This article will discuss the best mono amplifiers available in the market. Each amplifier has been reviewed and scrutinized by our team of experts.
In the review, we’ve highlighted the pros and cons of each product and have kept several factors in mind, elements that the buyer should be wary of.
Additionally, these amplifiers can be used by virtually anyone. However, to ensure that you get the best stuff, it’s always smart to be aware of what you’re investing in.
Buyers guide
On an average day, you can routinely walk into a shop and walk out with an amplifier. However, the process of enhancing your sound system experience requires a little more attention to detail.
To get the best mono amps in the market, there will be a few things you’ll have to be wary of.
Here are some things that one should consider:
Define a Purpose
It’s always essential to start with the end in mind. Doing this would enable you to make smart decisions from the very beginning.
In this scenario, you’ll have to chart out the scope of the amplifier roughly you’ll be investing in.
Will it be used indoors or outdoors?
Will I need it for my car’s sound system?
Asking questions like these will help you narrow down your particulars and browse with a clear cut intention.
Size/Location
Amplifiers are normally big and heavy. With that, they also require a decent amount of space.
Keeping the aforementioned requirements in mind, it’s best to designate and be aware of a spot which you’ll be using for your amplifier.
Likewise, if you already have a space in mind, you’ll have to look for something in the market that fits there.
This is also something you’ll need to focus on if you’re looking for the best budget mono car amplifier.
Size and purpose go hand in hand, which is why they’re on the top of this list.
Power Rating
Power ratings can be misleading. Some brands prefer to mislabel or make false claims about their product, which produces complications later on.
Hence, for starters, invest in legitimate producers only.
Additionally, a good rule of thumb to follow is to get an amplifier which gives more power than what your speaker is rated for.
Wiring
It’s better safe to be sorry, which is why it’s wise to get wiring that is made from oxygen-free copper (OFC) rather than copper clad aluminum (CCA). The former will provide better electrical flow.
Also, pay attention to the wire gauge. For smaller amplifiers, eight gauges work best. For bigger models, four gauge or bigger is the general advice.
Channels
Amplifiers come in a variety. For examples, you’ll want to get the best monoblock amp for your speaker system.
Whereas if you’re looking to power your subwoofers, it is suitable to choose a two-channel amplifier.
How Do You Match Subwoofers and Amplifiers?
Top 15 Mono Amplifiers Reviews
In the following product reviews, an overview of the basic functionalities of the amplifiers is discussed.We’ve tried to compile maximum technical information and the pros of a particular amplifier over the other.
By reading through the reviews, you would be able to choose an amplifier that best suits to your particular requirements and budget.
1. Rockford Fosgate R500X1D Amplifier
This model is one of the notable ones currently available, and all for the right reasons. It’s functionality, and simplistic design makes it optimal for use in virtually every sphere of life.
Providing a frequency of 20Hz to 250Hz +/-1dB, the model also includes a wired remote and is optimized in a manner to reduce excessive current usage.
The model also has On-board Punch EQ with +18dB boost at 45Hz. The input sensitivity measures from about 150mV to 4V and also has an infrasonic filter.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Lightweight
- Less electricity usage
Cons
- Output level knob isn’t designed well
- Weak output
2. Ignite Audio Mono Amplifier
The Ignite combines elegant design, aesthetics, and efficiency packing it into one unit. Famous for its beautiful outlook, this model has other significant merits as well.
It has a 4000 Watt peak power and a total harmonic distribution of 85 dB. The Ignite also has efficient RMS power handling, all customized to a different measurement of the ohms.
This essentially means that the model ensures good output and can be used for a variety of purposes.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Elegant design
- Good power handling
Cons
- Factory bass knob concerns from users
- Incomplete manual
3. Planet Audio AC1500.1M Mono Amplifier
This amplifier is built exclusively for enhancing your music experience when driving.
It provides a maximum Power Output of 1500 Watts at 2 Ohms into one channel and a maximum power output of 750 Watts at 4 Ohms into 1 Channel.
You can also manipulate and work around the various bass levels present.
The model’s slim and elegant design means that you can also easily adjust it wherever you want, saving space in the process.
The low pass crossover feature also ensures that unrequired notes aren’t accentuated on your subwoofers.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Good design
- Great sound quality
Cons
- Built solely for cars
- Drains batteries quickly
4. Skar Audio RP-2000 Mono Amplifier
The Skar is a Class D MOSFET Monoblock Power Amplifier, which provides a peak power of 2800 Watts at 1Ohm.
The RMS power at 1 Ohm is about 2000 Watts. The model also provides a 4-Way Protection Circuitry and ground terminals to ensure that the current flow in the most optimal manner, minimizing any risks.
