5-Channel Car Amplifiers Compared: JL Audio, Alpine, Kicker, Kenwood and JBL

A 5-channel amp runs four speakers and a subwoofer from one chassis, with one power run and one ground. For a factory radio, the JBL Club A5055, Alpine S2-A55V and Kicker 44KXA800.5 take speaker-level input. For built-in tuning, the JL Audio VX700/5i and VX1000/5i have a DSP. For the most sub power, look at the JL Audio RD900/5+ and HD900/5 (500 W), the VX1000/5i and XDM1000/5 (600 W at 2 ohms) or the Kicker 51LX1200.5 (700 W at 1 ohm).

Car audio · · DJ Custom Audio, South Gate

Why one 5-channel amp

Four channels power the front and rear speakers and the fifth channel runs a sub, so a full system needs one amp instead of two. For how this compares to separate mono and 4-channel amps, see our mono vs 4-channel vs 5-channel guide.

Every amp here is on our listings. We are an authorized JL Audio, Alpine and Kicker dealer, and Tony installs amps in our own bay at 8696 Atlantic Ave in South Gate.

Side by side

This table is built only from our own product listings. Where a listing does not state a spec, the cell says so instead of guessing.

Power is RMS as each listing states it. Size is in inches where the listing gives it.

5-channel car amplifiers compared, from our product listings. "Not in our listing" means our product page does not state that spec, so ask us before you count on it.

ModelMain channels (RMS)Sub channel (RMS)Inputs and tuningSize
JBL Club A5055About 50 W x 4Not in our listingPreamp or speaker-level inputCompact, fits under many seats
Alpine S2-A55V40 W x 4 at 4 ohm, 60 W x 4 at 2 ohm200 W at 4 ohm, 300 W at 2 ohmRCA or speaker-level input with auto turn-on, 50 Hz bass EQNot in our listing
Kicker 46CXA660.5T65 W x 4 at 4 ohm, 90 W x 4 at 2 ohm150 W at 4 ohm, 300 W at 2 ohmFIT+ inputs up to 40 volts, KickEQNot in our listing
Kicker 44KXA800.5About 100 W x 4Not in our listingPreamp or speaker-level input; roughly 800 W totalNot in our listing
Kenwood Excelon X802-5Not in our listingNot in our listingPreamp or speaker-level input; 800-watt classCompact
JL Audio JD700/575 W x 4 at 4 ohm, 100 W x 4 at 2 ohm180 W at 4 ohm, 300 W at 2 ohm2, 4 or 6-channel input mode11.86 x 7.5 x 2.1 in
JL Audio VX700/5i75 W x 4 at 4 ohm, 100 W x 4 at 2 ohm180 W at 4 ohm, 300 W at 2 ohmBuilt-in DSP, inputs from 200 mV to 16 volts9.81 x 6.62 x 2.12 in
JL Audio XDM700/575 W x 4 at 4 ohm, 100 W x 4 at 2 ohm180 W at 4 ohm, 300 W at 2 ohm2, 4 or 6-channel input mode10.23 x 7.09 x 2.05 in
JL Audio RD900/5+70 W x 4 at 4 ohm, 100 W x 4 at 2 ohm225 W at 4 ohm, 500 W at 2 ohm2, 4 or 6-channel input mode14.66 x 6.96 x 2.13 in
JL Audio HD900/575 to 100 W x 4, depending on load500 W from 4 ohm down to 2 ohmNot in our listing1.93 in tall
JL Audio XD1000/5v2Not in our listingNot in our listingAdjustable crossovers for each channel groupNot in our listing
JL Audio VX1000/5i75 W x 4 at 4 ohm, 100 W x 4 at 2 ohm400 W at 4 ohm, 600 W at 2 ohmBuilt-in DSP, RCA inputs up to 16 volts11.32 x 6.62 x 2.12 in
JL Audio XDM1000/575 W x 4 at 4 ohm, 100 W x 4 at 2 ohm400 W at 4 ohm, 600 W at 2 ohmOptional remote sub level control14.73 x 7.09 x 2.05 in
Alpine HDA-V9075 W x 4 at 4 ohm, 100 W x 4 at 2 ohm300 W at 4 ohm, 500 W at 2 ohm2, 4 or 6-channel input, Hi-Res Audio certifiedNot in our listing
Kicker 48PXA1000.5100 W x 4 at 4 ohm, 150 W x 4 at 2 ohm300 W at 4 ohm, 500 W at 2 ohm, 600 W at 1 ohmIP66 and IP67 waterproofAbout 4-1/2 x 1-15/16 x 12-7/8 in
Kicker 51LX1200.5125 W x 4 at 4 ohm, 175 W x 4 at 2 ohm300 W at 4 ohm, 550 W at 2 ohm, 700 W at 1 ohmLX Control Center and LXRC remote includedAbout 2-3/8 x 8-7/16 x 12-5/8 in

