Car Audio

The 10 Best Kicker Amplifiers for Car

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Sead Fadilpasic Avatar
Sead Fadilpasic
1 March, 2024 • Updated 27 days ago
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The 10 Best Kicker Amplifiers for Car
The function of an amplifier is to boost the audio system of your car and many people prefer listening to amped music than to the factory car speakers while traveling.

Whether you are going to the office or planning to go on a tour in your car, the Kicker amplifier gives a great performance and will keep you entertained all the way.

The sound usually scatters on high volume without a good amplifier. The Kicker has been making car audio equipment for many years and their amplifiers are one of their brilliant creations that received amazing responses from the buyers.

IN A HURRY? CHECK OUT OUR EDITOR’S CHOICE
Kicker 46CXA360.4

They launched different amplifiers with various powers that you can select depending on your needs. There are some important details that you will need to know before buying one of these devices, but we will get into more detail later on.

Read below to see our ten Best Kicker Amplifiers for your car. You might also want to check out Best Mono Amplifier Reviews.

Things to Consider

As we mentioned earlier there are some important details to look out for before you decide to spend your hard-earned cash. You might not care about all of the details since you might emphasize something more than the other, but it’s always good to know what to look out for in a product.

Some details may look a bit technical so you should do your research if you are confused (on that note you should do your own research regardless, just to learn a bit more about car amplifiers, especially if you have absolutely no clue about amplifiers). That being said, here are some things to look out for.

1. Power

The most important detail in amplifiers, power is the first thing you’ll look out for. Measured in Watts, power can make or break your amp in more ways than one. This doesn’t mean you should buy the amp that has the highest wattage, but instead, you should check your speaker system and see what is compatible and what’s not.

Also, provided that it’s compatible if you can’t decide between two similar amplifiers, pick one with the higher wattage. Simply because you could find yourself in a situation where you are not satisfied with a lower wattage amp, and you try to artificially boost the power, which can end disastrously.

2. Number of channels

To choose the amp with a specific number of channels you first must look at your speaker system and your desires so to speak. If you just want the music from the front, 2-channels are enough, or if you want front and back, you should pick up an amp with 4-channels. This is just a basic recommendation as there are amps with even more channels than four. 

3. Sound Quality

This might sound like a no-brainer but if you just want to turn up the volume and blast some music, this might not be that important to you. On the other hand, those that care about sound quality should make a special interest in amplifiers that offer great sound quality. Also, better sound quality means spending more money, so you should take that into consideration as well. 

4. Frequency

A relatively simple detail, the frequency range on the amplifier means how much you can customize the mix of your amplifier. It’s a bit more technical than that and you will need to know the range of your speakers to tune your amplifier properly.

Generally, you shouldn’t think too much about it since good speakers already have a good frequency range but if you want to tweak the amp a bit to try and get the best sound possible, you’ll need to check the frequency response.

5. Size

This is more of a reminder than anything else, but make sure that the amp you want to buy can actually fit in your car. 

6. Price

As always price is something to always look out for no matter the product. Higher quality amps cost more and have additional benefits, but if you don’t need anything fancy or multitudes of channels and such, you can find quality amplifiers without spending too much.

