Best Competition Amp with Pros, Cons & Recommendations

Welcome to the Best Competition Amp Award Show!

After spending the last two months running wires, configuring systems, fine-tuning, and entering SPL competitions meanwhile skipping on bedtime stories for the kids (sorry, honey…), I’m ready to reveal the best competition amplifiers on the market.

Look:

Finding the perfect amplifier comes down to your power needs, size and budget. As soon as you know these, you will find the perfect fit.

Now for the last 20 years, I’ve been installing car audio in vehicles of all shapes and sizes. You name it; I’ve probably worked on it. So this is why I’ve dug into my knowledge, and I’m sharing these amplifiers to make sure you get the perfect fit and save you a ton of time in the process.

I’m ranking these 4 amplifiers by power, distortion level, size, looks, and, of course, value for the money. You can rest assured that no matter which one you pick, you will have a winner by your side.

Let me see those amps already!

[lwptoc]

#1 Kicker CXA1800.1T – The Best Overall Competition Amplifier

We have a WINNER!

I don’t know how to get started with this sub. It’s so brutal the amount of power it can deliver, and when you see the price, you won’t believe how low it is.

Here are a few warnings that you should remember when you’re installing the beast. First of all, don’t even try it with some cheap throw-away subs because they will be fried instantly.

Power Specs:

• 900 watts RMS x 1 at 4 ohms (1800 watts RMS x 1 at 2 ohms)
• 1800 watts RMS x 1 at 1 ohm

Secondly, with this sub, you will piss off your neighbors because it’s too loud; you will upset your ears if you’re listening to music at the max for a long period of time. Also, your wife girlfriend will be angry because you will be driving around aimlessly. Also, your friends will call you up asking for a rider here and there more frequently.

This Kicker amplifier is so worth the money, and besides, the great price is super easy to install. This insane power turns into a loud and crisp sound. Kicker, this is one of your best amps.

This is why it’s top of my list:

• Beast of an Amp: No matter what kind of competition system you’re putting together, this sub can handle whatever you can throw at it
• Is it getting louder? After a while, it gets so loud that you can’t hear the difference, so focus on the vibrations. You can feel them getting intense, so it’s getting louder as well
• Thunder: It’s supposed to be a nice and sunny day. Where’s the thunder coming from? This amp delivers so much power. Actually, you can get a lot more juice out of it than advertised

A few drawbacks to consider:

This is a biggie; you need more than a decent electrical system to handle this beast, or else you will have your headlights flickering. Consider upgrading your alternator, maybe an extra battery and very good wires.

This sub is meant to be loud, so be careful with extended use. You might get your hearing damaged.

If you want something cheaper, then check out #2 on my list.

All in all, this is an exceptional amp. Delivering more than 1800 watts means that you can bring alive any beast of a sound system you want to show off in a competition.

Since it’s top of my list means it’s popular, so don’t be surprised that it will be out of stock. As a matter of fact, there were only a few left when the last time I’ve checked. So if you want to unleash the hounds, get it now.

Pros:

It delivers more power than Kicker advertises

It delivers that sweet hitting punch for the subwoofer

Perfect balance between quality and price

Cons:

You might need your whole electrical system upgraded

Possible hearing damage at max volume

#2 Alpine S-A60M S-Series– Best Class D Mono Competition Amplifier

This sub is the best investment if you want your ride to sound the best it ever had.

Let me share with you a secret. With big brands like Alpine, you’re actually getting a lot more power than they advertise. Plus, when you get this amp, you’re getting a certificate saying how much power it can deliver.

Power Specs:

• 330 watts RMS x 1 at 4 ohms
• 600 watts RMS x 1 at 2 ohms

Since this Alpine amp delivers so much power, no wonder that speakers and subs sound a lot more powerful and easily fool bystanders; it’s not uncommon for people to think that a regular 8″ sub is actually a 10″ or 12″ one. As a matter of fact, if you have a 12″ sub and pair it with this amp, it will sound like a two 12″. Talk about a cheap way to upgrade.

It has a slim design, so you can easily fit it anywhere. In most cases, the ideal place would be under the seat.