Keeping the factory radio

The JBL Club A5055, Alpine S2-A55V, Kicker 44KXA800.5 and Kenwood Excelon X802-5 all accept preamp or speaker-level input, per their listings, so they can connect to a factory radio. The S2-A55V adds auto turn-on and a 50 Hz bass EQ, and the Kicker 46CXA660.5T has FIT+ inputs that accept up to 40 volts.

The JL Audio VX700/5i and VX1000/5i add a built-in DSP for crossovers, EQ and time correction, with inputs up to 16 volts for factory integration. For more on keeping the factory radio, see our line output converter, bass restoration and DSP comparison.

More power for the sub

The JL Audio JD700/5, VX700/5i and XDM700/5 make 75 W x 4 plus 180 W x 1 at 4 ohms, or 100 W x 4 plus 300 W x 1 at 2 ohms. The JL Audio RD900/5+ raises the sub channel to 500 W at 2 ohms, and the HD900/5 rates its sub channel at 500 W from 4 ohms down to 2 ohms in a chassis 1.93 inches tall.

The JL Audio VX1000/5i and XDM1000/5 and the Alpine Status HDA-V90 step up to 500 to 600 W on the sub at 2 ohms. The Kicker 51LX1200.5 makes 125 W x 4 at 4 ohms and 700 W on the sub at 1 ohm, with the LX Control Center and LXRC remote included, and the Kicker 48PXA1000.5 is waterproof with IP66 and IP67 ratings.

How to choose, and how to get one

Count the speakers and the sub you want to run, decide whether you are keeping the factory radio, and match the sub channel to your sub's RMS power and impedance. Text (213) 674-9042 with your year, make and model and the speakers and sub you have, and Tony will tell you which amp fits.

Everything is bought and installed or picked up at the shop at 8696 Atlantic Ave in South Gate, and you can ask about our Payment Plan. Stock moves, so call (323) 944-7844 to confirm the amp is on the shelf before you drive over.

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Car audio: send the year, make, and model, and Tony gets back to you with what fits and a price. DJ gear: tell Joe the room or the party, like "backyard party, 150 people" or "starter DJ setup," and he will put a setup together.

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Questions on 5-Channel Car Amplifiers Compared: JL Audio, Alpine, Kicker, Kenwood and JBL

What does a 5-channel amp do?

Four channels power the front and rear speakers and the fifth channel runs a subwoofer, so a full system needs one amp, one power run and one ground.

Can a 5-channel amp work with my factory radio?

Many can. The JBL Club A5055, Alpine S2-A55V, Kicker 44KXA800.5 and Kenwood Excelon X802-5 accept speaker-level input, per their listings. Tony checks your car's system before you buy.

Which 5-channel amps have a built-in DSP?

The JL Audio VX700/5i and VX1000/5i. Their DSP handles crossovers, EQ and time correction.

Which 5-channel amp has the most sub power?

In our table, the Kicker 51LX1200.5 makes 700 W on the sub channel at 1 ohm, and the JL Audio VX1000/5i and XDM1000/5 make 600 W at 2 ohms.

Can you install it?

Yes. Tony installs amps in our bay at 8696 Atlantic Ave in South Gate. Call or text first to set up a time.

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