QUICK OVERVIEW

The Best Kicker Amplifiers


Products Features
EDITOR’S PICK
4.3
15+
15+
Kicker 46CXA360.4
Kicker 46CXA360.4Kicker 46CXA360.4
  • Power & channels: 360 Watts, 4-channel
  • Frequency: 10 Hz -20 kHz
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $200
  • Power & channels: 360 Watts, 4-channel
  • Frequency: 10 Hz -20 kHz
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $200
Check price
at Amazon
MOST REVIEWED
4
10+
10+
Kicker PXA200.2
Kicker PXA200.2Kicker PXA200.2
  • Power & channels: 200 Watts, 2-channel
  • Frequency: 10 Hz -20 kHz
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $200
  • Power & channels: 200 Watts, 2-channel
  • Frequency: 10 Hz -20 kHz
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $200
Check price
at Amazon
TOP PICK
5
1+
1+
Kicker 46CXA660.5
Kicker 46CXA660.5Kicker 46CXA660.5
  • Power & channels: 660 Watts, 5-channel
  • Frequency: 10 Hz -20 kHz
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $400
  • Power & channels: 660 Watts, 5-channel
  • Frequency: 10 Hz -20 kHz
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $400
Check price
at Amazon
BUDGET PICK
4.8
5+
5+
Kicker 43DXA125.2
Kicker 43DXA125.2Kicker 43DXA125.2
  • Power & channels: 125 Watts, 2-Channel
  • Frequency: 10Hz – 20kHz
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $100
  • Power & channels: 125 Watts, 2-Channel
  • Frequency: 10Hz – 20kHz
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $100
Check price
at Amazon
BUDGET PICK
4.8
30+
30+
Kicker 41DXA250.1
Kicker 41DXA250.1Kicker 41DXA250.1
  • Power & channels: 250 Watts, Mono
  • Frequency: 25-200Hz
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $150
  • Power & channels: 250 Watts, Mono
  • Frequency: 25-200Hz
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $150
Check price
at Amazon
EDITOR’S PICK
Kicker 46CXA360.4
Quality and power

A 4-channel amp that offers a good value and sound with some nice features as well.

4.3
15+
15+
  • Power & channels: 360 Watts, 4-channel
  • Frequency: 10 Hz -20 kHz
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $200

Best Kicker Amplifiers for Car Under $100

Kicker 43DXA125.2 125-Watt 2-Channel

Kicker 43DXA125.2 125-Watt 2-Channel

Features

  • Power & channels: 125 Watts, 2-Channel
  • Frequency: 10Hz – 20kHz
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $100

We start off this list with one of the cheaper amplifiers you can buy. The DXA125.2 amp is a good choice if you don’t need anything special and you just want a solid sound without spending too much. The amp has 125 Watts and two channels, making it a solid pick for general users.

This amp can deliver 30 watts RMS to each pair of speakers or you can use the 1-channel mode to power a speaker or a subwoofer with 125 watts RMS. Its frequency response is 10Hz – 20kHz and its small size allows it to fit in practically any car.

The amp also has some other features. For instance, you have differential-balanced inputs that help eliminate the noise and there is also a preamp and speaker-level inputs. Also, due to Kicker’s FIT technology (Fail-Safe Integration), you can safely use your car’s speaker wiring for the amp’s input signals.

Pros
  • Cheap
  • Small size
  • 2-channel
Cons
  • The sound probably won’t satisfy audiophiles

Best Kicker Amplifiers for Car Under $150

Kicker 41DXA250.1

Kicker 41DXA250.1

Features

  • Power & channels: 250 Watts, Mono
  • Frequency: 25-200Hz
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $150

The same series as the last entry but more powerful, the DXA250.1 is a quality mono amplifier. It has 250 Watts and produces a quality bass sound. It’s equipped with a low-pass filter that adjusts the range of bass which can help with producing a  more clean sound on your speakers.

In addition, there is a bass boost if you want to add something more to your sound. There is also an option to add a remote control to adjust your speaker’s volume.

The amplifier has a very compact chassis so you shouldn’t have problems fitting it in your car. As with the previous entry, this amp is also equipped with FIT technology and has the differential-balanced inputs that help with the noise removal, and the preamp and speaker-level inputs are there too.

Pros
  • Good value
  • Compact
  • Nice bass sound
Cons
  • The sound might not be the best in larger cars/SUVs

Kicker 43CXA3004

Kicker 43CXA3004

Features

  • Power & channels: 300 Watts, 4-channel
  • Frequency: 20Hz – 20 kHz
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $150

The first amplifier in our list that has 4 channels, the 43CXA3004 offers great value for its money.

It has 300 Watts and due to its 4 channels, it can deliver 40 watts RMS to each of your front and rear speakers (75 Watts RMS, at 2 ohms) or you can use the 2-channel mode to deliver 150 Watts RMS to a pair of speakers or subwoofers. Whatever you choose you’ll notice a great improvement in the sound quality. 

Since the amp has 4 channels, you also have separate high and low pass filters on the front and rear channels, as well as variable bass boosts. This allows you to tweak the sound to your liking so you can get the best possible result from your speakers.  This amp is also mountable vertically, which can help with space issues if your car is cramped.

