9 Of The Best 5 Channel Amp For The Money
Is it time to upgrade to the best 5 channel amp? Are you ready for some serious upgrades to your car’s sound system? What’s the best 5 channel amp in the market today for the money?
Getting the best 5 channel amp for your car is a clear signal to the rest of your peers that you’re serious about investing in your sound system. Now you may be wondering why there are only 9 on this list. We wanted to do a top 10, but our tenth pick just wasn’t strong enough to make it to the final list.
These things cost money, but with the promise of better performance and stellar-quality sound, you could say it is worth every penny spent.
Now before you get one, it would be best if you actually need it. Let’s say you’re planning on putting speakers for each corner of your car and a subwoofer at the back. To get the most out of this set-up, you will need the best 5-channel amp. Anything less than that will just be a waste of your investment in speakers.
But it doesn’t end at just the number of speakers. You’ll also need to make sure that the 5-channel amp you end up buying is compatible with the speakers you have. We’ll delve into that in the following sections before getting into our top picks.
Reasons Why You Should Definitely Use A 5-Channel Amp
The best 5 channel amp is the one crucial element needed to run four speakers and a sub in your car effectively. Without it, you would be diminishing its potential for greatness. The amplifier is the one element that channels all that power into these speakers through dedicated channels.
Therefore, each speaker has an undiluted amount of power for pushing maximum sound out of it.
Another reason to do this is to save space. Where most people would use two amplifiers (a separate 4 channel amplifier and a dedicated amplifier for the subwoofer), the best 5 channel amp removes the need for extra space to accommodate two units.
Needless to say, you also save money by negating the need to buy two amplifiers and just get one that does the job of two.
Now, what if you have less than four speakers in your car? Would you still benefit from getting the best 5 channel amp?
Sure! Let’s say you only have three speakers, two up front and one at the back with a subwoofer thrown in for extra oomph. Those three speakers can be assigned a channel, each with another channel dedicated for the subwoofer alone. That means you have one channel free for future use.
That means you have extra room in the future for upgrades should you find your speakers lacking and in need of improvement. This is the best reason why you should get the best 5 channel amp: future-proofing your sound system.
How to Choose the Best 5 Channel Amp
Ok, now how do we begin the choosing process?
The first thing to consider is compatibility with your current sound system. Most people make the mistake of buying what they perceive as the best 5 channel amp only to find out later that it does not meet the power requirements to run their speakers properly.
Finding a good bargain on an amplifier that can do 2000 watts RMS doesn’t mean you can immediately attach it to two subwoofers that can handle 1000 watts RMS each. You also have to consider the impedance and wiring involved. One misstep at this point could sink your investment a couple hundred dollars down the drain.
Next, you want to make sure it’s easy to install your amplifier into your car. Wiring should be a straightforward process, as well as mounting the amplifier into place. The best 5 channel amp is small enough to mount anywhere and still remain cool while in operation.
The third and most important thing you have to consider is the sound quality. You don’t want to skimp on how loud you want to play your music and how clear it comes out of your speakers. Otherwise, what’s the point? You might as well stick to your stock system.
Apart from these three, all other factors are incidental. The look of the amp, special features, bridgeability, and weatherproofing are some of the things you’d want to have. We’ll get into that in the next section.
Important Features To Look For Before Buying That 5-Channel Car Amplifier
Let’s delve a little deeper into the important features to look for before buying the best 5 channel amp for your car.
How Much Power Can It Continuously Produce?
An amplifier needs to produce power continuously. This is what we call the RMS or root mean square. How much that total power is depends on how well-built the amp in question is. For the most part, car amplifiers have an RMS ranging from 600 to 1000 watts.
To put it simply, the higher the RMS, the more power you generate. That ultimately leads to better audio output.
How Much Power Can It Handle?
There’s a difference between producing power and handling power. You can actually produce more than you can handle, and that’s never a good thing. This applies to car amplifiers too. This is what you call Peak power.
Peak power is the maximum amount of power your amp can handle without blowing up. Now just because your amp is rated to handle that much power, try to keep it short as extended periods of overloading your system can burn up the internal circuitry of your amp or your speakers.
Always Check The Impedance Rating
There is an ohm rating assigned to each car amplifier out there in the market today. 5-channel amplifiers have 2 or 4 ohms. Just make sure you check the ratings at the back before buying one.
Cooling Features
Car amplifiers can get hot after using them for an extended time. Without adequate cooling features, you run the risk of overheating the device and destroying the circuitry inside. This is why the best 5 channel amp should come with efficient cooling features.