The Skar also integrates a high stability design which means that its exterior is less likely to break down in the long run. The Skar also has a good frequency response.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Excellent sound effects
- No distortion at maximal range
Cons
- Bass knob is poorly designed
- Heavier than other models
5. Rockford Fosgate R1200-1D Mono Amplifier
The Rockford features simplistic design coupled with basic usage of amplifiers which make it optimal for beginners and those who are starting in this hobby.
The frequency response is between 20 and 250 Hz. The model also contains misfit power and output stages.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Best for beginners
- Easy to work with
Cons
- No wirings included
- Hardware is not part of the package
6. Audiopipe APMI-2000 Mono Amplifier
The AudioPipe is reputed for being well used in-car systems to enhance the sound experience.
With excellent, efficient design and a decent output, this model is good to have if you’re starting.
The sound produced by the AudioPipe is clear and pure, and the power delivery ensures that your system always performs well.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Clean and clear sound
- Small yet strong design
Cons
- Bass boost system might not be accurate
- Overheats quickly
7. RIOT 1100 Watts Mono Amplifier
This model is reputed for its power, providing 1100 Watts at 2 Ohms and 550 Watts at 4 Ohms into one Channel.
The elegant system also has a low pass crossover, which means that unpleasant high notes will be automatically removed from playing in your subwoofers.
The dimensions of this model are too small, making it suitable for installment in various places.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Good power delivery
- Elegant and lightweight
Cons
- Overheating
- Bass remote might malfunction
8. BOSS Audio Elite R1004 Mono Amplifier
This model is reputed for being one of its kind. It includes features such as variable gain control and a full range.
These will help you fluctuate and manage the amount of signal going into your subwoofers so that you can adjust them however you may like.
This model also delivers good power with general specifications of 100 Watts Max x 4 at 2-Ohms and 50 Watts Max x 4 at 4-Ohms.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- The cooling fan is silent
- Adjustment of frequency and power
Cons
- No included hardware
- Remote knobs don’t work well
9. Alpine MRV-M500 Mono Amplifier
The Alpine features smart and futuristic design is making it optimal for installation in places that are visible.
The specifications of this amplifier also make it a good investment.
The model has Snap-On terminals which allow secure attachments. The power output is 500 RMS at 2 Ohms and 300W RMS at 4 Ohms.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Easy installation
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not many additional features
- Remote bass control knob not included
10. BOSS AUDIO AR3000D Mono Amplifier
The Boss has remote subwoofer controllers and comes with a plethora of other features.
The model also has various power inputs. 3000 W MAX Power at 1 Ohm is provided. For 2 and 4 Ohms, the number of watts is 1500 and 700 respectively.
Other features of this model include Variable Low Pass Crossover, Variable Bass Boost, and a Subsonic Filter.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Strong and elegant
- Good sound production
Cons
- Not suitable for beginners
- Cannot hold a low bass
11. Taramp’s HD 3000 Mono Amplifier
The Taramp comes with 3000 Watts and produces excellent sound and bass.
With the bass boost feature, this model is generally reputable to work optimally on 2 Ohm. The power output is 3000 Ohms.
It provides a quality output which can be used for various applications. It’s easy to fix hence makes it user-friendly for amateurs as well.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Powerful sound
- Lightweight and easy to fix
Cons
- Poor design
- Bad battery timing
12. Rockville dB12 2000w Peak Mono Amplifier
The Rockville comes with a plethora of hardware and included features making it optimal for use indoors and outdoors.
The Molded power terminals have the highest current draw in the industry and are also aesthetically optimal.
The model also has various RMS power ratings, suitable for different needs and applications.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Amazing sound quality
- Versatile features
Cons
- Might be difficult to handle for beginners
- Manual isn’t elaborative
13. Pioneer Gm-D9601 Mono Amplifier
The Pioneer is a simplistic design that optimizes the Class D usage of amplifiers.
With a 2400 Watt power rating, the Pioneer provides excellent sound quality and can be used in many different backgrounds.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Amazing sound quality
- Easy to use
Cons
- Output terminals are difficult to wire
- Overheats’ when used for a long time
14. Planet Audio TR5000 Mono Amplifier
This model is optimally suited for usage in cars and combines beautiful and smart design with efficient technology.
This amplifier has several features in it which include Variable Low Pass Crossover, Variable Bass Boost, Variable Subsonic Filter, Remote Subwoofer Control and Blue Backlit Illumination.
