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Alpine R-A90S Amplifier
- 6-channel
- 75 W RMS x 4 + 150 W RMS x 2 @ 4 ohm
- 100 W x 4 + 250 W x 2 @ 2 ohm
$699.95
6-Channel and 8-Channel Car Amplifiers Compared: JL Audio VX, RD and XDM and Alpine R-A90S
A 6- or 8-channel amp powers a whole system from one chassis: front components, rear speakers and, on some models, a sub. On our listings the Alpine R-A90S and JL Audio RD800/6 are staggered six-channel amps with four smaller channels and two bigger ones for a sub, and the JL Audio XDM600/6 and XDM800/8 give equal power on every channel. The JL Audio VX600/6i and VX800/8i add a built-in DSP for crossovers, EQ and time alignment, which is what an active front stage needs. Pick by how many speakers you are powering and whether you want the tuning built in.
Side by side
From our own listings, at 14.4 volts. Prices are the listed prices.
6- and 8-channel car amplifiers on our listings, with the specs each listing gives.
| Amp | Channels | Power at 4 ohms | Power at 2 ohms | Built-in DSP | Notes | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine R-A90S | 6 | 75 W x 4 + 150 W x 2 | 100 W x 4 + 250 W x 2 | No | Staggered; filters on each pair, optional RUX-KNOB.2 | - | $699.95 |
| JL Audio RD800/6 | 6 | 75 W x 4 + 150 W x 2 | 100 W x 4 + 200 W x 2 | No | Last pair bridges to 400 W; ch 1-2 high-pass to 5 kHz | 14.66 x 6.96 x 2.13 in | $649.99 |
| JL Audio XDM600/6 | 6 | 75 W x 6 | 100 W x 6 | No | Bridges to 200 W x 3; 50-500 Hz filter per pair; 50 A fuse | 10.23 x 7.09 x 2.05 in | $829.99 |
| JL Audio VX600/6i | 6 | 75 W x 6 | 100 W x 6 | Yes: crossovers, EQ, time alignment | Bridges to 200 W x 3; inputs 200 mV-16 V | 9.81 x 6.62 x 2.12 in | $1,549.99 |
| JL Audio XDM800/8 | 8 | 75 W x 8 | 100 W x 8 | No | Bridges to 200 W x 4; 50-500 Hz filter per pair; 80 A fuse | 14.73 x 7.09 x 2.05 in | $1,099.99 |
| JL Audio VX800/8i | 8 | 75 W x 8 | 100 W x 8 | Yes: crossovers, EQ, time correction on every channel | Bridges to 200 W x 4; inputs 200 mV-16 V; 80 A fuse | 11.32 x 6.62 x 2.12 in | $1,849.99 |
Staggered or equal power
The Alpine R-A90S gives 75 watts x 4 plus 150 watts x 2 at 4 ohms, and the JL Audio RD800/6 gives the same at 4 ohms with its last pair bridging to 400 watts for a subwoofer, per their listings. That layout runs front and rear speakers plus a sub from one amp.
The XDM600/6 and XDM800/8 give 75 watts per channel at 4 ohms on every channel and bridge pairs to 200 watts. Each channel pair has its own 50 to 500 Hz filter.
When the built-in DSP matters
The VX600/6i and VX800/8i put a processor inside the amp. It sets crossovers, EQ and time alignment for each channel, so tweeters, mids and woofers can each get their own channel in an active front stage. The VX800/8i has enough channels for a fully active three-way front plus rear fill, per its listing. Both take 200 mV to 16 V inputs, and the VX600/6i's listing says that covers aftermarket or factory sources.
If you keep the factory radio, see our guide to line output converters, bass restoration and DSP. For a separate processor, see the DSPs on our listings.
How to pick
Text (213) 674-9042 with your car and the speakers you have or want, and Tony will tell you how many channels you need and size the wiring and fuse for the amp.
Everything is bought and installed at the shop at 8696 Atlantic Ave in South Gate, and you can ask about our Payment Plan. Call (323) 944-7844 to confirm stock before you drive over.
In the shop
Gear from this post
Buy Now, Pay Later
Buy Now, Pay Later
Buy Now, Pay Later
JL Audio VX600/6i 6-Channel Amplifier with DSP
- 75 W x 6 @ 4 ohm
- 100 W x 6 @ 2 ohm
- Built-in DSP
$1,549.99
Buy Now, Pay Later
JL Audio VX800/8i 8-Channel Amplifier with DSP
- 75 W x 8 @ 4 ohm
- 100 W x 8 @ 2 ohm
- Built-in DSP
$1,849.99
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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.
More from the blog
5-Channel Car Amplifiers Compared: JL Audio, Alpine, Kicker, Kenwood and JBL
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Read it2-Channel and 3-Channel Car Amplifiers Compared: Pioneer GM-A3702, JL Audio XDM200/2 and XDM500/3
A 2-channel amp powers one pair of speakers, or bridges to one channel for a small sub. The Pioneer GM-A3702 makes 60 W x 2 at 4 ohms and takes RCA or speaker-level input with auto turn-on, so it can work with a factory radio. The JL Audio XDM200/2 makes 75 W x 2 at 4 ohms in a 6.85 x 7.09-inch chassis. If you want two speakers and a sub from one amp, the JL Audio XDM500/3 adds a third channel with 300 W at 2 ohms.
Read itCar Subwoofer Buying Guide: Sub, Box, Amp and Wiring for Your Ride
The right sub setup depends on three things: how much space you can give up, how hard you want it to hit, and what radio you are keeping. Small space and a factory radio usually means a powered sub. A trunk or truck cab you can give up means a loaded box and a mono amp. Here is how we point people at the counter, with the parts that come along for the ride.
Read itQuestions on 6-Channel and 8-Channel Car Amplifiers Compared: JL Audio VX, RD and XDM and Alpine R-A90S
Can one amp run my speakers and a subwoofer?
Yes, a staggered amp can. The Alpine R-A90S and JL Audio RD800/6 on our listings each have four channels for speakers and two bigger ones for a sub, and the RD800/6's last pair bridges to 400 watts.
What does the built-in DSP do on the JL Audio VX amps?
It sets crossovers, EQ and time alignment for each channel, so you can run an active front stage without a separate processor, per their listings.
Do you install these amps?
Yes. Tony installs them in our bay at 8696 Atlantic Ave in South Gate, with the wiring and fuse sized for the amp. Call or text first to set up a time.