Each channel on an amplifier will power one speaker using a positive and negative cable. There are various types of amplifiers, each designed to power a certain number of speakers. Monoblock amplifiers, also known as single channel, are designed to power one or more subwoofers. These amplifiers often have very high power ratings. On the other hand, multi-channel amplifiers power multiple speakers, usually at lower power ratings. 2-Channel and 4-Channel amplifiers can power car speakers or low powered subwoofers. Occasionally you might see a 5 or 6-channel amplifier that can power speakers and subwoofers at the same time. The most common setup is a monoblock amp to run subwoofers and a 4-channel amp to run door speakers. Check out our Knowledge Base for more information.
Amplifiers can offer a diverse array of features.
If you select more than one feature, then you will view amplifiers that have ALL features selected.
These include speaker-level inputs that facilitate seamless integration with factory audio systems, Bluetooth connectivity suitable for ATV/UTV or Classic vehicle setups, built-in DSPs that provide enhanced control over your audio signal, and a host of other functionalities to explore.
An amplifier increases the power of the signal being fed to it by taking energy from its power supply and matching the signal but increasing its amplitude. Amplifiers use many different methods for converting these electrical signals and have been categorized into classes.
Class A/B: Greater than 50% of the input signal is amplified while the other percentage is “off”. These amplifiers have a small amount of current flowing through the output transistors all the time which almost eliminates crossover distortion. Class A/B has great sound quality but is not as efficient as class D. These amps are most commonly used to drive speakers.
Class D: Also known as switching amplifiers, class D amps have output transistors that are completely turned “on” or “off”. This means that when the transistors are on, there is almost no voltage across them but when they are off there is significant voltage but no current flowing through it which makes these amplifiers very efficient at the cost of sound quality. These amps are most commonly used to drive subwoofers.
Other Classes: You may see classes such as GH, bD, X, FD, etc. by some manufactures. These amplifiers tend to be either class A/B, D or a hybrid of the two but with improvements to their designs that can make them more efficient or offer better sound quality.
Total RMS power is measured by multiplying RMS power per channel by the number of channels, and is calculated at the lowest level of operating impedance.
RMS power is the amount of continuous power, measured in watts, that an amplifier produces is called RMS power. The higher the RMS figure, the louder and cleaner your music sounds.
The RMS output figure is much more accurate than the peak rating when comparing products.
The total peak power output is measured as the wattage per channel multiplied by the number of channels, and is calculated at the lowest level of operating impedance.
It is measured during a brief musical burst, such as a sudden drum accent. Some manufacturers display peak power ratings on the face of their products to increase the appeal.
The RMS power rating is more accurate, and we recommend using it for product comparison.
Many brands group their products into series or lines of products to help customers know the level of quality (good, better, best for example). You can filter by series and the brand using our guided browsing.
If the amp comes with a bass/gain remote you will be able to control the level of your bass from your dashboard. Typically bass remotes also include a 16-20 ft. wire for installation.
Sonic Certified amplifiers have been tested by the experts at Sonic Electronix to meet or exceed the wattage ratings provided by the manufacturer.
If this is marked as Yes, then you can trust the wattage ratings.
If marked as No, then we have tested the amplifier and it did not meet the advertised wattage ratings.
If marked as Not Tested, then the Sonic Electronix experts have not yet been able to test the amp.
Many amplifiers are equipped with RCA preamp outputs which pass the original music signal from the source to additional amplifiers. This is known as daisy chaining because the source connects to the first amp, and the first amp connects to the second amp, etc. The advantage to daisy chaining is you only need one 2-channel RCA cable to transfer the signal from the head-unit to the amplifier, and then one additional cable for each amp being daisy chained.
A crossover is a type of filtering system that permits only certain frequencies to play. A Low-Pass (LP) crossover allows only frequencies below its setting to get through which is good in the case of some subwoofers. A High-Pass(HP) filter allows frequencies above its setting to pass through, this is normally used on speakers.
When a crossover is set to FULL it means no filtering is added and the full frequency spectrum is allowed through the amplifier. Filtering is important because feeding a speaker frequencies it cannot reproduce effectively creates distortion.
