Power Acoustik Amp Reviews & Comparison

An in-car amplifier boosts the electrical signals directed to a music system, increasing its overall power output.

In terms of in-car audio systems, this unit takes a low-power output signal from a CD player or radio, for example, and then increases the signal strength, allowing it to power speakers or subwoofers.

Below, we’ve picked out 5 of the best Power Acoustik units and broken them down into their features, plus advantages and drawbacks.

Our ​Power Acoustik Amp Reviews

1. ​POWER ACOUSTIK GT1-6000D Gothic Series Class D Amp

The Power Acoustik GT1-6000D is one of the most powerful amplifier units available from this brand, but also one of the heavier, larger units as a result. It’ll suit a car enthusiast looking for the most powerful amplifier solution but will also require more installation space and a bigger budget.

Features:

• ​Amp class: Class D
• RMS: [email protected]Ω – 2300W mono
• ​[email protected]Ω – 3000W mono
• ​[email protected]Ω – 3700W mono
• ​Bridged: Bridging synchronisation
• Max power output: 1700W
• Features: 4-way protection circuit, Pwm power supply

​Product Highlight:

A breakdown of the key features for this in-car amplifier can be found below:

• ​Regulated MOSFET PWM Power Supply
• ​Three-Way Protection Circuitry
• ​Pre-Amp Low Level Outputs
• ​Frequency Response: 10 ~ 35kHz
• Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.05%
• Channel Separation: 65dB
• ​Variable 40~150Hz 24dB Low Pass Crossover
• Variable 20~50Hz 24dB Subsonic Crossover
• 4 Gauge Power/Ground & 8 Gauge Speaker Terminals Connection
• ​Variable Low pass remote dash mounts gain control
• Data link system: Features allows the mono amps to be strapped or bridged via master / slave configuration.
• ​Strappable for Double Power w/2-ohm
• ​Low Level Input Sensitivity: 250mV ~ 6V
• ​Damping Factor: 250
• ​Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 100dB
• 180° Phase Switch
• Variable 0-18dB 45Hz Bass Boost

What’s to like about ​it:

Power Acoustik products are known for their reliability and durability, and this model defines those expectations well. It’s also got one of the highest power outputs available on the market; any larger, and you’d kill your car battery very quickly.

What’s not to like about ​it:

This amplifier is heavier than many alternatives, and bigger as a result of its incredible power output. This reduces the options for where it can be installed within a vehicle. The power output also demands a lot from your car’s battery; you’ll need to have upgraded it, and potentially have a secondary as backup.

PROS

• ​Excellent durability, trustworthy brand
• ​Largest power output of those we’ve looked at on this list

CONS

• ​Larger and heavier than others
• ​Will rapidly drain your car if other components aren’t up to scratch

​2. ​​Acoustik BAMF5500/1D Monoblock 5500 Watts Class D BAMFSeries Amp

The Power Acoustik BAMF5500/1D Monoblock is one of the newer and more powerful models of amplifier available within the PA brand. General consumer feedback is, on the whole, relatively positive, though not so much as some of the less powerful alternatives.

Features:

• ​Amp class: Class D
• ​RMS:4 ohms: 1700 watts x 1 chan
• ​2 ohms: 2300 watts x 1 chan
• ​1 ohm: 3200 watts x 1 chan
• ​Bridged: Bridging synchronisation
• ​Max power output: 5,500-watts
• Features: Die-cast aluminium heat sink. Heavy-duty alloy heat sink

​Product Highlight:

The BAMF amplifier series is perfect for people who want quality performance on a budget. The key features are listed out below:

