RMS Power at 2 Ohms (Strapped): 9,800 Watts x 1 Channel (14.4v)
  • Frequency Response: 15Hz - 270Hz

Budget: Boss Riot R1100m

This is the best selling mono amplifier on Amazon as of this writing, in Summer 2020. 

Let's get it out of the way: there's no way this $70 amplifier makes 1100 watts. It has a 30 amp fuse built in. The fuse will blow after it's making 360 watts for a period of time. In fact, a youtuber connected a Boss Riot R1100m to an amplifier dyno and found that it could barely push 200 watts dynamic burst. It wins in the budget category based solely on features for the money. When you get a Boss Riot mono amplifier, you get a feature-rich 200 watt amplifier, which is enough power for a small subwoofer added to a factory stereo or to enhance a "deck and four" aftermarket system.

Just be sure to scratch off the "1100 watts" emblazoned on the chassis. 

Boss Riot R1100m Features

  • Class A/B Topology. It's "old school" under the hood.
  • Speaker level input
  • RCA inputs
  • Remote bass knob
  • Adjustable low pass filter
  • Switchable bass boost

Boss Riot R1100m Specifications

  • Class A/B Monoblock, MOSFET Power Supply
  • 1100 Watts @2-Ohms Max Power
  • 825 Watts RMS @2-Ohms
  • High and Low Level Inputs
  • Variable Low Pass Crossover, Bass Boost
  • Remote Subwoofer Control

DS18 FRX2.5k

The DS18 FRX2.5k mono amplifier is a no compromise 2500 watt monoblock car audio amplifier. It's not just a subwoofer amplifier, it will also play mids and highs with that full 2500 watts. If you plugged a guitar into your system, you could power a stack of Marshall amplifiers and put on an outdoor concert for all to hear. The DS18 can power more than just subwoofers.

DS18 FRX2.5k Features

  • One ohm stable
  • Low pass, full range or high pass filtering
  • Remote bass knob

DS18 FRX2.5k Specifications

  • Channels - 1
  • Frequency Response - 20Hz - 20KHz
  • RMS Power - 2,500
  • Impedance Range - 1-8 ohm
  • Input Sensitivity - 6V ~ 200mV
  • Bass Boost - 0-12dB
  • Hi/LO Pass - 40Hz-4KHz
  • Product Dimensions - 12" x 7.3" x 2.2"

Best Mono Amplifier for Subwoofer By Power

1200w: Rockford Fosgate R2-1200X1

Rockford Fosgate invented the modern car stereo amplifier in 1973. They've been pushing the industry forward ever since. Each iteration of their amplifiers builds upon the previous. Features found in that first "Power Punch" amplifier are found in today's Rockford Fosgate amplifiers, such as Punch EQ bass boost. This Rockford Fosgate Prime R2-1200X1 is the latest in a long line of Rockford Fosgate amplifiers, with their legendary build quality paired with new features like C.L.E.A.N. set up and 12db/octave low pass filters and even and adjustable infrasonic filter designed to protect your subwoofer.

Rockford Fosgate R2-1200X1 Features

  • Variable On Board PunchEQ
  • C.L.E.A.N. Technology

Rockford Fosgate R2-1200X1 Specifications

  • Rated RMS Power: 400 Watts x 1 @ 4Ω OR 800 Watts x 1 @ 2Ω OR 1200 Watts x 1 @ 1Ω
  • Crossover Slope: 12dB/Oct Butterworth
  • Crossover Frequency: Variable 50Hz-250Hz Low Pass
  • Infrasonic Filter: Variable 15-50Hz
  • Auto Turn On With Defeat Switch
  • Cast Aluminum Heatsink
  • Short Circuit & Over Current Protection
  • Remote Level Control Included
  • Dimensions: 1.9" x 6.8" x 11.3"

500w: MTX Thunder 500.1 Mono Amplifier

The MTX Thunder 500.1 is a small but powerful amplifier, delivering 500 watts into two ohms. It's a bare bones, no nonsense 500 watt amplifier that pairs well with the MTX Terminator Subwoofers.

MTX Thunder 500.1 Mono Amplifier Features

  • Class D Topology
  • Variable LPF
  • Selectable Bass Boost
  • Small Foot Print Design
  • Surface Mount PCB

MTX Thunder 500.1 Mono Amplifier Specifications

  • 500x1 RMS into 2 ohms

300w: Rockford Fosgate Punch 300x1 amplifier

Rockford has been in the game since 1973. They invented the modern car audio amplifier and included a "Power Punch" circuit to boost the bass response in car. The current P300x1 is a spiritual successor to the original entry level punch amplifiers. This full range amplifier is useful for powering your subwoofer or for powering a center channel in a sound quality competition system.

