Are you tired of your car’s speakers sounding like they’re coming from a tin can? Or, do you want to get the best sound out of your car stereo system? If so, you need a mono car amplifier to get the party started.
A mono car amplifier is an audio power amplifier that provides the necessary amount of power to drive one loudspeaker. This amplifier can power speakers in automobiles, boats, and other vehicles.
They are best suited for low-powered applications where high-quality sound reproduction is desired. Most have built-in protection circuitry to prevent damage if they are overloaded or shorted out by accident.
Mono amplifiers are designed specifically for use with subwoofers. They produce more bass than conventional stereo amplifiers due to having only one channel output stage rather than two.
With so many different models and brands available, which one should you choose? Check out our detailed review of the 10 best mono car amplifiers to find the perfect one for you.
5 Best Budget Mono Car Amplifier – Quick Summary
We’ve gathered up our top picks for budget mono car amplifiers that will improve every aspect of your music listening experience in no time flat! If you’re in a hurry, take a quick look at our summary, which covers the mono car amplifiers in a brief.
1. Best Class D mono car amplifier: Skar Audio RP-1500.1D Monoblock Class D Amplifier
This Class D amplifier is perfect for those who want an extremely powerful and reliable car amplifier to power their music. With 1500 watts of RMS power, it can handle even the most demanding systems.
2. Best Class A/B mono car amplifier: Planet Audio AC1500.1M Monoblock Car Amplifier
With 1500 watts of peak power, this bad boy can handle even the most demanding setups. Plus, its Class A/B design ensures clean, distortion-free sound even at high volumes.
3. Sleek appearance & Easy fit: Rockford Fosgate R500X1D Prime 1-Channel Class D Amplifier
This car amplifier has a sleek appearance and easy fit. It has a compact size and is easy to mount. The amp has a high power output and it can be used for different applications as well as with different speaker types.
4. Most Durable Mono Car Amplifier: Alpine S-A60M S-Series Class D Mono Amplifier
With its low power consumption, it is a great choice for those looking for a durable car amplifier. It offers a class D design and ensures that the power is clean and efficient. Plus, it is built with high quality and offers great sound quality.
5. Best Average: Hifonics BG-1300.1D Brutus Gamma Monoblock Super D Class Amplifier
This car amplifier features a compact design that looks great with any type of vehicle and can run efficiently on low power settings. It is affordable and gives the desired result.
Top 3 Budget Mono Car Amplifier Comparison:
[wptb id=2891]Our 10 Best Budget Mono Car Amplifier Reviews:
Here we go with the detailed reviews-
1. Planet Audio AC1500.1M Monoblock Car Amplifier
Planet Audio has been in the car audio business for over 20 years and counting. They are well-known for making high-quality products at affordable prices. This AC1500.1M Monoblock car amplifier is one of their masterpieces.
The amp has a 1500 watt max output @ 2-ohms into one channel and has a MOSFET transistor on board to help provide distortion-free sound and plenty of power. You can also get 750 Watts @ 4-ohms into 1 channel.
It’s a Class A/B amplifier, which means it sounds amazing while being more efficient than pure Class A amplifiers. Planet Audio adopts a new linear circuitry in this amplifier, which reduces distortion while boosting sound quality and power delivery.
They also included safety measures that provide you with peace of mind, such as a protection circuit that protects against the electrical short. There’s also a thermal protection circuit that switches the amp off and waits for it to cool before turning it back on if it becomes too hot.
However, the amp gets hot easily, so you’ll experience shutdown almost every two hours of playing music at high volume.
This AC1500.1M Monoblock car amplifier features both high-level and low-level inputs, giving you the freedom to design an audio system with nearly any factory or aftermarket source device.
The Low-level (RCA) inputs accept the signal from the source unit’s preamp outputs. While the high-level (speaker level) inputs accept the speaker’s signal.
It also features a subwoofer level control, a variable bass boost, variable gain control, and a variable low pass filter. With its plug-and-play connections, this amplifier is easy to install.
