When it comes to amplifiers, there are a lot of different factors you need to consider before making a purchase. Do you want an integrated amplifier or a power amplifier? What size do you need? And most importantly, what type of headphones will you be using with it? This buying guide will discuss all the different things you need to keep in mind when shopping for an amplifier under 1000 dollars. We’ll also recommend some of our favorite models on the market!
Some of the Best Amplifiers Under 1000 Dollars
1. Rockford Fosgate R500X1D Prime 1-Channel Class D Amplifier
Rockford Fosgate’s R500X1D Prime 1-Channel Class D Amplifier is a great way to power your car audio system. The cast aluminum heat sink with a stealth top-mounted control panel helps keep your car looking sharp. This amplifier is designed for high efficiency, consuming less electricity from the charging system. It also includes an on-board Punch EQ with a +18dB boost at 45Hz.
Features:
- 12dB/octave Butterworth crossover
- RCA pass-thru outputs
- On-board Punch EQ with +18dB boost @ 45Hz.
- High-level inputs
- Remote PLC (Punch Level Control)
- 0°/180° Phase Switch
- Real-time output and power supply thermal sensing
Pros
- Adds power to your system
- Variable low-pass filter with 24dB/octave slope
- 500 watts of power, 1 channel
- Built-in speaker level input harness simplifies the connection process
- Designed to be efficient, so it doesn’t ask much of your car’s charging system
- Includes an on-board Punch EQ with a +18dB boost at 45Hz, which helps you get the most out of your subwoofer
Cons
- None
2. Denon PMA-600NE Stereo Integrated Amplifier
The Denon PMA-600NE Stereo Integrated Amplifier is a powerful yet compact amplifier built to last. This AHC single push-pull circuit power amplifier delivers high current output without distortion and quickly drives any speaker. It is also paired with an advanced integrated DAC, and it balances high power and music detail perfectly while maintaining crisp highs and deep bass response.
Solid build quality, clean aesthetics, modern design, and high sound quality are just some of the reasons this amp will be your favorite new edition to your music gear. The PMA-600NE features a variety of inputs to connect your CD player, turntable, Blu-ray player, or other devices. Connecting your smartphone via Bluetooth with the built-in DAC allows you to enjoy high-quality sound from any source.
Features:
- High Power 70W Integrated Amplifier
- Built-in 192 kHz/24 Bit D/A Converter
- Analog Mode
- Bluetooth Support
- MM Phono Equalizer
Pros
- Perfect for your home entertainment system
- Has a slim profile that will easily fit into your home’s decor
- With 3 audio inputs, you can connect any device and play it through the included speakers
- Crisp highs and deep bass response
- Balanced sound with music detail
Cons
- Volume control is not as straightforward
3. Echo Link Amp
The Echo Link Amp is the perfect solution for audiophiles who want to stream high-quality audio from their existing stereo equipment, like a turntable or CD player. Simply plug the amp into the wall and connect it to your stereo using a standard RCA cable. The Link Amp supports high-fidelity audio from streaming services like Amazon Music HD, Spotify, Pandora, and more. You can also use the line-in input on the back of the amp to play music directly from your phone, laptop, or another device to one or more Echo speakers in different rooms at once.
Features:
- Ported audio formats: FLAC, MP3, AAC, Opus, Vorbis; includes support for CD-quality (16-bit) and hi-res (up to 24-bit)
- Supported music streaming services: Amazon Music (Standard and HD), Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, Deezer, Pandora, SiriusXM, iHeartRadio, TuneIn
- Audio inputs: Analog (1 x L/R RCA)
- Digital (1 x Coaxial RCA, 1 x Optical Toslink)
- Analog (1 x L/R RCA, 1x Subwoofer RCA)
- Digital (1 x Coaxial RCA, 1 x Optical Toslink)
- 2 channel x 60W at 8 Ohms, Class D Digital Amplifier. Volume knob for granular control.
- THD:
- Analog/Amplified Line-out: < 0.008%
- Amplified headphone out: < 0.01%
- Measured un-weighted at 1kHz maximum output using AES17 at 20Hz-20kHz bandwidth
- Frequency response
- 20Hz – 20kHz +0/-1dB
- 5Hz – 22kHz +0/-3dB
Pros
- Stream music throughout your home
- Listen to your favorite songs or playlists with high-quality sound
- Stream from your existing stereo equipment
- Connect to Echo speakers in different rooms at once
Cons
- Bad volume control
4. Cambridge Audio AXA35 35 Watt 2-Channel Integrated Stereo Amplifier
The AXA35 was designed with the latest technology from Cambridge Audio. With high-quality components such as short signal paths, a high spec heat sink, and a damped power supply, it’s no wonder that this amp has such superior sound quality.
The AXA35 is a 35 Watt stereo integrated amplifier with four analog inputs so you can connect your CD player, streamer, TV, or game consoles for an incredible sound experience. The AXA35 has bass and treble controls so that you can tailor the sound exactly how you want it. Connecting via Bluetooth or USB will allow you to play music from your smartphone or tablet.
