Best 500 Watt RMS Amp

What is a sound amplifier? This device is designed to improve sound quality by minimizing various distortions when turning high volumes up. It happens that the speakers, switched on and functioning to the full extent, emit incomprehensible rattles, noises, squeaks, etc. Familiar situation, right?

In fact, the reason for this problem is pretty obvious. The built-in amplifier of a radio recorder simply does not cope with the load. It should work efficiently with a subwoofer and a high-end sound system. In this case, an amplifier is intended to eliminate mentioned troubles.

A Little Preface: Essential Eye-Catching Feature

 We understand that the most complicated step is the first one. With this article, you will discover famous and, what is more important, second to none products. Of course, the list of efficient amplifiers can be endless. However, this time we decided to draw our focus to investigating amplifiers as for their RMS power in particular.

Let’s consider some theoretical issues of the matter. What is RMS? In simple word, it is a power indicator. If to be more specific, that is an abbreviation of Rated Maximum Sinusoidal. It shows the upper limit of watts at which an amplifier is able to function during one hour without any physical damage.

This indicator helps understand the real efficiency of any amplifier. Nobody wants to be fooled by the manufacturer. And this feature is necessary to analyze the functionality of such equipment.

Therefore, we are presenting our list of top-5 best RMS amplifiers. Are you keen to get some new information? Let’s begin!

Modern Winners among Amplifiers:
Editor’s Choice

Before describing each winner in detail, please, note their standard characteristics. Even these features can help you make the final decision.

Name	Image	Purpose	Dimensions (in inches)	Weight (in pounds)	Class	Price
Rockford Fosgate R500X1D		Outstanding suitability	11.8 x 10.4 x 4.2	6.3	D	***	Check Price
Rockville dB12 2000w Peak		Awesome for newcomers	13.1 x 13.1 x 2.4	10.05	D	***	Check Price
Alpine MRV-M500 Mono		Excellent power in compact design	10.2 x 4.2 x 10	3.97	D	***	Check Price
MTX Audio THUNDER500.1		Wonderful for bass sound	12 x 7.5 x 4	3.65	D	***	Check Price
Skar Audio RP-75.4AB		Great for multichannel connection	19.5 x 7 x 3	7.4	AB	***	Check Price

Intrigued? So let’s not waste a single moment. Ready, steady, go!

Product 1: Rockford Fosgate R500X1D

To call music linear means to make a huge mistake. It has its own huge peaks. An outstanding efficiency of Rockford Fosgate R500X1D allows you to enjoy the sound in the slightest details.

Overall, this product provides you with up to 647 watts of dynamic power. In addition, it can run a subwoofer with up to 500 watts RMS. With such abilities, long hours of non-stop music are guaranteed.

This is an ultra-efficient model class D amplifier. It can boast of an output of 500 watts at 2 ohms and 300w at 4 ohms. An advantageous feature of this top-notch amp is the ability to deliver power output without overwhelming and somewhat excessive regulation. That means it will respond quickly to peak demands.

However, this is not the only issue Rockford has successfully coped with. Obviously, heat is one of the biggest enemies of an amplifier. Due to the relevant design, Rockford pulls that heat away from the circuit board. With the help of a special Dynamic Thermal Management circuit, it maximizes the efficiency of an amplifier.  What’s more, such construction helps to eliminate any chance of an amplifier shutting down because of overheating.

This best 500w RMS amp features a heavy-duty cast aluminum heatsink. It is aimed at utmost heat dissipating. On the one hand, this detail allows monitoring the heat occurring inside the amplifier, and on the other — shifting that heat away from the hot spots and more evenly distributing it throughout the product.

The Rockford amp is also equipped with the top-mounted controllers. With their help, a user can forget about complicated operating of the device. Now you can take control over audio settings in the twinkle of an eye. Believe it or not, it has never been easier to tune the amplifier work to the desired results.

Now it is high time for some hard but not less amazing facts. This solid product weighs 6.3 pounds, and its compact size dimensions make it suitable for multiple car models.

Want to control subwoofers precisely? Not a problem. Due to the adjustable low-pass filter, it is a smooth process. In addition, its sender frequencies vary from 50 to 250 Hertz. Another powerful filter is a built-in infrasonic one. It allows protecting your vehicle’s subwoofers from damage.

A limited frequency response makes this Rockford product a dedicated subwoofer amplifier (especially with its response in the range from 20 to 250 Hertz).

Apart from an amplifier itself, this kit also includes a remote bass control. With its help, on-the-fly change of bass levels is a task for a child.