Here’s why it’s a must-buy:

• Strong and Loud: Just as I like it. As a matter of fact, people will hear you coming from down the street even if you set the volume at 25%
• Insane Output: This is the cheapest and fastest way to turn an 8″ sub sounding like a 10″ or even 12″. Or you can turn a 12″ sub sounding like two 12″ ones
• It makes the Dubs Bump Harder:  You can set this sub either to create the best sound quality possible or to rattle your internal organs

Here are a few drawbacks:

Alpine sure has an interesting upsell process because the bass knob is not included, and you have to buy it separately.

I miss that it doesn’t have a subsonic filter that would’ve made the song crystal clear. It’s good right now, but with a subsonic filter, it would’ve been a lot better.

This sub is an absolute gem. It’s not only loud and delivers amazing quality, but it’s a great bass amp. It delivers a lot of power, so later on, you can upgrade your speakers or sub to get the maximum juice out.

Alpine is a well-known and loved brand, so no wonder they can’t keep them in stock. Just in case you’re lucky and find one in stock, grab it before someone else does.

Pros:

Best way to make your 8” sub sound like a 10” or 12”

It slams hard without getting hot

Best investment for an amazing sound

Cons:

The bass knob has to be bought separately

There’s no subsonic filter

#3 Rockford Fosgate PBR400X4D Punch– Best 4 Channel Competition Amplifier

When you install this sub, you will instantly get a better sounding system without changing your speakers, adding a new sub, or a head unit. From my estimates, this amplifier makes a stock system 2x louder—Hell of an upgrade.

Don’t underestimate this amplifier. Yes, it’s small, and it packs a hell of a punch. Being a small unit like this, you will have many mounting options to choose from. For example, my favorite place to install it is behind the head unit or in the glove compartment.

Power Specs:

• 50 watts RMS x 4 at 4 ohms
• 100 watts RMS x 4 at 2 ohms
• 200 watts RMS x 2 bridged at 4 ohms (4-ohm stable in bridged mode)

If you know Rockford Fosgate, you’re aware that they build products to last for many years. One of my oldest installs is more than 2 years old, and it works perfectly without overheating or any distortions.

The main reason why I love this sub is that it keeps the interior clean. There’s no need to modify anything, and best of all, you don’t need to cut into anything. Everything looks stock while delivering a lot of power.

Here’s why it’s a must-buy:

• It packs a hard punch: I’m typically used to setting the volume at 20, and with this amp, 5 is more than enough. Talk about being loud.
• Tiny and compact: This amplifier literally fits anywhere. I’ve installed many behind the head unit. It’s that small
• For Parking lot Pimpin’: If you value the clean looks, this small amp will fit anywhere, and it will make you  the envy of the neighborhood with your new and loud sounding ride

Here are a few drawbacks:

I’ve heard a hissing noise while there was no music, only the amp was one. As soon as the song started, it couldn’t be heard.

I didn’t get a manual with this sub. Was it a simple mistake? It doesn’t matter because I’ve found it easily online

This is what I love about serious brands is that you can get a lot more power than they advertise. Plus, the price is unbeatable.

This Rockford Fosgate amp can’t be kept on the shelves. People are buying it up like crazy. So you need to act fast and buy it before they run out.

Pros:

Big power in a small package that can be installed anywhere

It’s perfect for those who prefer the clean look there’s no cutting or molding anything

It’s so loud that I couldn’t get pass level 5 it was plenty for me

Cons:

Hissing sound when there’s no music

The manual comes online only

Related: Best 4 channel amp for sound quality [Revealed]

#4 Topstronggear 1 Ohm 1500 Watts Class D – Best Value for the Money Competition Amplifier

This amplifier seems to be the jack-of-all-trades. It hits the lows if you want to power a sub with it, and it also has a low and high pass filter for the speakers. So it’s perfect for the mids and the highs.

It’s a class D amplifier, so it will take up a lot less space. You will have multiple mounting options. If you prefer a clean look, it will fit in the glove compartment; it’s that tiny.

Power Specs:

• 1500 Watts RMS at 1 Ohm
• 800 Watts RMS at 2 Ohm
• 510 Watts RMS at 4 Ohm
  

This amplifier is one of the most affordable ones on the market. It will deliver the juice without drying up your wallet.