Rockford Fosgate Punch P300x1 Amplifier Features

  • High level input capable with Auto Turn-On circuit
  • RCA pass-thru outputs
  • Features C.L.E.A.N. Set-up
  • Optional remote Punch Level Control (PLC2) ready (w/ input clip indicator)
  • 12dB/octave Butterworth crossover
  • On-board Punch EQ with +18dB boost @ 45Hz
  • Muted turn on
  • Stealth top mounted control panel
  • Cast aluminum heatsink
  • Short circuit protection
  • Over current protection
  • 1 Year Warranty

Rockford Fosgate Punch P300x1 Amplifier Specifications

  • Punch 300-Watt Full-Range Mono Amplifier
  • Rated Power: 200 Watts x 1 @ 4-Ohm OR 300 Watts x 1 @ 2-Ohm
  • 12dB/octave Butterworth crossover
  • Power Wire Gauge: 8 AWG to 4 AWG
  • Speaker Wire Gauge: 8 AWG to 18 AWG
  • Optional Punch Level Control Ready (PLC2 sold separately)
  • Recommended Fuse (not included): 50 A
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 2.38" x 7.76" x 9.86"

Best Mono Amplifier for Subwoofer By Price

Under $300: Taramps Smart 3

This is a single channel amplifier that produces 3000 watts into one or two ohms at a great price. It covers most of the spectrum of human hearing.  

Taramps Smart 3 Features

  • Crossover High Pass (Hpf): 10Hz ~ 90Hz (-12dB) Variable
  • Crossover Low Pass (Lpf): 90Hz ~ 10KHz (-12dB) Variable
  • Bass Boost: Freq.: 35Hz ~ 55Hz, Boost: 0 ~ +10dB

Taramps Smart 3 Specifications

  • 1 OHM: 3000W RMS
  • 2 OHMS: 3000W RMS
  • 4 OHMS: 2000W RMS
  • Input Sensitivity: 0.22V ~ 4V
  • Signal to Noise Ratio: >90dB
  • Frequency Response: 10Hz ~ 10KHz (-3dB)

Under $200: Skar Audio RP-1500.1D

A baby brother to our top rated SKv2- 4500.1D, this amplifier has many of the features at a power level consistent with a daily driver at a price we can agree with. The Skar RP-1500.1D can be wired to 4, 2 or 1 ohm. This amplifier is powered low enough where it would work with a stock electrical system.

Skar Audio RP-1500.1D Features

  • Skar Audio RP-1500.1D Monoblock Amplifier
  • 1-ohm Stable Car Subwoofer Amplifier
  • Class D Monoblock Subwoofer Amplifier
  • 4 Way Protection Circuitry: Thermal, Voltage, Speaker, DC
  • High Speed MOSFET Power Supply
  • Soft Turn on Circuit
  • Bass EQ Switch: 0, +6dB, +12dB
  • Low Pass Filter (Variable): 50Hz - 220Hz
  • Subsonic Filter: Off - 50Hz
  • Remote Bass Knob & Wire Included
  • 4 Gauge Power and Ground Terminals
  • Working Voltage: 8.5V - 14.4V
  • Fuse Rating: 120 Amp
  • Dimensions: 13.875" (Length) x 6.1875" (Width) x 2.25" (Height)

Skar Audio RP-1500.1D Specifications

  • 500w into four ohms
  • 930w into two ohms
  • 1500w into one ohm
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz - 250Hz
  • Signal to Noise Ratio: 85dB

Two channel amplifier for subwoofer: Rockford Fosgate Punch 300x2

This Rockford Fosgate Punch 300x2 was chosen as our best two channel amplifier for driving a subwoofer because it produces 300 watts into a four ohm load when bridged. The amplifier features both a low pass filter and a high pass filter for system flexibility. The Punch series of Amplifiers includes top mounted controls to make it easier to set up after the amplifier is installed in the car. This was chosen to be your system's "starter amplifier" that you could use to power a small subwoofer for your vehicle's factory stereo system. When you would acquire a dedicated mono amplifier for your subwoofer, you could then use this two channel amplifier to power your front stage or rear fill. This amplifier is compatible with a Rockford Fosgate Remote Punch Level Control, sold separately.

Rockford Fosgate Punch 300x2 Features

  • Aluminum heatsink
  • Top mounted controls (!)
  • C.L.E.A.N. Setup
  • Punch EQ
  • High level inputs

Rockford Fosgate Punch 300x2 Specifications

  • Punch 300-Watt Full-Range 2-Channel Amplifier
  • Rated Power: 100 Watts x 2 @ 4-Ohm OR 150 Watts x 2 @ 2-Ohm OR 300 Watts x 1 @ 4-Ohm Bridged
  • 12dB/octave Butterworth crossover
  • Power Wire Gauge: 8 AWG to 4 AWG
  • Speaker Wire Gauge: 8 AWG to 18 AWG
  • Optional Punch Level Control Ready (PLC2 sold separately)
  • Recommended Fuse (not included): 50 A
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 2.38" x 7.76" x 9.86"

Powersports: Rockford Fosgate Power TM750X1bd

There are unique challenges to a power sports installation. A car audio amplifier needs to withstand temperature extremes, vibrations and still just work day in and day out. An amplifier in a boat also needs to withstand temperature extremes and vibrations while still just working, but it also has to deal with mud, dust, fresh water, salt water, etc. And the owner will still expect it to just work, day in and day out. 