Pros
  • 4-channel
  • Great value
  • Mountable vertically
Cons
  • Can get hot

Kicker 46CXA4001

Kicker 46CXA4001

Features

  • Power & channels: 400 Watts, Mono
  • Frequency: 25-200 Hz
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $150

The 46CXA4001 is a 400 Watts mono amplifier that’s equipped with some neat features. Since this amp can put up to 400 Watts RMS, you will see a noticeable boost in your listening experience, and the low-pass filter can help you get the best out of your speakers or subwoofers.

Furthermore, a variable 24dB subsonic filter protects the speaker from any potentially damaging frequencies and helps remove any distortion that might occur. A KickEQ 6 dB variable bass boost is also present, and there is also an option to remotely control the bass level.

Another thing worth mentioning is the three-second on/off delay that eliminates any unwanted interference. As with other Kicker amplifiers this one is also equipped with FIT technology, and like the previous amp in the list, this one can also be mounted vertically.

Pros
  • Subsonic filter
  • On/Off delay
  • Mountable vertically
Cons
  • Doesn’t come with a remote

Best Kicker Amplifiers for Car Under $200

Kicker 46CXA3604

Kicker 46CXA3604

Features

  • Power & channels: 360 Watts, 4-channel
  • Frequency: 10 Hz -20 kHz
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $200

The 46CXA3604 is another 4-channel amplifier that can improve your listening experience quite a bit. It has 360 Watts and you can put up 65 watts RMS per channel (90 watts RMS at 2 ohms), or you can in-bridge it to 180 watts RMS for a pair of speaker/subwoofers.

This amp uses class A/B power and features a variable bass boost with KickEQ, which translates to a 6dB of an extra kick. Also included is the 12dB crossover that lets tune your system in the best way possible.

While it doesn’t have a subsonic filter like the previous amp, it does have the three second on/off delay that eliminates any unwanted interference. The amp can be mounted vertically which is a good thing since it’s a bit bulky.

Pros
  • 4-channel
  • Good variable crossover and bass boost
  • On/Off delay
Cons
  • A bit bulky

Best Kicker Amplifiers for Car Under $250

Kicker 43CXA6001 Mono Amplifier

Kicker 43CXA6001 Mono Amplifier

Features

  • Power & channels: 600 Watts, Mono
  • Frequency: 25 Hz -200 Hz
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $250

Another powerful Kicker amp, the 43CXA6001 is a 600 Watts mono amplifier that can really crank up the music. It uses the class D amp technology and it features a variable bass boost with KickEQ, which can give you as much as a 12dB, if needed.

It’s also equipped with Kicker’s FIT technology, making this amp super dependable. It has a frequency response of 25 Hz -200 Hz and you can use the variable low-pass filter to squeeze out the best possible sound.

The amp also features a subsonic filter that removes any unwanted distortion, and there is an optional remote that can be used to tune the bass level. The amp is very compact and easily installed, plus you can mount it vertically too.

Pros
  • Pretty powerful
  • Subsonic filter
  • Compact and easily mountable
Cons
  • Doesn’t come with a boss knob remote

Kicker PXA200.2

Kicker PXA200.2

Features

  • Power & channels: 200 Watts, 2-channel
  • Frequency: 10 Hz -20 kHz
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $250

The PXA200.2 amplifier is a bit different than the other amps we mentioned, mainly because it’s made specially for motorcycles, ATVs and similar vehicles. It’s weatherproof and has a no-rust, stainless-steel mounting hardware, and a single Molex plug.

It has 200 Watts and 2-channels, and it’s quite small making it very easy to install pretty much anywhere. The amp can deliver up to 100 Watts per channel, and it’s not bridgeable.

The amp can produce quality sound and it has enough power to offset all the road and weather noise. It’s equipped with a 12dB selectable crossover and you can remove low bass from your speakers with a high-pass filter, if needed. All things considered, a great choice for motorcycles and other vehicles where the amp will be directly exposed to the weather.