Warning! This baby delivers a lot of power so that it will piss the neighbors off. Make sure you have a good story if they get extra antsy.

I’ve even managed to flex the windows a bit with this amp. Here’s a heads up it slams the hardest when the bass notes are near the port frequency.

Here’s why it’s a must-buy:

• Neighborhood SPL Competition Winner: This amplifier will do the job and earn you bragging rights in the neighborhood
• Steal of a Deal: You can’t go lower in price like this without compromises. It’s well built and delivers some raw power to piss off the neighbors
• Small and easy to setup: Being a Class D amp means that it’s smaller than other amplifiers; however, TopStrongGear went further and managed to reduce the size even more. So it will fit anywhere.

Here are a few drawbacks:

Well, they are exaggerating a bit with the 800 Watts at 2 ohms. It’s nowhere near that value.

The bass knob looks and feels cheap. They should’ve done a better job with this component because it can make all the difference

All in all, it’s a great amplifier for those who are on a budget and still want to enjoy the amazing sound quality. Many friends of mine and I also recommend it.

As you have probably guessed it this amplifier is in high demand, so the stocks are always low. So if you want one of these bad boys, you have to take action now and buy it before it’s too late.

Pros:

Great bang for your buck while hitting the lows and comes with low and high-pass filters

Neighborhood SPL competition winner guaranteed

Super small even for a Class D amplifier

Cons:

They have exaggerated their maximum power output

The bass knob feels cheap

Conclusions on the Best Competition Amp Reviews

We have reached the end of this award ceremony. I hope you had a blast and have already found the perfect amp for your system.

As you have seen, I’ve gathered the best of the best. Now it’s not easy to create a top list because everybody has different power needs. Besides that, I don’t know if you want to power subs or multiple speakers. For subs, the best option is a monoblock amplifier for speakers; you will have to go with a multi-channel amp.

To make things extra complex, there are AB class amps and D class ones. I always prefer the Class D type simply because they are more efficient and tend not to overheat.

I’ve gathered 4 best of the best amplifiers to cover these needs. Now, if you have ideas, tips, or suggestions, let me know. I’m here, and I will do my best to reply.

Roger and Out

What is the most powerful car amplifier?

So far the Rockville DB15 is the most powerful car amplifier. The DB 15 delivers a peak power of 6000 Watts and 1500 Watts RMS. All this is done at the super low impedance of 2 ohms. It’s a legendary car amplifier.

What is the most powerful subwoofer amp?

These are the most powerful subwoofer amps:

• Rockville dB15 6000 Watt Peak/1500w RMS

• Kicker 46CXA8001

• Power Acoustik RZ1-1500D 1500 Watts

• Rockford Fosgate Punch P1000X5 1000 Watts

• NVX VAD10001 1000 Watts RMS

• Rockville dB14 4000w Peak

For more information you can check out my best 1500w amplifier and best 1000w amp posts. There you will find the most powerful amps.

What is the most efficient amplifier?

Class D amplifiers are the most efficient amps on the market. They typically reach an efficiency rating of 95% so there’s little or no heat produced. For the best Class D amps they are using MOSFET transistors to reduce resistance.

Is lanzar a good amp?

Lanzar amps are quite good. They have aimed for the budget section of the market. Even though they have are overrated and won’t get the stated wattage you still can’t go wrong with Lanzar. They have a proven track record and great bang for you buck.

You might also like: Best car amplifier for sound quality

Frequently Asked Question about the Best Competition Car Amplifiers:

What is the RMS power output and frequency response for these competition car amplifiers (competition amps)

The RMS power output and frequency response for these competition car amplifiers (competition amps) is as follows

• Kicker CXA1800.1T (46CXA1800.1T) Mono Car Amplifier; frequency response: 25-200 Hz; variable low pass filter; car audio amplifier
• Alpine S-A60M S-Series Class D Mono Amplifier; Frequency Response: 10HZ-400Hz; variable bass boost; variable low pass filter; 330 RMS watts x 1 at 4 ohms
• Rockford Fosgate PBR400X4D Punch Compact Chassis Car Amplifier; frequency response 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz; variable bass boost; car audio amplifier
• TOPSTRONGGEAR 1 Ohm 1500 Watts Class D Full Range Mono Amplifier, 1/2/4 Ohm Stable, Remote Subwoofer Level Control;  Frequency Response: 25 hz – 250 Hz; variable bass boost; car audio amplifier; 1500 Watts x 1 at 1 ohm，800 Watts x 1 at 2 ohm, 510 Watts x 1 at 4 ohm

Which is the best car amplifier?