The only obvious drawback of the device is the necessity of additional items to achieve the proper installation. For this, for example, 4-gauge power leads will be the greatest fit. Unfortunately, these extra hardware and wiring are not included. However, the manufacturer has prepared special sets of full amplifier installation suites.

All in all, we highly recommend to pay your attention to Rockford Fosgate R500X1D. This music equipment tool is definitely one of the best 500 watt amps. To give it a preference means to regret about nothing.

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Product 2: Rockville dB12 2000w Peak

The manufacturer has created this amplifier to be stable working at 2 ohms. In this perspective, the Rockville brand line is similar to same-class products by Rockford Fosgate and Kicker.

You can easily determine the amplifier’s power. For that, you just need to multiply the fuse rating by ten. As a result, you will get the accurate and real RMS power of the device. In our case, the Rockville amplifier can boast of its 1000 watts at 2 ohms per channel and 600 watts at 4 ohms per channel. Adorable efficiency, isn’t it?

With this amplifier, you can get a super pure sound: a total harmonic distortion of less than 0.1%. In addition, you can be sure in the distortion-free music playback. Why? It is achieved due to the special peak limiter circuitry.

This more than best 500w RMS amp is CEA rated. It means the amplifier under review was crafted with hand-selected matched components and put through rigorous minimum impedance testing to ensure the highest possible sound quality.

Even if you have the first deal with installing an amplifier, the product under review will not become a great challenge for you. The toolbar is easy to understand since each element is signed.

The functional abilities hidden under these names are also amazing. With the Mute and Delay Soft Start Technology, you get the proper protection of your amplifier and speakers. Bass EQ allows controlling the bass frequency response. Subsonic Filter functions amazingly for adjusting very low frequencies. Phase Shift Control gives you the opportunity to make sure your subwoofer is moving in sync with the rest of your speakers.

With the product’s high-level input, you can wire this right out of your speakers. It is perfect for somebody who does not have an auto-market radio with a dedicated output. But if you have it (for instance, you upgraded your index unit), you can plug it into the RCA line inputs just like any other car amplifier.

The great news is also the richness of the set you get. Of course, you will receive what you are paying for: the highly-qualitative amplifier. But this kit also includes a bass remote control, necessary supporting documentation, the manual instruction and mounting screws. In addition, it has a warranty.

All in all, Rockville is a peer competitor for other leading names in the amplifier producing industry.

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Product 3: Alpine MRV-M500 Mono V-Power Digital Amplifier

Alpine MRV-M500 is a 500 watt class D monoblock amplifier. It provides extremely efficient power for its size. Due to its compact chassis, this device is a perfect match for any car. Thus, it can become an invisible element of any car interior design.

Among the main features, there is the device’s sleek design. Besides, the amplifier can boast of its digital efficiency and installation flexibility. For instance, the product is equipped with snap-on terminal covers, designed especially for smooth and fast installation.

Due to advanced digital feedback circuitry, the output signal matches the input signal. This ensures the output is always correct.

This best 500 watt mono amp features a wider frequency response, higher damping factor, and very good signal-to-noise ratio compared to other amplifiers in its class. That means you get less noise and more power for your subwoofers.

Working at 2 ohms, the device achieves 500 watts RMS on the channel. When functioning at 4 ohms, the rate is 300 watts. In both cases, the total harmonic distortion is less than 1%. This data only contributes to the wonderful efficiency of the item.

Providing the same amount of power with a 40% smaller footprint than previous Alpine models, this company’s device is excellent for efficiency-minded individuals with limited space in their car.

This V-power amplifier is engineered to carry on the V-power legacy and appeal to a wider variety of consumers. V-power adds automatic turn-on sensing for channel non-fading speaker level inputs. This ability provides an easy connection to the OEM head unit.

From a reliability standpoint, the amplifier under consideration uses a revised overload protection circuit. Due to this, current best 500 watt amp can smoothly rollback power in extreme thermal or load conditions. So, when the device has to go into protection, it makes the transition virtually unnoticeable rather than shutting off.

All in all, the manufacturer does not stop improving their products. Currently, the Alpine V-Power amplifier is second to none in their brand line.

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Product 4: MTX Audio THUNDER500.1

MTX Audio has a reputation for building solid amplifiers that sound and look great. Their THUNDER500.1 model is not an exception. This amplifier is great for running medium to high wattage systems and maintaining a nice small footprint.

One side of an amplifier offers an extensive array of tuning options. In turn, the other side has power and speaker connections. These panels were designed to let you install an amplifier as clean as you want.