Power outputs range from 1250 Watts to 5000 Watts based on the level of Ohms. This model also has switchable phase control.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Different and versatile features
- Great sound quality
Cons
- Manual is not detailed enough
- Very susceptible to overheat if used improperly
15. BOSS Audio Elite BA1200 Mono Amplifier
The Boss has a power output of 1200 watts and 600 Watts at 2 and 4 Ohms, respectively.
Furthermore, the low pass crossover feature means that high notes will be purposefully prevented from entering the subwoofer.
This amplifier is made solely for enhancing the car’s sound experience and is highly recommended by our team.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Lightweight
- Adaptive design
Cons
- Loudness might be an issue
- Sound quality deteriorates over time
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a mono amp better than two channels?
Generally speaking, you’re going to have to define your purpose first before deciding which one to choose.
However, customers and frequent users prefer to choose the latter over the former. A two-channel amplifier performs best at 2 ohms per channel.
Mono amps, on the other hand, work best at 1 ohm per channel. To keep up with a two-channel, you’ll need to purchase a large mono-amp to give the same power.
This, inevitably, might be a little expensive.
What is class amplifier better for subwoofers?
Considering all the merits and demerits of all the different classes, Class D amplifiers are the optimal choice for your subwoofers.
The efficiency of the said class is higher than the other kinds. Class D amplifiers are also generally smaller in size.
What is a mono amp good for?
Mono Amps are optimal for use in subwoofers and similar system. Furthermore, they are also used to produce more power than other types of amplifiers.
Mono Amps produce a single power signal, best for usage in the music industry and similar hobbies which require deep resonating frequencies.
Are 2 or 4-ohm amps better?
In general scenarios, 4-ohm amps are a better choice than 2-ohm amps.
This is because the 2-ohm amplifier is likely to use and draw out more power and run hotter.
With a 4 ohm amplifier, these fallacies will be minimalized.
How many watts do you need for a subwoofer?
Depending on different conditions, different subwoofers require different measurements of a watt to function optimally.
To put things in perspective, if a subwoofer is 300 watts, it implies that it can take 300 watts simultaneously.
Another major factor to keep in mind is the RMS rating.
For general 300RMS ratings installed in a pair, you’ll need anything between 450 to 900 watts.
Do you need an amp for a subwoofer?
In theory, subwoofers can operate without the presence of an amplifier. This is because, in the machinery, the subwoofer already has amplifiers installed.
However, these amps run on meager watts, lower than 30.
They would generally work in smaller environments, but as the speaker gets more substantial, you’ll need to install an amplifier to make the sound better.
Can I use a mono amp for speakers?
Mono amplifiers are optimal for use in speakers. Mono amplifiers are noted for being able to transmit only single audio signals.
This is the primary reason that they’re not used for stereo music.
Additionally, this feature makes it best suited for usage in speakers.
What is a class D mono-block amplifier?
A class D monoblock amplifier is used extensively for powering up speakers.
A monoblock amplifier is one in which only one channel is available.
Furthermore, Class D monoblock amplifiers are reputed for having a high turnover rate and ensure maximal efficiency.
This is also one of the reasons why they are used for powering full range speakers.
Can you bridge a mono-amp?
A mono amp cannot be bridged due to the presence of only one channel. You can bridge amplifiers that have more than one mono amp.
Are more ohms better?
In most cases, 4 ohms are generally more frequently recommended as compared with others. This is because they use and consume less power.
Using less power means that they’re less likely to be subject to degradation over a long period, and hence last longer than others.
Conclusion
Amplifiers are a great way to go about if you want to enhance your music experience. The aforementioned list was subject to intense scrutiny and is all highly praised by our team.
All have their pros and cons but are currently the most critical products available in the market.
If you’re familiar with any one of them, let us know in the comment section below.
Also, let us know which product you feel is best for your use!
I am a beginner and don’t know to deal with complex amplifiers. Can you suggest me something with amazing sound quality while being easy to use?
A lot of beginners prefer PIONEER GM-D9601 due to its simplicity and amazing quality. I think it will fulfill your needs as well.
Why should I prefer mono amps over the dual channeled ones?
Hi, Anthony
If you need a resonating effect and a single, much power signal, they are the ones you need to be using.
I just got my Planet Audio AC1500; however, the batteries are not very good. What should I do?
Hi. I have clearly reflected the fact that even though it provides the best performance, the batteries don’t last very long. I suggest you check out other models like RIOT 1100W.
I am looking for an intermediate amplifier with top quality functioning. Where should I be looking at?
Well, it sounds like you need the Rockville 2000W amplifier as it just fulfills your needs. It packs many features along with great sound quality. Don’t forget to check it out.
Why are mono amps more expensive than the usual ones?
Well, to compete, they need to operate at higher power compared to a two-channel amp, which is essentially the reason they are more expensive.
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