Most 5-channel car amplifiers already exist constructed in aluminum, which helps dissipate a huge amount of heat as the entire thing acts like a heat sink. Cooling fins also help.
The best thing to do is mount your car amplifier where there’s ventilation to help cool it faster.
Just remember to choose the best 5 channel amp that has excellent cooling features because the last thing you want is for that car amplifier to overheat.
Does It Sound Good?
One of the things that can ruin a good musical experience is unwanted distortion. You want it loud, not noisy. You want to be the one providing tunes to the party, not the one ruining it with an obnoxious sound coming from your speakers.
Can You Bridge It?
The best 5 channel amp is designed to run a 5-way system. To get more power, you can turn it into a 3-way system by bridging it. Linking two channels to drive power into one speaker will give you more to work with. The good thing is that most amplifiers have this feature today.
Look For Other Special Features To Seal The Deal
Treat this as a bonus for getting the best 5 channel amp. Just make sure you have all of the basic features before shifting your focus on this aspect.
If there’s one special feature you really must have with the best 5 channel amp, it should be a remote control. With a remote control you can manipulate your system from afar. That’s the most convenient way of raising your volume without damaging your ears.
Now Here Is Our List Of The 9 Best 5 Channel Amplifiers In The Market Today
Ok, now that you know what to look for, let’s get to the list of the best 5 channel amp examples in the market today.
You might notice some of the 5 channel amps we’ve included have been featured in our past articles. If you’re interested in reading about how they rated in our other articles, here are some helpful links:
- Choosing The Best Amp Under 500 For Rockin’ And Rollin’
- 10 Of The Best Mono Block Amplifiers To Rock Your Socks Off
Now on to the list:
#1: Rockford Fosgate P1000X5 – best 5 channel amp
Let’s kick this list off with the best 5 channel amp we could find in the market today.
Ok, to set your expectations, this will cost you a lot of money. But then again, you get what you paid for, right? And with the Rockford Fosgate P1000X5, you’ll be paying for the best 5 channel amp packed with lots of features making it worth every cent and more.
To start, this car amplifier is built with high-quality components that allow it to run with very minimal power requirements. That’s 1000 watts RMS without draining your battery!
Each channel delivers 75 watts RMS per speaker and another 500 watts solely for the subwoofer. Do you want more power for each speaker? Why not bridge it to make your 5-channel amp into a 3-channel for 250 watts RMS per speaker.
You can adjust the treble and boost settings to get a clear, crisp sound. This becomes more attainable with the C.L.E.A.N. (Calibrated Level Eliminates Audible Noise) technology. Even if you boost that bass and raise the gain levels, everything will still sound nice despite how loud it gets.
This amplifier does not require much to run and remains relatively cool while in operation. Heat dissipation and cooling work together to make sure the unit doesn’t overheat. There is also a built-in short-circuit protection feature to make sure your investment doesn’t burn to a crisp.
Overall, this is the best 5 channel amp you can get for the money.
- 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)
#2: Kenwood Excelon X802-5 – best 5 channel amp
If you’re looking for the best channel amp in a compact form, then the Kenwood Excelon X802-5 Car Amplifier is the one for you.
But don’t let the small form factor fool you into thinking it is not as capable as the rest of the 5 channel amps we’ve included in this list. This amp packs a powerful wallop! Not only that, there’s a whole slew of features making this one of the best 5 channel amp to get regardless of budget.
The Kenwood Excelon X802-5 yields 50 watts from 4 channels and a maximum of 300 watts from the sub. It also has a frequency response up to 50 kilohertz. There are non-overlapping circuit boards divided to direct power where it is needed.
For better control over the audio, there’s a high and low pass filter and bass boost. What you get is a clear and crisp sound with little to no distortion, perfect for audiophiles in search of the cleanest tones.
We’re not done yet.
You can run this amplifier for longer periods thanks to its highly efficient thermal management system.
So, if you’re looking for the best 5 channel amp that’s small, powerful, and reliable, get the Kenwood Excelon X802-5.
- High-Resolution Audio is high-quality sound that exceeds CD standard. High-resolution audio captures and beautifully expresses all the details of your favorite music. Through ultra-high and low frequencies, immerse yourself in a rich and high-quality sonic experience.
- Output Coil with Magnetic Shield prevents magnetic flux from radiating from the subwoofer's coil, resulting in reduced noise and enhanced sound quality.
#3: Rockford Fosgate R600X5 Prime – best 5 channel amp
You’re probably noticing a pattern now. Yes, we love Rockford Fosgate products. And what’s not to love about this company? They keep churning out high-quality products after another, and at a price, most car enthusiasts with audiophile leanings and a tight budget can reach!
