Best JL Audio Amp with Pros, Cons & Recommendations

 

Welcome to the Best JL Audio Amp Award Show!

After spending almost 11 days in my garage tinkering, installing amps, soldering, adjusting gains, and fine-tuning and skipping on house chores and bedtime stories (sorry honey, I will make it up to you), I’m ready to reveal which are the very best JL audio amplifiers.

Look:

Finding the perfect JL Audio amplifier comes down to two things your current system and your budget. As soon as you know these, it will be a breeze choosing the right amp.

I’ve been installing car audio tech for more than 20 years now. I love the kick that people get when they turn on their new sounding system. I’ve seen everything there’s, and I’ve decided to share this knowledge. Reading this article, you will cut your research time down, a most likely, you will find your perfect amp as well.

I’m ranking the top 3 JL audio amplifiers on looks, ease of install, clarity, accuracy, and the amount of value you’re getting.

Now you can rest assured that picking any amp from the list below is a guaranteed winner. There are only champions on this list.

Let me see those amps already!

 

 

#1 JL Audio RD-900/5– The Best JL Audio Amp Overall

We have a WINNER!

What an amp! OMG, this is like reaching heaven in music quality. This 5 channel JL Audio amplifier is the best what the brand has to offer. It will pretty much handle anything you can throw at it. Maybe you want to power a few speakers or tweeters and a sub; this unit can handle it with ease.

There’s nothing that gets even remotely close to JL Audio system quality. As a matter of fact, it’s like seeing German precision engineering in action.

Now here’s what you need to know about this amplifier.

Power Specs:

  • 4 ohms: 75 watts RMS x 4 channel + 250 watts RMS x 1 channel
  • 2 ohms: 100 watts RMS x 4 channel + 500 watts RMS x 1 channnel

You simply will not have any regrets with this amplifier. The sound is so clean, and the bass hits hard, so the entire system will sound awesome. Everything comes as advertised. Did I mention it has a mean cool look?

This is why it’s top of my list:

  • The Only Amp You Will Ever Need: This amp is the best of the best, no question about it. You name it; it has it all. Perfect for any system that needs the premium and clean sound quality
  • Killer Sound: I was shocked when I first put my favorite song on. What a difference, and that bass was something else
  • Awesome Power: Here’s some good news to get the maximum out of this amplifier; you don’t need to upgrade your electrical system

A few drawbacks to consider:

This is one pricey amp, and they didn’t include the bass knob. Why would you do this JL Audio system? I hope they learn their lesson, and with their new model, it will be different.

It’s a good amplifier, and I miss like an extra 100-watt power for the sub channel. If it were more powerful, then it would’ve been perfect.

To my knowledge, it’s the top of the line when it comes to amplifiers. You can’t go wrong with JL Audio system. Yes, it has a few flaws, and I still highly recommend it to anyone who wants to feel premium sound

The last time I’ve checked, there were only a few units left. I can’t explain it because it’s a high-end amplifier, so there should be more available. However, if you want it, you will need to move fast because the supply is severely limited.

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

 

Pros:

The only amplifier that you will even need, it handles everything

The sound delivered is out of this world, and it will never get hot

You get access to the full power without the need of upgrading your alternator

Cons:

There’s no bass knob included in the price

More power for the sub channel would’ve been nice

 

#2 JL Audio RD400/4 – Best Value JL Audio Amp

This amplifier was built to bring out the best from door speakers, tweeters. Now, if you want the best, then I hope you have some decent speakers, or you’re just wasting your money.

This is one of the best-looking amplifiers I’ve seen, and when you peek under the hood, you will be blown away. Here’s what you need to know about this 4 channel Class D JL Audio amp.

Power Specs:

  • 75 watts RMS x 4 at 4 Ohm
  • 100 watts RMS x 4 at 2 Ohms
  • Bridged 200 watts RMS x 2 at 4 Ohm

I don’t know where to start; there’s so much going on with this amp. The sound quality is heavenly, and it’s feature-rich. It cleans the signal, so the speakers only get crystal clear input. Thanks to the compact size, you get big flexibility in installation.

The clipping indicator is spot on, and you can’t go wrong with this amplifier.

Here’s why it’s a must-buy:

  • Absolutely Screams: I haven’t experienced this before; the louder I’ve cranked, the better it sounded, simply amazing
  • It’s a smart amplifier: This amp will configure your sound system to be distortion-free. My jaw dropped how this is done
  • It gets even smarter: It’s built in such a way that it takes care of all components, so they last for a very long time

Here are a few drawbacks:

Well, it’s a pricey amplifier, and you get what you pay for. I mean, the quality is out of this world, and it’s worth every penny.

