5-Channel Car Amplifiers Compared: Kicker, Kenwood and JBL

A 5-channel amp runs four speakers and a subwoofer from one chassis, with one power run and one ground.

Why one 5-channel amp

Four channels power the front and rear speakers and the fifth channel runs a sub, so a full system needs one amp instead of two. For how this compares to separate mono and 4-channel amps, see our mono vs 4-channel vs 5-channel guide.

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

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 as each listing states it. Size is in inches where the listing gives it.

5-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.

ModelMain channels (RMS)Sub channel (RMS)Inputs and tuningSize
JBL Club A5055About 50 W x 4Not in our listingPreamp or speaker-level inputCompact, fits under many seats
Kicker 46CXA660.5T65 W x 4 at 4 ohm, 90 W x 4 at 2 ohm150 W at 4 ohm, 300 W at 2 ohmFIT+ inputs up to 40 volts, KickEQNot in our listing
Kicker 44KXA800.5About 100 W x 4Not in our listingPreamp or speaker-level input; roughly 800 W totalNot in our listing
Kenwood Excelon X802-5Not in our listingNot in our listingPreamp or speaker-level input; 800-watt classCompact
Kicker 48PXA1000.5100 W x 4 at 4 ohm, 150 W x 4 at 2 ohm300 W at 4 ohm, 500 W at 2 ohm, 600 W at 1 ohmIP66 and IP67 waterproofAbout 4-1/2 x 1-15/16 x 12-7/8 in
Kicker 51LX1200.5125 W x 4 at 4 ohm, 175 W x 4 at 2 ohm300 W at 4 ohm, 550 W at 2 ohm, 700 W at 1 ohmLX Control Center and LXRC remote includedAbout 2-3/8 x 8-7/16 x 12-5/8 in

Keeping the factory radio

The JBL Club A5055, Kicker 44KXA800.5 and Kenwood Excelon X802-5 all accept preamp or speaker-level input, per their listings, so they can connect to a factory radio.

For more on keeping the factory radio, see our line output converter, bass restoration and sound processor comparison.

More power for the sub

The Kicker 51LX1200.5 makes 125 W x 4 at 4 ohms and 700 W on the sub at 1 ohm, with the LX Control Center and LXRC remote included, and the Kicker 48PXA1000.5 is waterproof with IP66 and IP67 ratings.

How to choose, and how to get one

Count the speakers and the sub you want to run, decide whether you are keeping the factory radio, and match the sub channel to your sub's RMS power and impedance. Text us with your year, make and model and the speakers and sub you have, and we will tell you which amp fits.

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 to confirm the amp is on the shelf before you drive over.

Pick your year, make & model

Find parts that fit your car

Pick your year, make and model to see the stereos, speakers and boxes that fit it, with prices. Pickup and install in Carson.

Fastest way to a price

Text us what you drive

Send the year, make, and model, and we get back to you with what fits and a price.

More from the blog

Car audio ·

2-Channel and 3-Channel Car Amplifiers Compared

A 2-channel amp powers one pair of speakers, or bridges to one channel for a small sub. The Pioneer GM-A3702 makes 60 W x 2 at 4 ohms and takes RCA or speaker-level input with auto turn-on, so it can work with a factory radio.

Read it

Car audio ·

Car Subwoofer Buying Guide: Sub, Box, Amp and Wiring for Your Ride

The right sub setup depends on three things: how much space you can give up, how hard you want it to hit, and what radio you are keeping. Small space and a factory radio usually means a powered sub. A trunk or truck cab you can give up means a loaded box and a mono amp. Here is how we point people at the counter, with the parts that come along for the ride.

Read it

Car audio ·

Car Amplifier Buying Guide: Picking the Right Amp for Your Car

The right amp depends on three things: what radio you have, what you want to power, and how much room you can give up. Tell us those and we can usually narrow it to two or three amps in a few minutes. Here is how we walk people through it at the counter.

Read it

Questions on 5-Channel Car Amplifiers Compared: Kicker, Kenwood and JBL

What does a 5-channel amp do?

Four channels power the front and rear speakers and the fifth channel runs a subwoofer, so a full system needs one amp, one power run and one ground.

Can a 5-channel amp work with my factory radio?

Many can. The JBL Club A5055, Kicker 44KXA800.5 and Kenwood Excelon X802-5 accept speaker-level input, per their listings. We check your car's system before you buy.

Which 5-channel amp has the most sub power?

In our table, the Kicker 51LX1200.5 makes 700 W on the sub channel at 1 ohm, make 600 W at 2 ohms.

Can you install it?

Yes. We install amps in our bay at 22025 S Avalon Blvd Ste A in Carson. Call or text first to set up a time.

CallTextEmail