The 10 Best Competition Amps
This wiki has been updated 19 times since it was first published in December of 2018. When it comes to competition level amps, they need to be built with better components than your average consumer models. They are designed to be able to output an extraordinary amount of power for extended periods of time without overheating or failing, and must also be able to produce a clean, distortion-free sound at high volume levels when used with the correct speaker configuration. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Sundown Audio SFB-8000D
2. Alpine PDXM12
3. Zapco Z-150.6
Editor's Notes
March 19, 2021:
Subwoofers that produce the kind of sound pressure levels that are worthy of competition require equally hefty amplifiers to drive them, and in this latest update, we have included some of the most bone-rattling powerhouses to suit this very purpose. Not only do they have a much higher output than your average model, but they also usually use higher quality components, resulting in all-around better performance.
When selecting your ideal amp, be sure that it is compatible with your speaker configuration. For example, dual-sub setups require 1-ohm of power, and bridging of several outputs may be necessary in order to achieve the desired results.
Another factor to consider is its size and placement. If you want your amplifier to produce the best, distortion-free results when being driven hard, it is essential that it is exposed to sufficient airflow, and that it is not covered, to prevent overheating.
Of the new additions to our ranking, we liked the Rockville dB16 for overall build-quality versus value for money, and its excellent clarity when it is put through its paces. The Hifonics BRX1516.1D Brutus is a great mid-range model with comprehensive filtering abilities for achieving the perfect frequency range for your vehicle. Finally, with 8,100 watts of power at 1-ohm, the Sundown Audio SFB-8000D deserved a mention, if only by virtue of the masses of headroom that it affords most setups. There's even a clipping indicator, to prevent possible overloads before they occur.
January 10, 2019:
Finding true competition level amps can be difficult for novices as there is no true specifications or classifications that make something competition level or not. The internal components, overall build quality, ability to create clean sound, power output, connectivity options, and more must all be factored into the buying decision. We have taken all that into consideration for all of the models we included on this list.
Special Honors
Brutal Sounds Custom Amplifiers This Louisiana-based company produces custom enclosures, subwoofers, and amplifiers that excel at every level. Their amps are tuned to suit competition-grade systems, and are produced in limited numbers. This top-of-the-line model features a 5,100watt RMS output, 14-decibel variable crossover for low-pass and subsonic filters, and comes with a one-year warranty. brutalsounds.net
4. Rockville dB16
5. Rockford Fosgate T2500
6. Hifonics BRX1516.1D Brutus
7. Skar Audio RP-1500
8. Rockford P1000X1BD Punch
9. Kicker CX1800.1
10. Taramps MD 8000.1
Having grown weary of working in office environments, music graduate Luke decided to trade the dismal skies of southern England for the far more agreeable climate of south Asia. Prior to writing for Ezvid Wiki, he established a small agency providing websites for clients all over the world. This enabled him to travel extensively, living for prolonged periods in a number of interesting countries and experiencing several different cultures along the way. When not playing or writing music, Luke likes to ride his motorcycle in far-flung regions where the air is thin and the roads are dusty. His areas of expertise are largely gleaned from his nomadic lifestyle and include travel, computers, automotive goods and accessories, musical instruments and gear, and boats.