Benefits
- It’s a Class A/B amplifier and comes at an affordable price.
- This car amplifier comes with safety features such as a thermal protection circuit and a protection circuit.
- It is easy to install.
- You can adjust its bass output, gain, and sub-levels to your listening preference.
Drawbacks
- It gets hot easily, so you can’t play music for more than two hours before shutting down.
2. BOSS Audio Systems R1100M Riot Series Car Audio Amplifier
The BOSS Audio Systems R1100M riot series car audio amplifier is a great choice for those looking for an affordable mono amplifier that delivers powerful sound. It is a Class A/B amplifier, which means it doesn’t have the limitations of the Class A amplifiers and the Class B amplifiers.
BOSS Audio Systems claims this amplifier can deliver up to 1100W x 1 @ 2 ohms and 550 Max x 1 @ 4 ohms peak power. However, we have found this not to be true.
Regardless, it has a MOSFET power supply and a variable low-pass filter subsonic filter to help improve the overall sound quality of your system. Plus, it comes with a bass level control to enable you to control music bass output to your preference.
Thermal detection protects this car audio amplifier against shorts or overloads, turning it off immediately if it detects overheating conditions.
However, just like the Planet Audio amplifier, it overheats easily and goes into protection, stopping music from playing quite often. That said, this car stereo also features a variable input gain control and two channels that can be switched between high-level or low-level inputs.
The manufacturer, BOSS Audio Systems included a subwoofer remote control, so you don’t need to get out of your seat every time to change the sound settings! Plus, its installation is a straightforward process.
Benefits
- This car amplifier bangs for the bucks.
- It is a Class A/B amplifier.
- Installation is straightforward.
- It comes with a subwoofer remote control.
- It has safety measures to ensure it gives you long service years.
Drawbacks
- It heats up easily and goes into protection.
- Its rated power is false.
3. Rockville dB15 Mono Car Audio Amplifier
The Rockville dB15 Mono car audio amplifier is a budget amplifier that offers the power and performance of a much more expensive model. The dB15 features high-current capability, rugged construction, and impressive power output for its price point.
With an RMS power rating of 1500 Watts x 1 Channel @ 2-ohms and 900 Watts x 1 Channel @ 4 Ohm, this amp can power almost any car audio system.
It has a variable low-pass filter to adjust the frequency at which it starts to roll off the bass end of your music.
This Rockville amp features a subsonic filter, a fully adjustable bass boost control for use with subwoofers, mute and delay soft start technology, a phase control button, and a dashboard subwoofer control.
Rockville used a sophisticated IC-controlled circuit to protect this dB15 amplifier and equipped it with a professional peak limiter circuitry to ensure distortion-free music playback at all volumes.
Benefits
- This car amplifier has a rugged construction.
- It has a lot of functionalities.
- It has impressive power output.
- Cheap and offers excellent value for money.
Drawbacks
- It doesn’t last long.
- It goes into protection mode now and then.
4. Kenwood KAC-9106D 2000W Monoblock Class D Car Audio Power Amplifier
Kenwood is a company that has been around for over 80 years. They are well-known for their car stereos and audio equipment. The Kenwood KAC-9106D 2000W Monoblock Class D car audio amplifier is one of their top-of-the-line amplifiers, with power ratings of 500W x 1 channel @ 4 ohms and 1000W x 1 channel @ 2 ohms. With its many features and specifications, it’s an amplifier that’s perfect for any level audiophile.
This amp can power any subwoofer to provide excellent sound quality at low volumes with great clarity. You also won’t need a separate fuse or capacitor because it comes with a built-in protection circuitry that protects the system against shorts and overloads. It doesn’t take up too much space in your engine bay, making installation quick and easy!
The KAC-9106D has an adjustable gain control, from 0.2-5.0 volts line level (RCA) and 4.0-12.0 volts speaker level to handle the wide range of signal levels in most modern cars stereos. It also has a bass boost controller for regulating bass output from 0-18dB at 40Hz.
