Mono Subwoofer Amplifiers Compared: JL Audio, Alpine, Kicker, Pioneer and JBL
Pick a small mono amp like the Alpine KTA-200M or JL Audio JD250/1 for one modest sub or a tight spot. Pick a 500 to 600-watt amp like the JL Audio JD500/1 or Alpine S2-A60M for a single 10 or 12-inch sub, and a 1,000 to 1,200-watt amp like the JL Audio JD1000/1, Alpine S2-A120M or Kicker CX 46CXA1200.1 for one big sub or two. For multi-sub builds, the Kicker LX 51LX3000.1 and Warhorse 49WXA3600.1 go up to 3,000 and 3,600 watts at 1 ohm. Match the amp to your sub's impedance and power.
Why a mono amp for subs
A mono amp, also called a monoblock, puts all its power into one channel made for a subwoofer. Most have a low-pass filter, a subsonic filter and bass boost, and many take speaker-level signal so they work with a factory radio.
Every amp here is on our listings. We are an authorized JL Audio, Alpine, Kicker and Pioneer dealer, and Tony installs amps in our own bay at 8696 Atlantic Ave.
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.
A mono amp makes more power at lower impedance. How the sub's voice coils are wired decides which column applies, so match the amp to the sub before you buy.
Mono subwoofer amplifiers compared, from our product listings. RMS power as each maker rates it. "Not in our listing" means our product page does not state that spec, so ask us before you count on it.
| Model | RMS at 4 ohms | RMS at 2 ohms | RMS at 1 ohm | Speaker-level input | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine KTA-200M | 200 W | 200 W | Not in our listing | Not in our listing | Under-seat size, RCA inputs |
| JL Audio JD250/1 | 150 W | 250 W | Not in our listing | Not in our listing | Switchable input sensitivity for factory or aftermarket sources |
| Kicker CX 46CXA400.1 | 150 W | 300 W | 400 W | Yes | 25 Hz subsonic filter, KickEQ |
| JL Audio RD500/1 | 250 W | 500 W | Not in our listing | Not in our listing | NexD Class D |
| JL Audio JD500/1 | 250 W | 500 W | Not in our listing | Yes, up to 8 V RMS | Bass boost |
| Kicker KEY 47KEY500.1 | 150 W | 300 W | 500 W | Yes | Automatic DSP that restores missing bass |
| JBL Club A600 | 350 W | 600 W | Not in our listing | Yes | Low profile |
| Alpine S2-A60M | 330 W | 600 W | 600 W | Yes | Auto turn-on |
| Alpine KTA-30MW | 300 W | 300 W | Not in our listing | Yes | IP66 weather resistant |
| Kicker LX 51LX850.1 | 300 W | 500 W | 850 W | Yes, 1 to 40 V | LXRC remote included |
| JL Audio VX600/1i | 400 W | 600 W | Not in our listing | Inputs accept up to 16 V | Built-in DSP |
| Alpine R2-A75M | 500 W | 750 W | Not in our listing | Yes | 8-40 Hz subsonic filter |
| Pioneer GM-DX971 | 500 W | 800 W | 1,200 W | Yes | Bass remote |
| Alpine Status HDA-M80 | 500 W | 800 W | Not in our listing | Not in our listing | Hi-Res Audio, damping factor of 1500 |
| JL Audio JD1000/1 | 600 W | 1,000 W | Not in our listing | Yes, up to 8 V RMS | Bass boost |
| JL Audio RD1000/1 | 600 W | 1,000 W | Not in our listing | Not in our listing | Switchable input sensitivity |
| JL Audio HD750/1 | 750 W | 750 W | Not in our listing | Not in our listing | Same power from 1.5 to 4 ohms (R.I.P.S.) |
| Alpine S2-A120M | 600 W | 1,200 W | 1,200 W | Yes | Auto turn-on |
| Kicker CX 46CXA1200.1 | 600 W | 1,200 W | Not in our listing | Yes, up to 40 V | 1-ohm stable |
| JL Audio HD1200/1 | 1,200 W | 1,200 W | Not in our listing | Not in our listing | Same power from 1.5 to 4 ohms (R.I.P.S.) |
| JL Audio RD1500/1 | 750 W | 1,500 W | 1,500 W | Not in our listing | Infrasonic filter |
| Alpine R2-A150M | 700 W | 1,200 W | 1,500 W | Not in our listing | Connections grouped on one side |
| Kicker CX 46CXA1800.1T | 900 W | 1,800 W | 1,800 W | Yes, up to 40 V | 25 Hz subsonic filter |
| Kicker LX 51LX3000.1 | 1,100 W | 2,000 W | 3,000 W | Yes, up to 40 V | RGB LED lighting, remote included |
| Kicker Warhorse 49WXA3600.1 | 1,400 W | 2,500 W | 3,600 W | Not in our listing | Competition mode; plan a battery and charging upgrade with it |
One sub, smaller builds
The Alpine KTA-200M makes 200 W RMS at 4 or 2 ohms and is small enough for under a seat. The JL Audio JD250/1 makes 250 W at 2 ohms with switchable input sensitivity for factory or aftermarket sources, and the Kicker CX 46CXA400.1 reaches 400 W at 1 ohm with a 25 Hz subsonic filter.
