The Kicker CX660.5 is our best selling five-channel amplifier and one of the most popular 5 channel amps in the world. There isn't anything particularly special about this amplifier other than it puts out good power at an affordable price point. The ratings on this Kicker amplifier are conservative and it will actually put out more than the 65 watts per channel to the speakers. 300 watts to the subwoofer is plenty of power for a decent subwoofer like a Kicker CompC, CompVR, or CompRT subwoofer. Just make sure that your subwoofer is wired to 2 ohms. If you wire to a 4 ohm load, you are leaving power on the table. If you wire to a 1 ohm load you risk overheating the amplifier.

The Rockford Fosgate R2-750X5 puts out 50 watts of RMS power to the speakers at 4 ohms and 350 watts to the subwoofer at 2 ohms. This amplifier is pretty compact, affordable, and outperforms its rated power. The R2-750x5 comes with a bass knob included, you can turn the subwoofer up or down, depending on the song. Some songs have more bass, others have less. The knob allows you to compensate for this to ensure the bass is at your desired level. The other nice feature on the Rockford Fosgate R2-750x5 is Rockford's CLEAN circuitry, which provides LED clipping indicators. The LED clipping indicators tell you at which level the head unit distorts on the input and where to set the gains to ensure you don't have an output clip. This technology helps you eliminate distortion to maximize your stereos output while also protecting your speakers. This technology is not often found on amplifiers at this price point. You can never go wrong with raw, Rockford Fosgate power. With a Rockford amp, you know your speakers are going to play clear and get loud. For the subwoofer, we like the R2, R2S, and P1 subwoofers to pair up with this amplifier. If you go with some of the bigger Rockford subwoofers or multiple subwoofers, check out the P1000X5 or the T1000x5ad.

The JL Audio RD900/5 is JL's lowest-priced 5 channel amplifier. The RD series not JL's lowest-priced amplifier line, but the lower-priced line does not have a 5 channel offering. The RD900/5 uses JL's NexD switching technology to deliver 75 watts per channel to the speakers and up to 500 watts to the subwoofer. The RD amplifiers have many of the same features and technologies that are used in the higher end XD amplifiers, but the RD series amplifiers are larger. The RD900/5 is a fantastic overall amplifier, and the power output is ideal for virtually all speakers. The subwoofer output is perfect for powering a single subwoofer like a W3, TW3, or even a W6. Or, you can use the RD900/5 to power a pair of lower end subwoofers like the JL W0 subwoofers.

The Rockford Fosgate T1000X5ad is small but badass. This amplifier puts out 100 watts per channel RMS to the speakers and has 600 watts for the subwoofer(s) at both 1 and 2 ohms. The output for an amp this small is truly remarkable. The T1000X5ad measures 12" x 4.3" x 1.6. This amp has LED clipping indicators and dual fans to help keep the heat out. Where this amplifier really shines is with the constant power circuit for the speakers. The dynamic output is actually higher at 4 ohms than it is 2 ohms, but this ensures that you get 100 watts of RMS power across all impedances. When a speaker cone moves, the impedance is always changing. It could go as high as 8 ohms and as low as 1 ohm. The constant power circuit ensures that you get 100 watts per channel at 8 ohms. It also makes sure you still get 100 watts per channel at 1 ohm without overheating. Most amplifier's total output is stated at 2 ohms, yet they operate at 4 ohms. If you were to double the 4-ohm output of this amplifier, this is almost like a 1400 watt amp instead of a 1000 watt amplifier. When you compare the price per watt and the size of the amplifier, nothing overs this type of value for both the money and the size. I have this amplifier in the car I drive to work every day, and I absolutely love it.

The JL Audio XD700/5v2 delivers ultra-clean power in a compact, full-size chassis. This amplifier isn't as small as the Rockford Fosgate T1000X5ad, but for a full-size amplifier, it is pretty compact. This amplifier is perfect if you are all about clean power, you want decent bass output, but you don't want anything crazy. JL's XD line of amplifiers is their top of the line, "Standard" amplifiers before you get into the HD and Slash products, which have constant power circuits and cost significantly more money. The XD amplifiers have advanced thermal rollback protection technology where the amplifier monitors its current draw to ensure that the amp runs as cool as possible. Less heat means less distortion, and that means better sound quality. If you are looking for an amplifier with beautiful output, the JL Audio XD amplifiers deliver. These amps sound better than the RD amplifiers and use better components, so they are more expensive, even though the power output may be the same or less. If you are running multiple subwoofers or a higher-end subwoofer, there is a larger version of this amplifier, the XD1000/5. The XD1000/5v2 has the same output for the speakers but more output for the subwoofer channel in the XD1000/5v2 further down this list.

The Audison SR 6.500 is a ridiculous value for the power output that you get. Audison is owned by Elettromedia out of Italy. Audison is the electronics side of things (amplifiers and processors) for the most part, and Hertz is their speaker line. These Audison SR amps kick ass. They really know what they are doing, and they designed these amplifiers to compete with the JL Audio XD amps. The Audison SR 6.500 delivers 75 watts per channel to your speakers at 4 ohms and 550 watts to your subwoofer at 2 ohms. This is plenty of power for your 4 speakers and either a nice, step-up subwoofer or a pair of decent subwoofers. When you compare the price points, you notice that the Audison SR amplifiers come in at a lower price point than the XD amps, but you are getting the same quality and amount of power. The Audison SR 6.500 is relatively compact, especially for its output, and has a nice satin black finish. If you want fantastic sound quality, decent power, but you don't want to pay for a JL Audio XD amplifier, the Audison SR 6.500 is a perfect choice. This is one of my favorite 5 channel amplifiers.