There’s no bass knob which is odd. After that, I’ve figured out why because it delivers such flawless audio that the bass knob is not needed.

All in all, this is a phenomenal amplifier from JL Audio. With its 4 channels, you have a lot of options for creating a perfectly sounding system. Yes, of course, there are a few minor flaws, and that’s simply nothing that you get in return.

I hate to break it to you, and here it goes: there are only a handful of units available. No matter if it’s pricey, people want the absolute best quality. So yeah, if things look right for you, then there’s only one thing to do is move fast a grab one before they are gone.

Pros:

It’s a loud amplifier that will make your speakers scream

A smart amp that configures your system to sound its best

The louder you crank it, the better it sounds

Cons:

Pricey amplifier

Doesn’t have a bass knob

 

#3 JL Audio JD500/1 – Best Affordable JL Audio Amp

The main reason why I love this amplifier is that it makes your system sound amazing without changing anything. You won’t need to do a full system overhaul because it integrates flawlessly with your current one.

I’ve pitted my same exact system with a friend of mine, and the only difference was that I had this JL audio amplifier while he had a different one. Mine came out to be the winner by a long shot.

This JL Audio amplifier is a monoblock and Class D technology. Here’s what else you need to know.

Power Specs:

  • 250 watts RMS x 1 at 4 ohms
  • 500 watts RMS x 1 at 2 ohms

The bass hits hard, and it’s incredible. I love how it heats; I can feel it in my insides. Best of all, there are no distortions whatsoever. You will enjoy a very clean and very punchy bass.

Thanks to the Class D tech, you’re getting a lot of power in a small package. Which means you can install it anywhere.

Here’s why it’s a must-buy:

  • A New Breed of Animal: By far, this amp has put out the cleanest power I’ve ever tested, brace yourself subwoofers the pain will start
  • Underrated: This is typical with high-end brands that you’re getting a lot more power than you have paid for. It’s a great perk to have
  • Reliable for Extended Use: The power that this amplifier supply is clean and reliable ready to control your subwoofers

Here are a few drawbacks:

Well, for a monoblock amp, this is surely a pricey one. Yet it’s worth it all too well. If you think that this one item can drastically improve your system, it’s actually a bargain.

Something went wrong with my order, or I was just unlucky, but I got it without mounting bolts.

This amplifier is not a joke. Yes, it has a few flaws, and looking past them, it’s quite obvious how much better your system will sound. All in all, this JL audio amplifier is a keeper.

These JL audio system amps are in high demand. And I’m not joking; for weeks, they were sold out, and the last time I’ve checked, there were only a few left. Now it’s your turn; if you feel that this amp is for you, then you need to move and buy that last remaining unit, or else you risk waiting weeks on end.

Pros:

It delivers the cleanest and best power for subwoofers

Underrated there’s a lot more power under the hood than advertised

Nothing comes even close to this amp

Cons:

Pricey

I got the package with missing mounting bolts

 

Conclusions on the Best JL Audio Amp Awards

We have reached the end of this award ceremony.  I loved testing these high end amps out. It’s always a pleasure to work on a professional system. I hope you had a blast reading it and probably you have found the right fit already?

Now it’s time to move. As you have seen above these amplifiers are in high demand and the stocks are nearly depleted. If you move now you might get lucky and manage to get one of the last ones. There’s no time to waste.

As you have seen the list is not random. I’ve tried to match these amplifiers with the most common systems. So yes picking any of these will be a great fit for any system.

Suppose you happen to have tips or questions feel free to reach out to me. The best way is by email and I will do my best to reply.

Roger and Out

 

Frequently Asked Question (FAQ):

Which JL Audio system amp works best on 2 ohms?

As a matter of fact all the the three champions above work best on 2 ohms.

Which JL Audio system amplifier can deliver 500 watts (500 watts rms)?

As a matter of fact all the three amps listed above can and will deliver 500 watts. Since we’re talking about JL then the 500 Watts is RMS.

Last Updated on November 7, 2023 by Brian Beasley

Written by Danny Reid

Hey, I'm Danny, and I know how hard it can be to find the perfect audio gear. Need a new stereo, amp, speakers, or subs? Don't worry – my blog is here to help you cut through the noise! My mission is to give you the best reviews, so you can make the right decision for your audio needs. And if you ever get stuck thinking, "Where does this blue wire go?" don't worry – I've got tons of cool tips to help you out of any jam. So come along with me on this fun, sound-filled adventure, and let's find the perfect audio setup to make your tunes really sing!