Its built-in 24 dB/octave low-pass filter includes a 50Hz to 200Hz crossover point for making constant adjustments to get the best sound quality from your speaker. Be informed that the crossover is always active because this is a subwoofer amplifier.
Benefits
- This amplifier has a lot of power.
- It sounds beautiful and looks beautiful as well.
- It’s a good bang for your buck.
- Installing it is quick and easy!
Drawbacks
- It doesn’t last long.
5. Alpine S-A60M S-Series Class D Mono Amplifier
The Alpine S-A60M is a budget mono amplifier with big bass power from a small package. It can deliver up to 330W RMS x 1 channel @ 4 ohms and 600W RMS x 1 channel @ 2 ohms to your sub, which is enough for most car audio systems.
Its class D design makes it lightweight and compact. Plus, it features an advanced high-speed MOSFET power supply that delivers low distortion and plenty of clean power.
The amp runs cool thanks to its aluminum heat sink design, with thermal protection circuitry to ensure quality sound under any conditions. Plus, this amplifier comes in a small package, making it easy to install in tight spaces.
Its compact design also makes it perfect for boat owners who need an amplifier to improve their in-boat music experience.
When the Alpine S-A60M amplifier is about to overheat from playing at its limits for too long, its innovative air Enhanced Shutdown Performance technology reduces the power a little.
Rather than entirely shutting down, it keeps playing your music until it cools down enough to resume full power. And its protection circuitry helps to protect your speakers from overloading, giving you peace of mind when playing.
Furthermore, this amp comes with preamp and speaker-level inputs. Thanks to its low-pass filter and adjustable bass boost, you’ll have total control over the frequencies that reach your subwoofers. You can change the bass level from the driver’s seat using an optional remote (sold separately).
Benefits
- This is a compact car amplifier with a lot of bass power.
- Its size makes it easy to install in any car or boat.
- It has Enhanced Shutdown Performance technology, which decreases power to minimize overheating without completely shutting down.
Drawbacks
- None
6. Skar Audio RP-1500.1D Monoblock Class D Amplifier
The Skar Audio RP-1500.1D amplifier is a monoblock class D amplifier that delivers RMS power of 930 Watts x 1 Channel @ 2 ohms, 550 Watts x 1 Channel @ 4 ohms, and 1,500 Watts x 1 Channel @ 1 ohm. It ensures that your speakers truly pound and bring out the best in your music.
Additionally, its rugged design makes it perfect for use in different applications, whether you’re looking to power a single subwoofer or multiple speakers. With its compact size, it’s easy to install in almost any vehicle. The RP-1500.1D outperforms all else in its class in power and dependability.
Its high-speed MOSFET power supply, advanced PCB board, and 4-way safety circuitry for protection against electrical shortage and overheating all contribute to this.
The Skar Audio RP-1500.1D amplifier has a remote subwoofer level control and bass knob, allowing you to regulate their bass from the driver’s seat. It will perform well with a single subwoofer rated at 1,500 watts RMS or a pair of subwoofers rated at 600-800 watts each.
Be informed that you’ll need to buy an in-line fuse (150 amp) to use this amplifier safely. However, it blows the fuse quite often.
Benefits
- This is a small but powerful amplifier.
- It has a remote subwoofer level control and bass knob to tailor music output to your taste.
- It is easy to install in any vehicle.
- The price is very affordable.
Drawbacks
- It blows in-line fuse quite often.
7. Hifonics BG-1300.1D Brutus Gamma Monoblock Super D Class Amplifier
The Hifonics BG-1300.1D Brutus gamma monoblock super D class amplifier can handle 1,300 watts per channel @ 1 ohm, 650 watts per channel @ 2 ohms, and 325 watts per channel @ 4 ohms. It offers features like a variable low-pass crossover (50Hz – 200Hz), subsonic filter (10Hz), and bass EQ boost with volume control.
Its LED system protection circuitry diagnostics ensure that your system is always secure. This circuitry monitors overload and speaker short using LED indications on the amplifier end panel. It also has 2 sets of RCA inputs, 1 set of speaker outputs, and a bass remote to control bass level from anywhere in your vehicle.