The Rockford Fosgate P1000X5 amplifier somewhat flies under the radar. The Punch is the mid-level offering from Rockford, and this amp isn't as unique as the more expensive T1000X5ad, and it doesn't offer the super affordable price point of the R2-750X5. However, the P1000X5 simply delivers tons of raw power with Class AB circuitry at a very competitive price point when you consider what you get. The Rockford Fosgate P1000X5 uses Rockford's CLEAN setup technology to use LED indicators to ensure that you don't get a clipped input or output signal. In terms of power output, this lamp is rated at 75 watts per channel, but because Rockford under-rates their amplifiers and uses unregulated power supplies, you can expect close to 115 watts per channel of actual RMS power output to your speakers. The P1000X5 is rated at 500 watts at 1 ohm and 300 watts at 2 ohms for the subwoofer channel. But, once again, thanks to the power supply and Rockford's conservative ratings, you can expect close to 800 watts of RMS power to the subwoofer(s) at 1 ohm and 540 watts at 2 ohms. This amplifier is somewhat big and bulky, but that surface area helps dissipate heat to keep distortion low and your stereo running, regardless of how hard you want to crank on it. The Rockford P1000X5 delivers tons of raw power at a very competitive price when you look at the actual output of this amplifier relative to the competition.

The Kenwood X802-5 is a low-cost, affordable, 5 channel amplifier that delivers decent, clear power for the money. This is one of the lower cost 5 channel amplifiers you would want to buy or install. There are other amplifiers out there that cost less, but they are probably junk. Is there anything extraordinary about this amplifier? No. It is pretty compact. It delivers 50 watts per channel RMS to the speakers, which will blow away the internal amplifier in your radio. It puts out 500 watts at 2 ohms to the subwoofer, which allows you to add a step-up subwoofer. This amp accepts both high and low-level inputs for easy installation in both new and classic cars. The Kenwood Excelon line simply performs, and this amp is no different. Add this to your car's stereo system, and you will be pleasantly surprised at how much difference this amplifier makes.

The Stinger SPX1000X5 is an affordable, compact powerhouse. This amplifier delivers more power than most similarly priced amplifiers, and the specs are not made up. Stinger's product development manager came from Rockford Fosgate and designed this amplifier to sound great, in a compact chassis, without breaking the bank. If you are like it loud but you don't want to pay for the marketing and branding that come with Rockford, JL Audio, Kicker, etc., this amp is the perfect the choice for you. It rocks. You can power virtually any speakers off of it, and with 500 watts RMS for the subwoofer channel, you can put a good, single subwoofer or a pair of decent subwoofers and get great bass output. If you haven't hard of Stinger, don't let the name fool you. Stinger has been in-car audio for years, but they have mostly focused on installation accessories. They have started doing amplifiers and speakers, and this amp delivers.

The JBL Club A5055, 5 channel amplifier is an entry-level, quality amplifier. The output on the JBL Club A5055 is similar to the Kenwood Excelon X802-5, the Kicker CX660.5, and the Rockford R2-750X5. They are all roughly around the same price point and it comes down to brand preference. If you have had great luck with JBL or have purchased JBL speakers for your car, go with the JBL amplifier. The amps are designed to power their speakers, and they do a good job of that. The 50 watts of constant power that this amplifier delivers to your speakers will blow away the 50 watts of peak power from your radio. For the subwoofer channel, 500 watts at 2 ohms is plenty to power a step-up subwoofer or a pair of lower-end subwoofers to give you hard-hitting bass that will fill out the bottom end. The JBL name is synonymous with quality, and the Club A5055 is no exception.

The JL Audio XD1000/5v2 is the big brother of the XD700/5v2. These amplifiers have the same output power for the full-range speaker channels, but the difference is the output for the subwoofer channel. While the XD700/5v2 puts outt 300 watts at 2 ohms, the XD1000/5v2 puts out double the power at 600 watts at 2 ohms. The JL Audio XD amplifiers use superior components and deliver super clean power for the best sound quality possible while taking up minimal space. The XD1000/5v2 delivers that clean power to your speakers and has enough power to move a single JL Audio W6, a pair of W3s, or a pair of TW3s. JL Audio doesn't mess around, and the XD1000/5v2 is an amazing amplifier that delivers hard-hitting bass along with powerful, super-clean highs.

The JL Audio VX1000/5i is the baddest 5 channel amplifier in the world. This amp not only powers your speakers, but it has a built-in DSP processor that gives you total control over each speaker individually. You can control the crossover point, EQ curve, and time alignment for each speaker in your car to deliver the ultimate sound stage. When tuned properly, it will sound as if the musicians are playing the music while standing on your dashboard. It is truly a remarkable experience.

The JL Audio VX1000/5i amplifier uses the same NeXD switching technology that is used on the XD series amplifiers, but the DSP is what makes this amplifier to another level. You can tune and control the DSP by plugging in a laptop via USB, or you can download an app on your phone and tune your system via Bluetooth.

In terms of power output, this amplifier will deliver plenty of power for virtually any speakers. When you use the DSP, you can increase the levels of specific frequencies to optimize each speaker's EQ curve and volume level across the different frequencies. This allows you to focus that power within the speaker's sweet spot for optimal output and sound quality.

For the subwoofer, the VX1000/5i puts out 600 watts RMS at 2 ohms. It is perfect to power at W6, a pair of W3s, or a pair of TW3s. JL Audio doesn't mess around. If they are going to do it, they do it well and the VX1000/5i is no exception. If you want the best of the best, here it is!