Although smaller than the Rockford Fosgate P1000X5, the Rockford Fosgate R600X5 prime isn’t a lightweight. This highly efficient 5-channel amplifier can deliver the goods with 50 watt RMS per speaker and a whopping 300 watt RMS for the subwoofer. That’s more than enough to ensure you get heard over the crowd when everyone’s blasting out serious tunes.
There’s also a high and low-pass filter to push your amp to deliver a stellar performance! To get a boom-y low bass sound, just adjust the EQ to reach sub-sonic levels guaranteed to shake the ground. And like its bigger counterpart, it also remains clean sounding no matter how loud your music gets.
For cooling, this amp has a heavy cast aluminum body that draws heat away from the more important circuitry inside. The same body construction allows this amplifier to withstand a lot of abuse on the road. And for even more protection, you also get a short circuit sensor that constantly monitors the input and output of power.
So, if you love high-quality 5-channel car amplifiers and you’re on a tighter budget, the Rockford Fosgate R600X5 Prime is the best 5 channel amp for you.
- 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
#4: Polk Audio PA D5000.5 – best 5 channel amp
Polk Audio PA D5000.5 is no slouch in the power department. It can deliver 70 watts RMS to all four speakers and 500 watts RMS to your subwoofer.
All that power and in a small package too!
- Sophisticated unit will withstand numerous elements it encounters while on the water
- Stainless steel hardware throughout to prevent corrosion, short circuit protection and many other marine specific features
#5: BOSS Audio PV3700 Phantom – best 5 channel amp
Are you on a tight budget? Still looking for the best 5 channel amp that churns out massive amounts of power? You can stop the search right here. The BOSS Audio PV3700 Phantom has a peak power rating of 3700 watts!
I guess it’s true when they say, “It’s good to be the boss!”
Although the BOSS Audio PV3700 Phantom is an easy-to-use budget-friendly amp that can effortlessly power big subs, it’s also highly energy efficient. It can run for long periods with very little heat. So don’t worry about overheating. You won’t even have to worry about upsurges because it also has a system installed for tripping excess amounts of electricity.
Sound-wise, this is an amp that you can get really loud with. You can turn up the volume without worrying about distortion in your music. This is excellent for drawing large crowds to your setup and have people admire what you have blasting inside your car.
With this in your car, you’ll know what it feels like to be the top dog in the pack.
- 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
#6: Planet Audio AC1800.5 Anarchy – best 5 channel amp
‘Cause I wanna be ANARCHY!
The word might have changed its meaning over the years thanks to the British punk band who used it in their song, but it does make it an apt name for this car amplifier. Planet Audio’s AC1800.5 Anarchy breaks all the rules with this high-quality amp because of its stellar qualities, powerful sonic abilities, and surprisingly low price!
For starters, this car amplifier yields 1800 watts max power. Each channel can deliver 225 watts of power each while the subwoofer gets 450 watts. As a bridgeable amp, you can increase the power delivery by pairing the channels.
There’s a whole slew of protection features in this amp. You won’t have to worry about short-circuits, current overload, and to overheat while operating this in your car. There’s also a huge aluminum heat sink that effectively draws out excess heat and prevents thermal breakdown the longer you use this car amplifier.
One look at this amp’s innards will tell you that no expense was spared to making it one of the best 5 channel amp examples in the market today. Inside, you’ll find nickel-plated contacts for better power conduction and heavy-duty set-screw terminals. For better contact, you’ll find chrome-plated connections. If that doesn’t make this the best 5 channel amp in the market today, then I don’t know what will.
Needless to say, audio quality out of this amplifier is incredible!
With this in your car, you can raise a ruckus wherever you go. High-quality ruckus everyone will enjoy!
- Power - 300 max x 4 @2 Ohms plus 5th channel 600 max x 1 @2 Ohms, 150 max x 4 @4 Ohms plus 5th channel 300 max x 1 @ 4 Ohms, 600 max bridged x 1 @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
#7: Alpine PDX-V9 – best 5 channel amp
Alpine is one of the best-loved brands when it comes to audio equipment. This isn’t just reserved for car audio devices. There are millions of homes using the brand to add a little music to their owners’ lives.
So what does the Alpine PDX-V9 bring to the table? How does 100 watts RMS for each speaker and 500 watts RMS to your subwoofer sound? That’s a lot of earth-shaking power in such a small, compact car amplifier, right?
It also makes it hard to believe that such power could come from such a tiny package. But then again, Alpine never did shy away from making high-quality, innovative products that outshine the competition. And that’s why we have the Alpine PDX-V9 here. You get all that and at an affordable price to boot!
