My system has plenty of power. Who needs an amp?

You might think you don't need an amp because you have a 400-watt system in your car, or because your new stereo puts out 50 watts a channel. But those are peak wattage ratings, which may boil down to 15 or 20 watts per channel, using the more realistic RMS rating. An amp sends your speakers the power they need to deliver your music with clarity and impact, whether you're using factory speakers or high-performance components. And low-frequency reproduction requires lots of power, so an amp is an absolute must if you're adding a sub to your system.

Our take on the Kenwood KAC-5001PS

by Buck Pomerantz

Power and performance for your subwoofer system

Kenwood's Performance Series KAC-5001PS subwoofer amplifier can take care of your sub system's power requirements, and then some. With up to 500 watts RMS of power, you'll get clear, loud, and rockin' bass in your car. A rugged heat sink keeps this compact amp running at optimal temperatures, even when you're pushing your system hard.

Versatile adjustments and setup

A built-in low-pass filter lets you adjust the output so you'll get the best sound possible from your subwoofer/box combo. You can dial in up to 18 dB of bass boost if you want to fatten up the sound. An aluminum cover plate protects the amp's controls and connections, giving your installation a professional look.

Package deal: Save money when you buy this amp as part of these Kenwood dual 10" or dual 12" bass packages.

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Highlights:

mono subwoofer amplifier
300 watts RMS x 1 at 4 ohms (500 watts x 1 at 2 ohms)
CEA-2006 compliant
variable low-pass filter (50-200 Hz at 24 dB per octave)
bass boost (0-18 dB at 40 Hz )
Class D design
preamp inputs
fuse rating: 30A x 2
8-gauge power and ground leads recommended — wiring and hardware not included with amplifier
9-13/16"W x 2-1/4"H x 7-9/16"D
warranty: 1 year
Our 60-day money-back guarantee

Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

Features and specs chart | What’s in the box? | In-depth notes

Features and Specs

Performance
RMS Power Output (Watts x Channels) Loading...	300 x 1
Peak Power Output (Watts x Channels) Loading...	1000 x 1
Power at 2 Ohms (Watts x Channels) Loading...	500 x 1
Bridged Power (Watts x Channels) Loading...	N/A
Minimum Impedance Bridged Loading...	N/A
Minimum Impedance Unbridged Loading...	2
Best Frequency Response Loading...	20-200 Hz
THD at Rated RMS Power Loading...	1%
Signal to Noise Ratio Loading...	83 dB
Input Voltage Loading...	14.4v
Features
Amplifier Class Loading...	D
Low-Pass Crossover Frequency Loading...	50-200 Hz
Low-Pass Slope (dB/octave) Loading...	24 dB/octave
High-Pass Crossover Frequency Loading...	N/A
High-Pass Slope (dB/octave) Loading...	N/A
Bass Boost Loading...	0-18 dB
Bass Boost Frequency Loading...	40 Hz
Fan Cooled Loading...	No
Fuse Rating Loading...	60
Speaker Level Inputs Loading...	No
Preamp Outputs Loading...	No
Width (inches) Loading...	9-13/16
Height (inches) Loading...	2-1/4
Depth (inches) Loading...	7-9/16
Parts Warranty Loading...	1 Year
Labor Warranty Loading...	1 Year

Product Research

What's in the box?

Download owner's manual

Mono subwoofer amplifier
2 End caps (installed)
Two 30-amp fuses (installed)
2.5mm Allen wrench
Four 5/8" Self-tapping screws
Instruction manual (English/ French/ Spanish)
Warranty information

Our Product Research Team

At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box, verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

Features

CEA-2006 Compliant: CEA-2006 is a system of testing and measurement methods for mobile audio amplifiers. This voluntary standard advocates a uniform method for determining an amplifier's RMS power output and signal-to-noise ratio. The criteria for measuring power uses a DC input voltage of 14.4 volts and the RMS power output is measured into a 4-ohm load, with 1% or less Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) plus noise, and over a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, when applicable (20-200 Hz for this subwoofer amp). Signal-to-Noise ratio is measured in weighted absolute decibels (dBA) at a reference of 1 watt into 4 ohms. CEA-2006 allows consumers to compare car amplifiers and receivers on an equal basis. Using CEA-2006 criteria, the Kenwood KAC-5001PS is rated at 300 Watts RMS x 1 channel with an 83 dBA signal to noise ratio.

Specifications: The manual also lists these non CEA-2006 compliant specifications:

Power: 500 watts x 1-channel (into 2Ω, at 100 Hz, no more than 1.0% THD, 14.4 volts)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 100 dB (at rated power)

Mono-Power Amp Design: The KAC-5001PS is designed with specific features to power your subwoofer(s) with a frequency range between 20 and 200 Hz. This amplifier is not designed to power a full-range speaker.

Class D Amplifier Design: The amplifier design is Class D, which uses digital switching power supplies. The result is much higher efficiency (less heat generated) than Class AB.

Low-Pass Filter: The built-in 24 dB/octave low-pass filter is continuously variable from 50 to 200 Hz. The crossover is always engaged (it cannot be bypassed).

Bass Boost: The bass boost circuit is centered at 40 Hz; boost is variable from 0 to +18 dB.

Controls:

Input Sensitivity: 200mV-5V; continuously variable
Low-Pass Frequency: 50-200 Hz; continuously variable
Bass Boost: 0-18 dB; continuously variable

Inputs and Outputs:

Signal Input: one pair of RCA inputs
Power: screw terminal; accommodates spade connector up to 0.55" wide
Ground: screw terminal; accommodates spade connector up to 0.55" wide
Remote Turn-on: screw terminal; accommodates spade connector up to 0.335" wide
Speaker Output: one pair of screw terminals; accommodates spade connector up to 0.335" wide
Fuses: two 30 amp ATO fuses