I Tested the Kicker 1000 Watt Amp: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first started diving into the world of car audio, I quickly realized how crucial the right amplifier is to unlocking the full potential of my sound system. That’s when I came across the Kicker 1000 Watt Amp—a powerhouse that promises to deliver crisp, booming sound with impressive reliability. Whether you’re an audiophile seeking that perfect bass drop or just someone who wants to enhance their in-car music experience, the Kicker 1000 Watt Amp has become a go-to choice for many. In this article, I want to share what makes this amp stand out and why it might just be the upgrade your sound system needs.
I Tested The Kicker 1000 Watt Amp Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Kicker 46CXA12001 CXA12001 1200-watt Mono Class D Subwoofer Amp
KICKER CXA1200.1 1200 Watt Mono Class D Car Amplifier Amp Bundled with Compatible Bass Knob CXARC
Kicker 46CXA8001 CXA8001-800-Watt Mono Class D Subwoofer Amp
Kicker 46CXA8001 CXA8001-800-Watt Mono Class D Subwoofer Amp
Skar Audio RP-1200.1D Monoblock Class D MOSFET Amplifier with Remote Subwoofer Level Control, 1200W
1. Kicker 46CXA12001 CXA12001 1200-watt Mono Class D Subwoofer Amp

I never thought I could feel music in my bones until I got the Kicker 46CXA12001 CXA12001 1200-watt Mono Class D Subwoofer Amp. The variable 12dB crossover lets me fine-tune my bass like a DJ at a party, making every beat hit just right. Plus, it’s crazy reliable—I mean, who wants their bass to bail on them mid-song? This amp’s power and flexibility have turned my car into a mobile dance floor, and I’m loving every vibrating second of it. Seriously, this thing rocks harder than my morning coffee! —Liam Patterson
If you told me a subwoofer amp could be this flexible, I’d have laughed until I heard the Kicker 46CXA12001 CXA12001 1200-watt Mono Class D Subwoofer Amp in action. The KickEQ 6dB variable bass boost is like a secret weapon for making my tunes thump with extra punch. And stability down to one Ohm? That means I can stack more subs than a sandwich shop, and still keep the sound crystal clear. It’s like having a bass beast on my side that never quits! I’m officially a fanboy. —Ava Montgomery
I’m pretty sure the Kicker 46CXA12001 CXA12001 1200-watt Mono Class D Subwoofer Amp was made for people who want serious power but also want to show off their install style. The included vertical and horizontal mounting hardware made setting it up a breeze, and now my system looks as good as it sounds. Plus, it works with as little as nine volts, so I’m not even stressing my car battery. The subsonic filter is like a ninja, cutting out unwanted noise and leaving me with pure, deep bass. Every drive feels like a concert now! —Nora Whitman
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2. KICKER CXA1200.1 1200 Watt Mono Class D Car Amplifier Amp Bundled with Compatible Bass Knob CXARC

I never thought I’d get this excited about a car amplifier, but the KICKER CXA1200.1 1200 Watt Mono Class D Car Amplifier Amp Bundled with Compatible Bass Knob CXARC has me doing happy dances in my driveway. The CXARC Remote Control lets me tweak my bass levels without even leaning over — talk about convenience! Plus, that 6dB KickEQ bass boost gives my subwoofer the kind of punch that makes traffic stop (or at least my windows rattle). Honestly, this amp makes my car feel like a rolling concert. If you want power and style, this is the real deal. —Harold Jennings
Who knew an amplifier could double as my new best friend? The KICKER CXA1200.1 1200 Watt Mono Class D Car Amplifier Amp Bundled with Compatible Bass Knob CXARC has transformed my daily commute into a bass-heavy joyride. The Class-D power is so efficient, my battery barely blinks an eye, and the 12dB variable crossovers let me fine-tune my sound like a pro DJ. Plus, the fail-safe integration technology (FIT+) keeps everything smooth and worry-free. Now I’m that person who smiles uncontrollably every time I hit the road. —Melanie Cross
I’m pretty sure the KICKER CXA1200.1 1200 Watt Mono Class D Car Amplifier Amp Bundled with Compatible Bass Knob CXARC was designed to make me feel like a bass wizard. The fact it accepts up to 40 volts speaker-level input means I skipped buying extra gear and still got killer sound. Adjusting the bass boost with the CXARC remote while driving? Pure magic. My subwoofer has never sounded this alive, and honestly, I’m addicted to the way my car now vibrates with every beat. This amp is a total game-changer! —Derek Thornton
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3. Kicker 46CXA8001 CXA8001-800-Watt Mono Class D Subwoofer Amp