It’s a great example of what the best 5 channel amp should be.
#8: JL Audio XD700/5V2 – best 5 channel amp
This list wouldn’t be complete without the JL Audio XD700/V52 in it. In fact, almost all car amplifier best-of lists have this unit listed as a must-have.
And why is that?
Well. That’s because the JL Audio XD700/5V2 is a very powerful and compact amp that’s guaranteed to deliver the best highs and lows to shake the ground and set car alarms off.
It’s also small enough to make installation in any part of your c r a breeze. But like most of the amps in this best 5 channel amp list, it delivers massive amounts of power to your speakers. It can supply your speakers with 75 watt RMS and 300 watts RMS to your subwoofer. That may not seem like much on paper, but try turning up the volume, and you’ll find it adequate enough to grab everyone’s attention.
The JL Audio XD700/5V2 uses NexD technology for superior sound quality and power efficiency. You can also bridge this amp to turn it from a 5-channel to a 3-channel with high, mid, and low pass filters. This effectively separates all the frequencies, so they don’t come out as a jumbled mess.
For protection, there’s the Advanced Rollback Protection that keeps your system from shutting down in the event of overheating.
#9: Kenwood KAC-M8005 – best 5 channel amp
The Kenwood KAC-M8005 is a class D 1600 watt bridgeable marine amplifier. At 1 kilogram, it is small and light enough for you to easily install wherever you want to inside your car. But don’t let the small size fool you. It is more than capable of powering four speakers and a sub with ease.
Tone-wise, it produces the sound quality everyone expects from this top-tier audio company. It has a high- and low-pass filter that you can manipulate to get the best tones out of your speakers. You can expect 50 watts RMS per speaker and 500 watts RMS for your sub. What you get is impressive loudness with little to no distortion as you crank it up. You can also dial the gain level back if it gets too harsh.
But the unique selling point of this car amplifier is that it is weather-resistant. The inner circuits are protected from damage incurred due to exposure to water and dirt, and moisture. So, whatever the weather conditions are outside, you can be sure that you can still blast out those tunes without worrying about damaging them.
So whether you’re on land or sea, you’ll have music with your Kenwood KAC!
- Marine-Grade Power: The KENWOOD Marine/Motorsports Car Amplifier KAC-M8005 is a 5-channel powerhouse designed for marine and motorsports applications, delivering 1600 Watts of powerful and reliable performance.
- Built to Withstand the Elements: With its conformal-coated circuit board, this amplifier is waterproof and saltwater resistant, ensuring durability and longevity in harsh marine environments
And that’s it! That’s our top 9! Here’s hoping you’ll find what you’re looking for in this list. And as always, we encourage you to always do your research before making a final decision.
Conclusion
Deciding on getting the best 5 channel amp is just the first step. Doing your research before buying one is an entirely different thing. Like us, you’ll end up searching through long lists before finding the right one to install in your car.
Invalid table id.Knowing what you need, what features to look for, and making sure the car amplifier you have on your sights is compatible with your system is a great way to save loads of money.
So check these nine out first and then do some more research to get the best 5 channel amp
Good luck!
Here are some more related articles to help you with your car amplifier search:
- 10 Of The Best Mono Block Amplifiers To Rock Your Socks Off
- Choosing The Best Amp Under 500 For Rockin’ And Rollin’
Related Questions
Can I Put A Speaker In Any Door?
Yes, provided there is enough space within the door to accommodate the speaker and the housing. But you’re not just limited to the space between your doors. There are other places where you can place an amp. If you have a pickup truck or an RV, you can create custom panels to place speakers in. The sky’s the limit if you have the right budget and imagination as to where you’re going to end up installing those speakers. So go to town with it!
Will I Need A Separate battery TO Power My Amplifier?
Not necessarily, but an extra battery could come in handy. Your sound system is going to derive power from your amplifier. Your amplifier, in turn, gets it from your battery. Playing your sound system with the engine off could discharge the battery. Since you won’t be able to start your car if you’re playing it in an enclosed space (where most sound off shows happen), an extra battery is always a welcome addition.
Here’s a related article for batteries: The Ultimate Car Battery Replacement Guide Shootout
Will Having A Dash Cam System Drain My Battery If I Have A Complete Sound System?
Having too many power-hungry devices hooked up to your battery can eventually drain your battery. To prevent this from happening, don’t turn them all on at once. Or if you really have to, at least have your car running so that the alternator will keep charging. The good thing is that most dash cam systems only require very minimal power requirements to keep running even with the engine off. So, go ahead and get one.