Hifonics used their patented Ultra-Fi MOSFET made for music creation rather than merely providing power to devices. It generates highly melodious high power with excellent cooling efficiency and minimum distortion. They also included a heat sink made from classic aluminum to control overheating.
The Hifonics BG-1300.1D Brutus Gamma amplifier’s output connectors are made of high-temperature, impact-resistant nickel with Allen head set screws for secure wire termination and an erosion-resistant seal.
The amplifier is compact, making it easy to install. Plus, it comes with all the necessary cables and wiring for a quick installation.
Benefits
- It comes with a bass remote.
- The amp is easy to set up.
- It produces high power and has overheating preventive measures.
- It has a good price too.
Drawbacks
- None
8. Soundstream T1.4000DL 4000W Tarantula Series Mono-Block Class D Car Amplifier
The Soundstream T1.4000DL 4000W Tarantula series mono-block class D car amplifier is high-quality and reliable. It can power any subwoofer system up to 700W x 1 channel @ 4 ohms, 1,300W x 1 channel @ 2 ohms, and 2,000W x 1 channel @ 1 ohm. It was designed with both the driver and a new generation of budget-conscious audiophiles in mind.
The Soundstream T1.4000DL 4000W Tarantula series mono-block class D car amplifier features an ultra-compact design, high power output, and low distortion. It comes with a 12-point RGB LED lighting system that has its RGB control for changing its color to your preference.
Soundstream also included a dash mount gain control module, a variable 12dB high pass, low pass, & subsonic crossovers, and a 12db bass boost to augment low octave harmonics.
This car amplifier has protection from direct short, thermal, and overload circuits. It has a high-level/low-level RCA input for plugging speakers and subwoofers. So if you’re in the market for an affordable car amp that can pack a punch, the Soundstream T1.4000DL is worth considering.
Benefits
- It has a lot of power.
- It comes with protection from direct short, thermal, and overload circuits
- Quality amp at an affordable price.
- It is compact so you won’t have issues installing it.
Drawbacks
- It doesn’t last very long.
9. Rockford Fosgate R500X1D Prime 1-Channel Class D Amplifier
The Rockford Fosgate R500X1D Prime 1-Channel Class D amplifier is one of the best budget mono car amps on the market with power ratings that can go up to 500 watts x 1 channel @ 2 Ohms and 300 Watts x 1 channel @ 4-Ohms.
It is affordable, durable and it will provide you with a strong sound that will last for years to come. It also comes equipped with a variable low pass filter so you can tune your system to get the most out of it. Plus, its sleek black design will look great in any vehicle.
This amplifier features high efficiency and low distortion to push your speakers as hard as they can take. Professionals evaluated it and discovered that it can readily power all sorts of speakers as well as tweeters and crossovers. Thanks to its RCA pass-through outputs, you can hook up any audio equipment.
Rockford Fosgate equipped it with a MOSFET power source, power supply temperature sensors, and a solid heat heatsink to prevent overheating. Furthermore, it turns on muted so it doesn’t disturb the ambiance of the car.
There are protections against short circuits and overcurrent, so you can count on it to provide great sound for years to come.
Benefits
- This car amplifier is durable.
- Its sleek black design will look great in any vehicle.
- It has protections from short circuits and overcurrent.
- It sounds awesome.
Drawbacks
- It may not last long.
10. KICKER CX400.1 Class D Mono Amplifier
The KICKER CX400.1 Class D Mono amplifier balances power and weight. Its small size and heatsink fins effectively dissipate heat without taking up too much room, making it ideal for most cars. And it doesn’t require any additional components or adapters to work.
This powerful little amp packs a punch with its 400 watts x 1 channel @ 1 ohm, 150 watts x 1 channel @ 4 ohms, and 300 watts x 1 channel @ 2 ohms of power. However, it only works without problems at 1 ohm.
The design is sleek and modern, making it ideal for use in almost any setting imaginable. You won’t have to worry about wires getting tangled up when using this device because there are no loose connections that could cause issues down the road.