• ​5500W Max Monoblock Class D Amplifier Car Amplifier
• ​Max power output: 5500 watts x 1 chan
• ​Fully regulated PWM power supply
• ​Wired remote bass level control included
• ​System distress indicator
• ​Four-way protection circuit
• Adjustable Tuned Bass EQ (0-18 dB Bass Boost)
• ​Hi-Speed digital circuitry
• Full selectable crossover (HI, Full, Low)
• ​1-Ohm Stable
• Full selectable crossover (HI, Full, Low)
• Platinum-plated RCA level inputs
• Platinum-plated screw terminals
• ​Variable low-pass filter (40-200 Hz, 12 dB/octave)
• Variable subsonic filter (20-50 Hz)
• ​Variable subwoofer EQ @ 45 Hz
• Frequency response: 20-200 Hz
• ​Signal to Noise Ratio: 100 dB
• Dimensions: 16-7/8″L x 8-1/4″W x 2-1/8″H
• 1/0-gauge power and ground wiring is required for installation

What’s to like about ​it:

This model boasts a die-cast aluminium heat sink that helps to cool the product from three different angles. Additionally, all connections and controls are located on a single side to improve usability when installed in a tight space within a vehicle.

What’s not to like about ​it:

Despite smart design choices that are designed to reduce internal heat, the model does still heat up somewhat. This unit will also require a very strong battery or alternator to support its sizable power output successfully.

PROS

• ​All controls located on one side
• ​Powerful heat sink / cooling functions

CONS

• ​Still generates some heat
• ​Requires a strong battery or alternator

​3. ​Power Acoustik RZ52500D Class DAmplifier, 2500W Max

The Power Acoustik RZ52500D isn’t the most powerful amplifier created by this well-known and trusted brand, but it still packs a good punch, and for a competitive price. There are some limitations around the power feed you use, but little else in the way of drawbacks.

Features:

• ​Amp class: Class D
• ​RMS: RMS @ 4Ω Bridged – 2 x 300 + 1 x 600
• ​RMS Power 2Ω, 14.4V, 4 x 150 + 1 x 600
• ​RMS Power 4Ω, 14.4V, 4 x 100 + 1 x 400
• Bridged: 4-ohm Bridged/2-ohm Stereo Class D Full Range
• ​Max power output: 2,500-watt
• ​Features: 5 channels, wired remote bass control

​Product Highlight:

​Features: 5 channels, wired remote bass control

Razor Series 5-Channel Car Amplifier

Channel 1-4 RMS Power Rating:

• ​4 ohms: 100 watts x 4 chan
• ​2 ohms: 150 watts x 4 chan
• ​​Bridged, 4 ohms: 300 watts x 2 chan

Subwoofer Channel RMS Power Rating:

• ​4 ohms: 400 watts x 1 chan.
• 2 ohms: 600 watts x 1 chan
• ​Max power output: 2500 watts x 1 chan
• ​Wired remote bass level control included
• ​Variable Bass Boost (0 to +12 dB bass boost at 45 Hz)
• 5/4/3/2 or Mono channel operation
• ​Speaker-level (high-level) inputs
• ​Variable high-pass filter (35-250 Hz)
• Variable low-pass filter (35-250 Hz)
• ​8-gauge power and ground wiring is required for installation
• ​Dimensions: 4-3/4″W x 12-1/2″L x 1-1/2″H

What’s to like about ​it:

Despite not being the most powerful amplifier available within the Power Acoustik range, the 2500D still puts out an impressive amount of power. It also has an incredibly tough outer shell, making it built to last in harsh environments.

What’s not to like about ​it:

Unfortunately, this unit will only take an 8-gauge power feed; nothing short of this can be used for installation, and you’re going to need ground wiring, too. Additionally, it can take some time to get the gains and high/low pass filters set correctly, once it has been installed.

PROS

• ​Puts out impressive power
• ​Strong build quality makes this amplifier incredibly durable

CONS

• ​Will only take an 8-gauge power feed
• ​Getting the gains and high/low pass filters set properly can take time

​4. ​​Power Acoustik RZ1-3500D 3500W Class D Monoblock Amplifier

The Power Acoustik RZ1-3500D is one of the most powerful in-car amplifiers belonging to this trustworthy brand, having been around since early 2015.