Pros
  • Weather-resistant
  • Great for motorcycles and similar vehicles
  • Very compact
Cons
  • Not bridgeable

Kicker 46CXA8001

Kicker 46CXA8001

Features

  • Power & channels: 800 Watts, Mono
  • Frequency: 25 Hz -200 Hz
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $250

The 46CXA800.1 is a very powerful class D mono amplifier. Since this amp can put out up to 800 watts RMS, it can really boost the bass up a notch. As with some of the other amps in this list, this one also has variable bass boost with 6dB KickEQ to help with the additional low frequencies, as well as the variable 12dB crossover that can help you tune the sound to your liking.

You can adjust the bass leves with the optional remote, and this amp is equipped with Kicker’s FIT technology too.

Other features include the 24dB subsonic filter that helps protect from any potentially damaging frequencies, and the on/off three second delay that eliminates unwanted interference. It’s relatively small so it should fit easily in most cars, and it can be mounted vertically as well.

Pros
  • Very powerful
  • Good features
  • Easy to install
Cons
  • Can get a bit heated

Best Kicker Amplifiers for Car Under $300

KICKER 11HS8 8″ 150W Hideaway

KICKER 11HS8 8" 150W Hideaway

Features

  • Power & channels: 150 Watts, Mono
  • Frequency: 25 Hz -120 Hz
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $300

The 11HS8 is a specialized device that combines a 150 Watt amp with an 8-inch subwoofer, and it’s designed to fit in any tight space. It’s only 3.15 inches high and nearly 14 inches long.

Compared to other amps that have higher wattage in this list, one might think this amp isn’t powerful enough but the combined power of the amp and the subwoofer delivers a strong sound, and it has a lot of features too.

You have a quick-connect power plug, a Molex plug, a remote bass control to fine-tune the bass levels, a low pass crossover, a bass boost, a phase canceling switch for max output and two automatic turn-on options.

It’s also equipped with Velcro fastened nylon straps that make the installation as secure as possible. Also, unlike the other amps, this one comes with remote bass control.

Cons
  • Amp and subwoofer combined
  • Ultra-compact
  • Plenty of features
Cons
  • Has some reliability issues

Best Kicker Amplifiers for Car Under $400

Kicker 46CXA6605

Kicker 46CXA6605

Features

  • Power & channels: 660 Watts, 5-channel
  • Frequency: 10 Hz -20 kHz
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $400

The last amp on our list, the 46CXA660.5 is a beast. It has a whopping 5 channels and can put out 65 watts to your front and rear speakers each, in addition to up to 300 watts for the subwoofer. You can also in-bridge the amp if needed.

The amp uses the class A/B technology for four mid/high-range channels and the class D power plant for the bass channel. It has a variable 12dB crossovers to maximize the sound performance and a KickEQ 6dB variable bass boost for tweaking those additional low frequencies.

The amp is also equipped with FIT+ (Fail-Safe Integration Plus) technology, which ensures great clarity and dependability. Additional features include a 24dB subsonic filter and a three-second on/off delay that removes any unwanted interference. The amp should fit in most vehicles and it is possible to mount it vertically.

Pros
  • 5-channel
  • Quite powerful
  • Subsonic filter and an on/off delay
Cons
  • Pricey

Conclusion

Kicker makes great car amps so no matter what you buy you can’t go wrong in terms of quality. However, not every amp will satisfy everyone’s needs and it might not be compatible so make sure to check your car and speaker system to get the amp that’s best for you.

Our Editor’s Pick is a good amp that isn’t too expensive and should satisfy most users. Those that want more can check out our Top Pick, or if you want something less expensive there is always the Budget Pick.

As we said before, all of these amps are of good quality so you can’t really make a great mistake, just make sure to do your research to make sure everything is compatible. Also, if you liked this article, feel free to share it and happy shopping!

*All prices mentioned above are at the time of publishing.

Sead Fadilpasic Avatar
Sead is a seasoned tech journalist, based in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. In his 15+ years of experience, he's done hundreds of product reviews, broke and fixed more gadgets than people usually use in a lifetime. When he's not writing for MuchNeeded, he spends his time raising his daughter, playing guitar and occasionally hitting the gym.