Rockford Fosgate has a number of compact power houses for power sports, but we chose the big 750w TM750X1bd amplifier for a subwoofer in a power sports application. Boats are noisy. UTVs are noisy. Side by sides are noisy. Motorcycles are noisy. You need to overcome all of that noise from wind and water and it needs to penetrate your helmet. You need power and lots of it.

Rockford Fosgate Power TM750X1bd features

  • Dual fan cooled
  • No RCA, uses a sealed four pin connector for input

Rockford Fosgate Power TM750X1bd specifications

  • 500 Watts x 1 @ 4-Ohm
  • 750 Watts x 1 @ 2-Ohm
  • 750 Watts x 1 @ 1-Ohm
  • Input sensetivity: 150 mV to 12 V

Home Theater: OSD Audio SMP1000

A mono amplifier for subwoofer in a home theater is designed for reproducing low frequency effects. This is the "point 1" in your home theater system's nomenclature. 

In some cases, the home theater subwoofer will also take the lower frequencies from smaller main speakers and play those, freeing up those speakers from producing frequencies they are physically incapable of reproducing. 

The room also plays a role in the home theater bass response. There are a number of unknowns when you shop for a home theater subwoofer, and modern technology has made it easier to fix any room anomalies. 

The best home theater subwoofer amplifier is the OSD Audio SMP1000. This amplifier includes an app-controlled DSP so you can easily tune the subwoofer for your home theater. This is a separate component that rests on a shelf, as opposed to a plate amplifier, so it sits with your other home theater components.

OSD Audio SMP1000 Features

  • Class D topology for cool operation
  • Includes speaker level inputs
  • Includes RCA inputs
  • Includes +12v trigger to turn on with receivers

OSD Audio SMP1000 Specifications

  • 200w rms at 8ohms (500w max)
  • 400w rms at 4ohms (1000w max)

FAQ

What is a Subwoofer? Why does it need an amplifier?

A subwoofer is a large loudspeaker driver designed to reproduce low frequencies. Low frequency reproduction needs more power than high frequency reproduction, since the has to move more air to achieve the same SPL. It is generally advised that your subwoofer should use half of the power in your system. If you're adding a subwoofer to a factory stereo, 300 watts is plenty. If you're building a super street competition system, you're going to need more than 1000w to be competitive. At that point you'll be upgrading your vehicle's electrical system.

Why does a subwoofer use a mono amplifier? Why not stereo?

A subwoofer uses a mono amplifier because of the wavelengths involved. Those frequencies are incredibly difficult for people to "localize". You can determine the location of a bird song because the wavelengths involved are only a couple inches apart and your brain and ears combine the different signals to triangulate the position of the bird relative to your head. Cool, huh? 

Contrast that with plucking the open string of the low E on a bass guitar. Doing so will produce a wavelength that's roughly 27 feet long. You can see how it would be difficult to localize such low frequencies, when your ears are just a few inches apart. Using two separate signals to two separate subwoofers in stereo is virtually indistinguishable from using one combined low frequency signal to power two separate subwoofers. So designing one signal path in the amplifier as opposed to two helps save money through a reduced component count, and the engineers can design the circuit around higher power components in a smaller chassis.

What Features should I look for in a mono amplifier for subwoofers?

Low Pass Filter

Just like your tweeters won't do a good job reproducing bass frequencies, your subwoofer is less than ideal for reproducing vocals or many musical instruments. Ideally you want an adjustable low pass filter, and not a "fixed" low pass filter. If your low pass filter is fixed at 80hz, but your existing speakers don't play well below 150hz, the system will be missing some midbass punch.

Remote Bass Knob

Not everyone appreciates a bass heavy system. Employing a remote bass knob to reduce the subwoofer's volume when you're not interested in bass is beneficial. If you're on a long trip and listening to an audio book, you don't want Ps and Bs to be emphasized. If you have children in the car you don't want to harm their ears. So having an easy way to turn it down when it's not needed is beneficial to everyone.

Speaker Level Inputs

Speaker level inputs are useful if you need to hook your amplifier up to a factory stereo that does not have line-level RCA inputs. Some of the amplifiers on the market are able to turn on the amplifier with this high voltage speaker level signal, so the installer does not have to tap into the vehicle's electrical system in order to find a +12v switched source for the amplifier's remote turn on. 

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