With its full-range RCA pass-through outputs, you can connect other bass amps, or a full-range amp to complete your system.
The CX400.1 amplifier has 3 seconds on/off delay to eliminate unwanted interference. It features a variable bass boost with KickEQ, which gives you up to a 6dB boost. You can purchase the optional CXARC remote bass controller to be able to change the bass level from anywhere in the car.
KICKER also included a powerful 12dB crossover as well as a 24dB subsonic filter, allowing you to fine-tune the system to produce sound quality that matches your music taste.
Benefits
- This amp has great bass.
- It doesn’t overheat.
- It is easy to install and doesn’t require any additional components or adapters to work.
- It has 3 seconds on/off delay to eliminate unwanted interference.
Drawbacks
- It only works well when run at 1 ohm.
Best Budget Mono Car Amplifier Buying Guide
Car Audio amplifiers are one of the most important components in your car audio system. They take the low-level signal from your stereo and boost it to power speakers, subwoofers, tweeters, etc.
However, not all of them do their job effectively. So, below are five factors that need consideration when buying an amplifier for your car.
Class of Mono car Amplifier:
There are four classes of car amplifiers: A, B, D, and A/B. Class A amplifiers are the best sounding, but the most inefficient, requiring more power from your car’s battery and alternator. They also run hotter than the other three classes.
Class B amps are less efficient but still sound good and run cooler than Class A amps. Class D amps are the most efficient and generate very little heat, making them ideal for use in cars.
Class A/B amps combine the best features of A and B into one, so they sound great with more efficiency and run cooler with low distortion. Most budget mono car amplifiers are class A/B or D.
Power:
This is the most important specification of any amplifier. The power rating tells you how much power the amp can put out into your speakers. You want an amp rated for more power than your speakers need. Otherwise, they will not play music to their full potential.
For a budget mono car amplifier, aim for around 400 – 1500 watts RMS per channel. This should provide plenty of power for most factory or aftermarket speakers. Keep in mind that the peak power rating of an amplifier is not as important as the RMS rating.
This is because the RMS (Root Mean Square) rating tells you how much power it can deliver continuously.
Quality of Sound:
Many factors go into the sound quality of a car stereo system. Amplifiers can have a big impact on this as well because they affect the signal going to your speakers and subwoofers before it is turned into actual sounds you hear while driving.
You want an amplifier with low distortion so you’ll experience clean, crisp audio without any annoying buzzes or rattles!
Choose one with good internal components such as good capacitors and heavy-duty aluminum heatsinks for cooling purposes.
If possible, buy an amplifier from a reputable company like JBL, Kicker, Alpine, etc., rather than something cheap made in China off eBay or Amazon just to save yourself some money since those tend to create more problems down the road due to poor manufacturing standards.
Mosfet Power Supply:
This is a power supply type found in better-quality amplifiers. It uses Field Effect Transistors (FETs) to switch the amplifier’s power supply on and off, which results in less distortion, higher efficiency, and cooler operation.
A budget mono car amplifier without a Mosfet power supply will likely still work fine, but it won’t sound or run as good as one with this feature. When shopping for an amp, look for the term “Mosfet” somewhere in the specs or features list. If it’s not there, then chances are the amp doesn’t have one and isn’t of very high quality.
Remote Bass Control:
This feature lets you control the bass level of your subwoofers from inside the car. This is very useful because it allows easy adjustments to match what’s playing on your stereo at different times during driving.
This ensures that you’re always hearing optimal sound quality without having to manually adjust things every time. Look for this in a good budget mono car amplifier!
Final Thoughts
A car amplifier is an inexpensive investment in driving your music even louder than ever before without sacrificing clarity or fidelity.
If you like your music turned up loud while driving, our list of mono car amplifiers are a great way to get more bass and volume for your sound system.
Finally, these amplifiers have been carefully chosen based on their performance, build quality, customer service comments from individuals who have purchased them before you. So, what’s holding you back? Find one right now that suits your needs!
