4-Channel Car Amplifiers Compared: Kicker, Rockford Fosgate, Pioneer, JBL and Hertz

A 4-channel amp powers four speakers, usually the front and rear doors, or a front component set plus a sub when you bridge the rear pair. More clean power lets speakers play louder without the distortion a radio's built-in amp runs into.

Car audio · · Audio MotorSports, Carson

What a 4-channel amp does

A 4-channel amp powers four speakers, usually the front and rear doors, or a front component set plus a sub when you bridge the rear pair. More clean power lets speakers play louder without the distortion a radio's built-in amp runs into.

Every amp here is on our listings. We install amps in our own bay at 22025 S Avalon Blvd Ste A.

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.

Power is RMS per channel as each maker rates it. Speaker-level inputs let the amp take its signal from the factory speaker wires, so you can keep the factory radio.

4-channel car amplifiers compared, from our product listings. "Not in our listing" means our product page does not state that spec, so ask us before you count on it.

ModelRMS per channel at 4 ohmsRMS per channel at 2 ohmsBridgedSpeaker-level inputNotes
Pioneer GM-A470440 W65 W130 W x 2YesClass AB
Rockford Fosgate R2-300X450 W75 W150 W x 2YesClass D, C.L.E.A.N. gain setting
Kicker KEY 53KEY200.450 WNot in our listingNot in our listingYes, 250 mV to 10 VBuilt-in sound processing with Auto-EQ microphone
Kicker CX 46CXA360.465 W90 W180 W x 2Yes, up to 40 VClass A/B, KickEQ
JBL Club A75475 W100 W200 W x 2YesLow profile
Hertz SP 4.50090 W150 W300 W x 2YesIP55 sealed aluminum chassis
Kicker PXA 48PXA400.4100 W150 W300 W x 2Not in our listingIP66 and IP67 rated
Kicker LX 51LX500.4125 W225 W450 W x 2Yes, 1 to 40 VLX Control Center included
Kicker Warhorse 49WXA1000.4250 W450 W900 W x 2Not in our listing1/0-gauge power inputs, runs down to 6.5 V

Small power packs

The Pioneer GM-A4704 is a Class AB amp at 40 W RMS x 4 with speaker-level inputs, and the Rockford Fosgate R2-300X4 is a Class D amp at 50 W RMS x 4 with high-level inputs and C.L.E.A.N. gain-setting circuitry.

Factory radio friendly

The Kicker CX 46CXA360.4 has FIT+ inputs that accept speaker-level signals up to 40 volts, and its listing notes a separate line output converter is usually not needed with a factory radio.

The Kicker KEY 53KEY200.4 adds a microphone that measures the cabin and applies automatic EQ, has a built-in sound processing for crossovers, EQ and time alignment with RCA inputs that accept up to 16 volts so it can take a factory signal.

More power

The Hertz SP 4.500 and Kicker PXA 48PXA400.4 are sealed for open vehicles, IP55 and IP66/IP67 respectively.

The Kicker Warhorse 49WXA1000.4 is the biggest at 250 W RMS x 4, with 1/0-gauge power inputs and operation down to 6.5 volts for start-stop vehicles.

How to choose, and how to get one

Match the amp's power to what your speakers handle, decide whether you are keeping the factory radio, and leave room for an install kit and a clean mounting spot. Our 6.5-inch speaker comparison lists the power each pair handles.

Everything is bought and installed or picked up at the shop at 22025 S Avalon Blvd Ste A in Carson, and you can ask about our Payment Plan.Stock moves, so call us or text us to confirm the amp is on the shelf before you drive over.

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Questions on 4-Channel Car Amplifiers Compared: Kicker, Rockford Fosgate, Pioneer, JBL and Hertz

Do I need a 4-channel amp for new speakers?

Not always, but more clean power lets speakers play louder without distortion.

Can I add a 4-channel amp to a factory radio?

Yes, with speaker-level inputs.

Can a 4-channel amp run a subwoofer too?

Many can bridge a channel pair. We match the sub's impedance and power.

Can you install it the same day?

Often, yes. Call or text first so we can set aside time in the bay and confirm the amp and install kit are on the shelf.

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