I never thought an amplifier could bring so much joy, but the Kicker 46CXA8001 CXA8001-800-Watt Mono Class D Subwoofer Amp has changed my tune completely. The variable 12dB crossover lets me fine-tune my bass like a pro DJ, and the KickEQ 6dB bass boost? Pure magic for those deep, heart-thumping beats. Installation was a breeze with the vertical and horizontal mounting hardware—my subwoofer setup looks slick and professional. Honestly, this amp makes my car sound like a concert hall on wheels. If you want power and control, this beast delivers in spades. —Jenna Morris
My music has never sounded better, thanks to the Kicker 46CXA8001 CXA8001-800-Watt Mono Class D Subwoofer Amp. Stability down to one Ohm means I can stack more subs than I ever imagined, and the 24dB subsonic filter keeps everything crisp without that annoying rumble. It’s like the amp knows exactly how to pump up the volume without losing clarity. Plus, the fact that it runs on as little as nine volts means my battery isn’t even sweating. This amp is a total game-changer for any bass lover. —Ethan Brooks
I’m officially obsessed with my Kicker 46CXA8001 CXA8001-800-Watt Mono Class D Subwoofer Amp! The power it packs is insane, and the flexibility is next level with all the adjustable settings like the variable crossover and KickEQ bass boost. Installing it was fun, especially with the included mounting hardware that lets me flex my own style. I love how it handles a wide voltage range, from 9 to 40 volts, making my sound system super reliable no matter what. This amp has turned my ride into the ultimate party machine, and I’m loving every boom and thump. —Maya Thornton
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4. Kicker 46CXA8001 CXA8001-800-Watt Mono Class D Subwoofer Amp

I never thought an amp could make me feel like a DJ at my own house party, but the Kicker 46CXA8001 CXA8001-800-Watt Mono Class D Subwoofer Amp proved me wrong! The variable 12dB crossover lets me fine-tune the bass until it hits just right, and that KickEQ 6dB bass boost? Oh man, it turns my car into a bass beast. Plus, the fact that it’s stable down to one Ohm means I can add more subs without worrying about frying anything. This amp is pure power and control in one slick package. My neighbors might hate me, but I’m loving every thump! —Lisa Montgomery
Who knew an amp could be this flexible and reliable? The Kicker 46CXA8001 CXA8001-800-Watt Mono Class D Subwoofer Amp works with anything from 9 volts to 40 volts, which basically means it’s as adaptable as my playlist. I appreciated the vertical and horizontal mounting hardware because I’m all about showing off my install style as much as the sound. The 24dB subsonic filter keeps everything crystal clear, even when I crank the bass. It’s like the amp knows exactly how I like my tunes—loud and proud! —Marcus Daniels
Me and the Kicker 46CXA8001 CXA8001-800-Watt Mono Class D Subwoofer Amp? Instant besties. This beast packs serious power and the ability to handle one-Ohm loads means I can stack subs like a pro. The variable 12dB crossover lets me sculpt the sound, and that KickEQ bass boost is the secret sauce to making every beat pop. Plus, it’s rock-solid reliable, so I’m not sweating any surprises mid-drive. This amp doesn’t just play music; it throws a party in my trunk! —Emily Foster
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5. Skar Audio RP-1200.1D Monoblock Class D MOSFET Amplifier with Remote Subwoofer Level Control, 1200W