Features:
- Power Output 35 Watts (into 8 Ohms)
- THD (Unweighted <0.01% @ 1kHz, 80% of rated power <0.15% 20Hz – 20kHz, 80% of rated power
- Frequency Response (-3DB): 5Hz – 50kHz
- S/N Ratio (REF 1W): >82dB (unweighted)
- Input Impedances: 47k ohms
- Power and Damping Factor: > 50
- Max. Power Consumption: 260W
- Bass/Treble Controls: Shelving, ultimate boost/cut +/- 10dB @ 100Hz and 10kHz
Pros
- Perfect for smaller rooms
- Has a built-in phono input which is great if you have a turntable
- Powerful and clear sound
- Bass and treble controls for perfect sound
Cons
- Obsolete controls
- Design and quality issues
5. JBL CLUB-704 1000W Peak (400W RMS) Club Series 4-Channel Amplifier
The low end is deep and punchy thanks to its Class D amplifier design, while the highs are crisp and clear thanks to its efficient driver. With an input sensitivity of 200mV and frequency response from 20Hz -20kHz, this amp can handle just about any speaker configuration.
The JBL Club-704 4-channel amplifier is perfect for anyone looking for a powerful and versatile amplifier that doesn’t take up a lot of space. With 1000 watts of peak power (400 watts RMS), this amp can handle just about any situation you might throw at it. The slim chassis also provides more flexible mounting options, making it the perfect choice for almost any installation.
Features:
- 70 Watts RMS x 4 @ 4 ohms
- 100 Watts RMS x 4 @ 2 ohms
- 200 Watts RMS Bridged x 2 @ 4 ohm
- Total Peak Power: 1000 Watts
- Slim chassis provides more flexible mounting options
- Split-dome convection heat-sink for extreme heat dissipation
Pros
- Get more power for your money
- Crisp highs and deep lows
- Handles any speaker configuration
- 1000 watts of peak power (400 watts RMS)
- Slim chassis for more flexible mounting options
Cons
- Can be too bulky
Factors to Consider Before Buying an Amplifier for Under 1000 Dollars
Impedance
Impedance determines how much resistance there is between the two points on a circuit. A low impedance would mean higher power consumption and lower output volume for your amplifier, whereas a high impedance means lower power consumption and higher volumes. Amplifiers come with either low or high impedance depending on what kind of headphones you want to use them with.
Power Output
If you use your amplifier for long periods, you need an amplifier with a high power output. However, if all you have is a pair of headphones, it would not make sense to buy one with a high power output since this could be too loud and may even damage your hearing!
Frequency Range
The frequency range determines how much sound gets amplified by the amplifier at any time. A higher frequency range on an amp means more bass or treble in music which is great if you want some serious thumping tunes pumping through your speakers when listening to hip hop beats or rock songs such as Led Zeppelin’s Stairway To Heaven!
Gain Control
This is essential if you want to adjust the volume of your amplifier. Typically someone might use a low gain setting when listening to something like classical music but turn up the gain when playing heavy metal.
Bass Boost Switch
If you are looking for an amp with plenty of punchy bass, this feature will help add extra depth and body to whatever type of music you’re listening to.
Waveform Distortion
Another great feature that amps can have is low waveform distortion. The best way to find out whether or not your new device will cause any problems when playing music is by checking online reviews and forums where people discuss their experiences with different models.
Headphone Output
Many different kinds of headphones work with amplifiers, but most people will choose earbuds because they are portable and easy on your ears or over-ear models that offer superior sound quality. If you have a pair that doesn’t fit perfectly, then look for features such as detachable cables so it can be used both ways easily without having any connection issues.
Form Factor
The form factor of an amplifier is essential because you want it to be as small and portable as possible so that you can take it with you wherever you go. This is especially important if your amp will only be used for traveling purposes or when listening to music in a confined space such as in your room or studio. A good amp would come with a high power output but still be small enough to not take up too much room in your bag!
Design Style
Amplifiers have different design styles that can range from really modern to vintage. If you want something sleek and stylish, a black or silver finish might suit you well. In contrast, if you prefer retro items, perhaps one with wooden panels would be better.
Supported Audio Formats
When buying an amplifier, ensure it supports all of the audio formats you want to play through your headphones. The most common ones include MPI, WAV, and Ogg Vorbis files, but there may be others too, so keep this in mind when looking for a new amp. You don’t want an amplifier that only supports MP files because it won’t be able to play WMA or FLAC, limiting what you can listen to.
Bluetooth Connectivity
Some amps come with built-in Bluetooth, which allows them to connect wirelessly to other devices like smartphones or tablets via Bluetooth technology such as AptX HD codecs. A wireless connection is great to maintain high sound quality, especially with Bluetooth technology being as advanced as it is today.
Additional Features
Many people like having Bluetooth connectivity on their amplifiers, so if this is important to you, make sure to choose an amplifier with this feature. Other things such as noise cancellation could also appeal more to audiophiles who might want something more high-end. But for those who want to stay budget-friendly, there are still plenty of options, especially on our list of amplifiers under 1000 dollars.
Built-in Controls
Some people like having more control over their amplifiers than others. If built-in controls are important to you, make sure the amplifier you buy has them. This is a very useful feature because some amps require you to purchase separate accessories to fully utilize all the functions available. You might also want to look for something that includes a mute switch.
Wattage
The wattage of an amplifier is also necessary to look out for because you want it to be powerful enough to deliver a clear sound quality. This usually ranges from anywhere between 0.25 to 1000 watts. Most people choose something in the middle, such as 50 or 100 watts, which should be plenty unless you’re looking for a more professional studio-grade experience.
Conclusion
We’ve covered all of the things you need to consider when looking for a new amplifier under 1000 dollars. Whether it’s the form factor, wattage, or a good Bluetooth connection, there are so many factors to take into account when buying the perfect amplifier for you. Check out our five amplifier options for a great selection of the best amps that are all under 1000 dollars.
Good luck shopping, and enjoy rocking out to your favorite tunes using your new amplifier!