This MTX Audio product is capable of pushing 500 watts of RMS across the only channel. What’s more, this power is located in a compact chassis. The device measures 12 inches in length, 7.5 inches in width, and 4 inches in height.

The 500w RMS amp differentiates with its short, thermal, and high/low voltage protection. Besides, this MTX Audio model is famous for its noise-free design and adjustable bass boost.

Let’s consider the thermal protection in more details. The manufacturer applied efficient, well-thought-out ventilation system, commonly used in high-end equipment. It distributes cold air evenly and strongly. In turn, this element improves the amplifier’s cooling. With such a helpful system, you can be sure about the reliable functioning of the product. 

Besides, this MTX Audio model is famous for its noise-free design and adjustable bass boost.

On the one hand, installation of the device is not a challenge, on the other — you need to be attentive and connect cables properly. For this, the manufacturer has prepared a detailed manual. It describes the entire process step by step.

All in all, if you are looking for a small clean amplifier that works hard for your system, check out the MTX Audio THUNDER500.1.

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Product 5: Skar Audio RP-75.4AB 500 Watt Full-Range 4 Channel Amplifier

The Skar model belongs to A/B class amplifiers. Even though it is considered less powerful than the products of D class, this particular one is an exception. The RMS rate depends on the working mode applied. If you choose the functioning at 2 ohms, each channel will get 125 watts. On the contrary, if you prefer 4 ohms to start working with, 75 watts is a guarantee.

Among all the presented models, this amp is the biggest one. It weights 7.4 pounds. The product reaches 19.5 inches in length, 7 inches in width, and 3 inches in height. It is not as compact as other alternative solutions. It will be not the best choice for the small cars. But still it is suitable for a lot of vehicles.

We would not say the Skar amplifier has a super low power draw. But it is low enough so that a customer will not need any extra equipment other than a stock alternator.

On the other hand, this device from the Skar company differentiates with its top-notch high-speed MOSFET power supply, selectable bass boost, and surface mount technology.

This best 500 watt bass amp provides customers with easy access to audio settings. Moreover, the adjustability of controls is amazing. The most specific tools are variable Bass EQ and Gain.

Another advantageous feature is the product’s protection circuitry. Due to it, you have fewer worries about the proper and long work of the amplifier. The lowest measure of the frequency response is 20 Hertz, while the highest is 20 thousand Hertz.

All in all, Skar Audio RP-75.4AB amplifier is included to the list of best 500w RMS amps for a reason.

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Buyer’s Guide

Of course, any choice of an amplifier is a particular case and requires an individual approach. However, there are some common tips. They have already become so-called clichés for newcomer-users. For them, it is especially important to find their best fit amplifier. Nobody wants to waste time on inappropriate solutions. With a perfect decision, any user can upgrade their own stereo system of the vehicle as qualitatively as possible.

Here there are some obvious recommendations before choosing an amplifier.

• Pay attention to the amplifier’s manufacturer. It would be definitely better to trust reliable companies with a proven reputation. For instance, amplifiers by Rockford Fosgate and DLS are worth considering. Besides, Kenwood and Pioneer produce not less advanced products.
• No doubt, the sound quality of an amplifier is important. That’s why you should do preparation and comparison research. Do not hesitate to get acquainted in detail with the characteristics of the equipment. The more attentive and thorough you are during this stage, the more chances you have to select and buy exactly what you need, but not the most advertised product.
• Another essential feature to focus on is the amplifier’s power. It is worthwhile to pay attention to RMS. The maximum indicator can be highly overstated and rarely corresponds to the actual capabilities of the product. Besides, it is great when the amp goes with the factory passport. The latter will provide you with all the necessary data, including those obtained during the tests.
• It is necessary to determine the location for the installation of new equipment. Usually, the device is placed in the car’s luggage compartment. But there may be a lot of other options. For instance, you can install an amplifier in the vehicle’s backrest.
• When choosing an amplifier, pay attention to the product’s thermal protection. You will certainly prefer a product able to work long, won’t you?

Anyway, we have presented you the top-5 of the best 500w RMS amps. They meet all previously mentioned requirements and recommendations. Decision-making has never been simpler, yeah?

Conclusion

To choose an amplifier or not to choose — there are no questions like this. Such a product will become a profitable purchase and help you develop sound and safety capabilities of your car stereo system.

Our top-5 of the best 500 watt amps is aimed at simplifying your decision-making. We aim to recommend the most efficient and qualitative products only. It is incredibly important not to spoil the favorite deal of lots of people all over the world — listening to music.

What are you waiting for? Go ahead and discover the world of outstanding deep sounds with our 500 watt RMS amplifiers!