In the 500-watt range, the JL Audio JD500/1 takes line-level or speaker-level signals up to 8 V RMS, and the Kicker KEY 47KEY500.1 uses an automatic DSP that analyzes the radio's signal and restores missing bass.
The 600 to 1,200-watt range
The JBL Club A600 and Alpine S2-A60M make 600 W at 2 ohms, and the Alpine KTA-30MW is an IP66 pack at 300 W for open vehicles. The JL Audio VX600/1i adds a built-in DSP with crossover, EQ and delay control.
For one big sub or two, the JL Audio JD1000/1 and RD1000/1 make 1,000 W at 2 ohms, the Pioneer GM-DX971 and Alpine S2-A120M reach 1,200 W at 1 ohm, and the Kicker CX 46CXA1200.1 makes 1,200 W at 2 ohms and is 1-ohm stable. The JL Audio HD750/1 and HD1200/1 hold the same power from 1.5 to 4 ohms thanks to JL's regulated power supply, so the output does not depend on how the sub is wired.
Big multi-sub builds
The JL Audio RD1500/1 and Alpine R2-A150M reach 1,500 W at 1 ohm, and the Kicker CX 46CXA1800.1T reaches 1,800 W. The Kicker LX 51LX3000.1 makes 3,000 W at 1 ohm with FIT+ inputs up to 40 volts and RGB lighting.
The Kicker Warhorse 49WXA3600.1 is the biggest at 3,600 W at 1 ohm, with a competition mode. Its listing notes an amp at this level needs a battery and charging upgrade planned with it, and Tony quotes that together.
How to choose, and how to get one
Start with the sub: its RMS power and how its voice coils can be wired. Then pick an amp that makes about that much power at the final impedance. Our powered subwoofer comparison covers subs with the amp already built in, and the car subwoofer enclosure buying guide covers boxes.
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. Gear bought here and installed here carries Stock moves, so call (323) 944-7844 or text (213) 674-9042 to confirm the amp is on the shelf before you drive over.
In the shop
Gear from this post
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Kicker KEY 47KEY500.1 Mono Amplifier with Auto DSP
- 500 W RMS at 1 ohm
- Auto DSP
- Speaker-level inputs
$299.99
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Alpine KTA-30MW Weather-Resistant Mono Power Pack Amplifier
- 300W RMS x 1 at 2 or 4 ohms
- 600W dynamic peak
- IP66 weather resistant
$499.95
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Read itQuestions on Mono Subwoofer Amplifiers Compared: JL Audio, Alpine, Kicker, Pioneer and JBL
How much power does my subwoofer need?
Match the amp to the sub's RMS rating at the impedance you wire it to. A mono amp makes more power at lower impedance, so check the 4, 2 and 1-ohm columns in our table.
Can I add a sub amp to a factory radio?
Yes, with speaker-level inputs. The Kicker CX amps accept up to 40 volts, the JL Audio JD500/1 and JD1000/1 up to 8 V RMS, and several others in our table list speaker-level inputs too.
What does R.I.P.S. mean on JL Audio HD amps?
It is JL's regulated power supply. Per our listings, the HD750/1 and HD1200/1 make the same power into any load from 1.5 to 4 ohms, so output does not depend on how the sub is wired.
Do I need a bigger battery for a big amp?
For the largest amps, plan for it. The Kicker Warhorse 49WXA3600.1 listing notes it needs a battery and charging upgrade planned with it, and Tony quotes that together.
Can you install it the same day?
Often, yes. Call or text first so Tony can set aside time in the bay and confirm the amp and wiring kit are on the shelf.