Features:

• ​Amp class: Class D
• ​RMS:1Ω, 14.4V – 1 x 2,100RMS Power
• ​2Ω, 14.4V – 1 x 1,400RMS Power
• ​4Ω, 14.4V – 1 x 900
• Bridged: 2-ohm Stereo & 4-ohm Bridged Full Range Operation
• ​Max power output: 3,500-watt
• Features: Overload circuits, dash mount gain control

​Product Highlight:

A full, detailed breakdownof the product’s key components and features can be seen below:

• ​Compact 4.75” chassis design for installation versatility
• ​MOSFET Power Supply w/ audiophile grade IRTM transistors
• ​Military Grade SMT PCB maintains dynamic performance
• ​2-ohm Stereo & 4-ohm bridged full range operation
• ​2-ohm minimum impedance stability
• ​Direct short, thermal, & overload circuits protect amplifier
• 200mv-6V Low Level RCA Inputs
• ​High-level input w/ signal sense auto turn-on
• ​Variable 12dB high pass & low pass crossovers
• ​10-50Hz Variable 12dB subsonic crossover protects subwoofers
• ​12dB bass boost increases low octave harmonics
• Dash mount gain control module Included

What’s to like about ​it:

This unit is incredibly quick and simple to install and has everything required unlike some other alternatives that are missing ground wires or similar components. Its compact size means that it is easy to install in the smallest spaces.

What’s not to like about ​it:

This unit is at the more expensive end of the budget. If installed with the wrong type of subs, it could also fry them, leading to even more costs incurred, though this is a similar problem shared with other amplifiers, too.

PROS

• ​Simple and quick to install
• ​Compact size, fits nearly anywhere

CONS

• ​More expensive end of the budget
• ​Can fry subs if not compatible

​5. ​Power Acoustik RZ4-1200D 1200W Class D 4 Channel Amplifier

The Power Acoustik RZ4-1200D 1200W Class D Amplifier has been around since 2004. Despite this, it’s still compatible with modern vehicles and has enjoyed extremely positive feedback during its lifespan.

Features:

• ​Amp class: Class D
• ​RMS: Unspecified
• Bridged: 300-watt x 2 at 4-Ohm bridged
• Max power output: 1200-watt
• Features: MOSFET PWM power supply, 4Ohm class D stereo

​Product Highlight:

A brief breakdown of the basickey featuresfor the RZ4-1200D is as follows:

• ​Small Compact 4.75″ wide chassis
• ​4-ohm Bridged/2-ohm Stereo Class D full range
• ​MOSFET PWM power supply
• ​80Hz 12dB HP or LP crossover
• High-level input

A more detailed view of the overall product is available below:

• ​Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.05%
• ​Frequency Response: 10-35kHz
• ​Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 70dB
• Damping Factor: > 250 Stereo
• ​Channel Separation: < 55dB
• ​Input Sensitivity: 200mV-6V
• ​Class D digital full range amplifier
• ​Full MOSFET PWM power supply
• ​SMD technology on double sided PCB
• ​8ga power Terminals & 12ga speaker outputs
• High &low-level signal inputs
• ​Selectable 80Hz 12dB high/low pass filter
• ​2-Ohm Stereo, 4-Ohm bridged stable

What’s to like about ​it:

As far as in-car amplifiers go, this is one of the cheapest models available on the market, although the power output is also less than many alternatives, including other models from this brand. Despite having been around for around 15 years, this amplifier is still compatible with more modern vehicles.

What’s not to like about ​it:

Part of the problem with this model, and indeed probably partly the reason that the product is so inexpensive is because it doesn’t have sub plugins, only speakers. It also lacks the inline connector plugs required for the four channels; these must be bought separately.

PROS

• ​Very inexpensive model
• ​Works in even modern vehicles

CONS

• ​Doesn’t have sub plugins, just speakers
• ​Doesn’t include inline connector plugs for all four channels

Final Verdict

Our pick of the best PowerAcoustik amplifiers is the ​Acoustik BAMF5500.

Though it’s bigger and heavier than its peers, it is also the most powerful of the units we’ve listed. It’s also got some nice features like die-cast aluminium heat sink, heavy-duty alloy heat sink, etc.