1200W Competition Series Class D 1-Ohm Stable Monoblock Subwoofer Amplifier
• RMS Power: 350W x 1 @ 4 ohms, 700W x 1 @ 2 ohms, 1200W x 1 @ 1 ohm • Strappable for Up to 2400W of Power • Variable Low Pass Filter • Dimensions: 9.38" W x 16.5" L x 2.35" H
• RMS Power: 350W x 1 @ 4 ohms, 700W x 1 @ 2 ohms, 1200W x 1 @ 1 ohm • Strappable for Up to 2400W of Power • Variable Low Pass Filter • Dimensions: 9.38" W x 16.5" L x 2.35" H
10,000W Competition Series 1-Ohm Stable Class-D Monoblock Amplifier
• RMS Power: 3000W x 1 @ 4 ohms, 5500W x 1 @ 2 ohms, 10,000W x 1 @ 1 ohm • Strappable for Up to 20,000W of Power • Variable Low Pass Filter • Dimensions: 11.5" W x 37" L x 2.6" H
• RMS Power: 3000W x 1 @ 4 ohms, 5500W x 1 @ 2 ohms, 10,000W x 1 @ 1 ohm • Strappable for Up to 20,000W of Power • Variable Low Pass Filter • Dimensions: 11.5" W x 37" L x 2.6" H
3500W Competition Series Monoblock Class D Amplifier
• RMS Power: 750W x 1 @ 4 ohms, 1800W x 1 @ 2 ohms, 3500W x 1 @ 1 ohm • Strappable for Up to 7,000W of Power • Variable Low Pass Filter • Dimensions: 9.38" W x 21.26" L x 2.35" H
• RMS Power: 750W x 1 @ 4 ohms, 1800W x 1 @ 2 ohms, 3500W x 1 @ 1 ohm • Strappable for Up to 7,000W of Power • Variable Low Pass Filter • Dimensions: 9.38" W x 21.26" L x 2.35" H
5000W Competition Series Class D Monoblock Amplifier
• RMS Power: 900W x 1 @ 4 ohms, 2300W x 1 @ 2 ohms, 5000W x 1 @ 1 ohm • Strappable for Up to 10,000W of Power • Variable Low Pass Filter • 9.38" W x 25.59" L x 2.35" H
• RMS Power: 900W x 1 @ 4 ohms, 2300W x 1 @ 2 ohms, 5000W x 1 @ 1 ohm • Strappable for Up to 10,000W of Power • Variable Low Pass Filter • 9.38" W x 25.59" L x 2.35" H
2000W Competition Series Class D Monoblock Amplifier
• RMS Power: 600W x 1 @ 4 ohms, 1200W x 1 @ 2 ohms, 2000W x 1 @ 1 ohm • Strappable for Up to 4,000W of Power • Variable Low Pass Filter • Dimensions: 9.38" W x 17.72" L x 2.35" H
• RMS Power: 600W x 1 @ 4 ohms, 1200W x 1 @ 2 ohms, 2000W x 1 @ 1 ohm • Strappable for Up to 4,000W of Power • Variable Low Pass Filter • Dimensions: 9.38" W x 17.72" L x 2.35" H
A monoblock amplifier is a single-channel amplifier designed to power a single speaker or subwoofer. Unlike multi-channel amplifiers that can power multiple speakers simultaneously, a monoblock amplifier is dedicated to driving a specific speaker, typically a subwoofer. The advantage of a monoblock amplifier lies in its specialized design, which allows it to deliver higher power output to the subwoofer without interference from other speakers. This dedicated power delivery results in enhanced bass response and cleaner, more impactful low-frequency reproduction, making monoblock amplifiers a popular choice for car audio enthusiasts seeking powerful bass performance.
Monoblock amplifiers are specifically designed to power subwoofers and are not intended for use with other speakers in your audio system. They usually have a single output channel optimized for low-frequency signals, making them unsuitable for driving mid-range or high-frequency speakers. For other speakers like door speakers or tweeters, you should use multi-channel amplifiers or dedicated channels on an audio processor. Using a monoblock amplifier for full-range speakers can result in poor audio performance and potential damage to the speakers.
Monoblock amplifiers are compatible with most subwoofers, but it's crucial to consider the amplifier's power output and the subwoofer's power handling capabilities. The amplifier's power rating should match or slightly exceed the subwoofer's RMS power handling to ensure optimal performance and prevent overloading the subwoofer. Additionally, check the impedance (ohms) of both the amplifier and the subwoofer to ensure they match. Most monoblock amplifiers can handle both 2-ohm and 4-ohm loads, but some can also operate at 1-ohm, providing flexibility in subwoofer wiring configurations.
No, monoblock amplifiers are not designed for bridging, as they are already single-channel amplifiers dedicated to powering a single subwoofer. Attempting to bridge a monoblock amplifier can cause damage to the amplifier and subwoofers. If you need to power multiple subwoofers, consider using multi-channel amplifiers or multiple monoblock amplifiers, each dedicated to driving a separate subwoofer. Sonic Electronix offers a wide selection of multi-channel amplifiers that can power multiple subwoofers simultaneously, ensuring optimal performance and protection for your audio system.
Monoblock amplifiers can generate a significant amount of heat, especially when driving powerful subwoofers at high volume levels. While they don't require special cooling or ventilation compared to other amplifier types, it's essential to provide adequate airflow around the amplifier to dissipate heat effectively. Avoid mounting the amplifier in enclosed spaces or areas with limited ventilation, as this can lead to overheating and reduced performance. In some cases, installing a cooling fan or using amplifier cooling solutions can help maintain optimal operating temperatures. If you have concerns about amplifier heat, Sonic Electronix's knowledgeable staff can recommend suitable cooling solutions for your specific setup.
Monoblock amplifiers are an excellent choice for enhancing the bass performance in your car audio system, providing dedicated power delivery to your subwoofers for impactful and detailed low-frequency sound reproduction. When used correctly and matched with the right subwoofers, monoblock amplifiers can elevate your car audio experience to new depths of bass excellence.
Related Categories in DC Audio (Soundlab) Monoblock Amplifiers
Browse our selection of 12-inch, 10-inch and other popular car subs in here. You'll also find various sub boxes and loaded enclosures, including ones made specifically for your car.
DC Audio (Soundlab) Monoblock Amplifiers Information
The DC Audio monoblock amplifiers are designed for efficient power output. These amps take up little space and feature high-quality platinum finished connections and solid power ratings. You won't be disappointed with your DC Audio monoblock amplifier for your vehicle's needs.
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