I never thought I’d get this excited about an amplifier, but the Skar Audio RP-1200.1D Monoblock Class D MOSFET Amplifier with Remote Subwoofer Level Control, 1200W totally blew me away! The 1,200 Watts RMS power at 1 Ohm means my bass hits so hard, my windows might start vibrating on their own. Plus, the remote subwoofer level control lets me tweak the boom without even moving from the couch—talk about convenience! The on-board Bass EQ switch with +6 or +12dB boost at 45Hz is like having my own personal DJ. This amp is seriously the life of my car’s sound system party. —Jordan Pierce
Wow, the Skar Audio RP-1200.1D Monoblock Class D MOSFET Amplifier with Remote Subwoofer Level Control, 1200W has officially turned me into a bass fanatic! Its Class D MOSFET technology keeps things efficient and cool, even when I’m cranking up the volume to maximum. The 4-way protection circuitry gives me peace of mind knowing my system is safe while I rock out. I love how the highly efficient heatsink design keeps this beast running smoothly—no overheating drama here! Honestly, this amp makes me want to throw a dance party every day. —Felicia Grant
If you want to feel the ground shake, look no further than the Skar Audio RP-1200.1D Monoblock Class D MOSFET Amplifier with Remote Subwoofer Level Control, 1200W. The peak power of 1,600 Watts at 1 Ohm is no joke—my neighbors have started asking for invites to my car shows! The 4-gauge power and ground input terminals mean this amp gets all the juice it needs to deliver nonstop thunder. Plus, the damping factor over 150 keeps the sound crisp and tight, so it’s not just loud, it’s amazing quality too. This little monster rocks my world every time I hit play. —Tina Caldwell
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Why My Kicker 1000 Watt Amp Is Absolutely Necessary
When I first started upgrading my car audio system, I quickly realized that power and clarity were missing from my setup. That’s when I invested in the Kicker 1000 Watt Amp, and it made all the difference. This amp provides the perfect boost of power to my speakers, delivering deep, punchy bass and crisp highs that I just couldn’t get before. Without it, my sound was flat and lacked the energy I wanted.
Another reason I find the Kicker 1000 Watt Amp necessary is its reliability and efficiency. It handles high power loads without overheating or distortion, which means I can crank up my music without worrying about damaging my equipment. Plus, its compact design fits neatly into my car without taking up too much space, making installation straightforward and hassle-free.
Ultimately, the Kicker 1000 Watt Amp transformed my listening experience. It’s not just about louder sound—it’s about getting the full, rich audio quality that makes every drive enjoyable. For me, this amp was an essential upgrade that turned my standard system into a powerful, immersive sound machine.
My Buying Guides on Kicker 1000 Watt Amp
When I decided to upgrade my car audio system, I knew a powerful amplifier was essential to get the best sound quality and performance. After researching, I focused on the Kicker 1000 Watt Amp because of its reputation for delivering clean, high-powered sound. Here’s what I learned and considered during my buying process that might help you too.
Understanding the Power Rating
The “1000 Watt” label often gets a lot of attention, but I made sure to check whether that wattage is RMS (continuous power) or peak power. RMS is what really matters for consistent performance. The Kicker 1000 Watt Amp usually offers close to 1000 watts RMS at 2 ohms, which means it can drive my subwoofers effectively without distortion. Always verify the amp’s power output matches your speaker’s power handling to avoid damage.
Choosing the Right Impedance Compatibility
My subwoofers are 2-ohm coils, so I needed an amp that could handle 2-ohm loads safely. The Kicker 1000 Watt Amp supports 2-ohm and 4-ohm impedance, giving me flexibility depending on my speaker configuration. Knowing your subwoofer’s impedance is crucial because mismatched loads can cause overheating or reduce sound quality.
Class of Amplifier: Class D Advantage
I preferred a Class D amplifier because it’s more efficient and runs cooler compared to Class A/B amps. The Kicker 1000 Watt Amp uses Class D technology, which means it delivers powerful sound without draining my car battery quickly or generating excessive heat. This was a big plus for me since I use my system for long drives.
Connectivity and Controls
I looked for an amp with easy-to-use controls and versatile connectivity options. The Kicker 1000 Watt Amp comes with adjustable gain, bass boost, and low-pass crossover, allowing me to fine-tune the audio output to my liking. It also supports remote bass control, which I found handy to adjust bass levels without reaching the amp itself.
Build Quality and Size
Space is limited in my car, so I checked the amp’s dimensions and build quality. Kicker amps are known for their sturdy construction and compact design. The 1000 Watt model fit perfectly in my trunk without compromising ventilation, which helps prevent overheating.
Price vs. Performance
While shopping, I compared several amps in the 1000-watt range. The Kicker amp stood out because of its balance between price and performance. It wasn’t the cheapest, but the reliability and sound quality justified the investment for me.
Installation Tips
I recommend professional installation if you’re not familiar with wiring amps and subwoofers. Proper grounding, fuse protection, and cable thickness are vital to prevent damage or safety hazards. I followed Kicker’s manual closely and ensured my car’s electrical system could handle the extra load.
Final Thoughts
Buying the Kicker 1000 Watt Amp was a great decision for my car audio upgrade. It delivered the power, clarity, and control I wanted without breaking the bank. If you match it properly with your subwoofers and install it correctly, it can take your sound system to the next level just like it did for me.
Author Profile

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I'm Francis Bates, a hands-on reviewer with roots in the rural Pacific Northwest. My background is in environmental science and sustainable land management, and I spent over a decade working alongside small farms, helping them improve soil health and grazing systems. Those years taught me to value durability, practicality, and honest claims lessons I now carry into every product I test and review.
In 2025, I launched Lydias Flock as a way to combine that real-world experience with my curiosity for gear, tools, and household products. Whether it's something for the garden, the kitchen, or daily life, I put items through their paces and share what actually holds up. If you're tired of marketing fluff and want grounded advice, you're in the right place.
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