The best car amplifier is the Rockford Fosgate Punch P1000X5 1000 Watt 5 Channel Amplifier and you can find out more about pros, cons and recommendations on my best car amp list.

Which mono amplifier didn’t make it on the list?

So far the rockford fosgate t2500 mono amplifier didn’t make it on my list. First of all you should only get the rockford fosgate t2500 from an authorized rockford fosgate reseller. It has a power output of 1500 Watts x 1 @ 4-Ohm or 2500 Watts x 1 @ 2-Ohm or 2500 Watts x 1 @ 1-Ohm. The internal components are top of the line with high grade components. Here are the features: phase control switch, bridge multiple output ports, remote dashboard subwoofer control, variable low pass filter, mosfet power supply, remote subwoofer level control, speaker level inputs, variable bass boost; variable low pass filter, adjustable low pass filter, ground input terminals. It’s truly a competition car amp for those with a big budget. The main reason why it didn’t get on my best competition amps list because it’s out of reach for most people, it’s too expensive. Is this car amplifier worth the money? Yes this car amplifier (car amplifiers, car amps) is worth the money.

What sets apart the best competition amps (car amps)?

The simplest answer to what sets the best competition amps (car amps) apart is quality. You see competition amps are the leaders in the car audio industry. Thanks to high grade components (internal components) they make the car audio system (car’s audio system) sound the best it can be.

Which is the right car amplifier?

It depends on your budget and system. Car amps (car amplifiers) come in all shapes and sizes for your car’s audio system. The car amplifier (car amplifiers) has to be compatible with your car audio. This means the power and impedance has to mach and it should have enough channels to push all your speakers.

Where to find an authorized rockford fosgate reseller?

Check online in a location near you.

What are the best car amplifier brands for competition?

The most popular car amplifier brands for competition include Alpine, Skar Audio, Rockford Fosgate, JL Audio and Kenwood.

Which type of amplifier is recommended for competition car audio?

For competition use, a monoblock amplifier or subwoofer-specific amplifiers such as Class D or Competition Series amps are recommended.

Are alpine amplifiers good for competitions?

Yes, Alpine amplifiers are highly regarded within the car audio community and are often used in competitions due to their high quality construction and reliable performance.

What is the best car amplifier for competition?

The best car amplifier for competition is a monoblock amplifier with plenty of power to drive your speakers and subwoofers. Alpine amplifiers are known to be some of the most powerful in the competition car audio amplifiers market, so they could be a good choice when selecting an amp for your next competition.

What type of amplifier should I use for car audio competitions?

A mono (or monoblock) amplifier is generally recommended for car audio competitions, as it provides more power and control than a multi-channel amp does. Look into brands that specialize in competition amps and subwoofers, like Alpine, JL Audio, or Rockford Fosgate.

How do I choose the right competition amplifier brand?

When choosing a brand of competition amplifiers, consider what type of sound you want to achieve – different brands may have different specialties or advantages when it comes to performance and sound quality. Additionally, research reviews online or ask fellow competitors which brand they prefer before making a selection.

Are there any tips on how to use an amp in car audio competitions?

Yes! Make sure you’re familiar with all of the settings on your amp before competing – you’ll need to know how to adjust levels, crossover frequencies, etc., depending on the kind of system you have in order to get optimal performance from your setup. Additionally, always double-check connections before powering up the system – this will help prevent any unexpected issues during your set.

What benefits does a mosfet power supply provide for car audio systems?

A mosfet power supply boosts the peak power output of car amplifiers and stereo amps, resulting in improved sound quality with increased frequency response. It also provides remote control capability for car audio systems.

Last Updated on April 18, 2024 by Brian Beasley