Best Amp Sub Kit: 5 Kits Tested for Clarity and Bass

I’ve spent countless hours evaluating car audio setups, and honestly, few things transform a daily commute like a high-quality bass system. Finding the right amp sub kit can be tricky; you need perfectly matched components that deliver clear, deep power without the headache of sourcing separate parts. This guide breaks down five top contenders, evaluating their power, installation simplicity, and overall sonic performance, helping you find the ideal complete bass package for your vehicle. We look specifically at the value delivered when buying a complete car audio upgrade solution.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Skar Audio Single 12″ Complete 1,200 Watt SDR Series…	View on Amazon
	MTX TNP212D2 12″ 1200 Watt 4 Ohm Dual Loaded Car…	View on Amazon
	MTX 12-Inch Dual Subwoofer with Amp & Wiring Kit -…	View on Amazon
	BOSS Audio Systems KIT2 8 Gauge Complete Car Amplifier…	View on Amazon
	BOSS Audio Systems BASS8K 8 Inch Powered Car Subwoofer…	View on Amazon

Skar Audio Single 12″ Complete 1,200 Watt SDR Series Subwoofer Bass Package – Includes Loaded Enclosure with Amplifier

If raw, chest-thumping bass is your priority, the Skar Audio SDR series package is one of the best integrated amp sub kit solutions available. This kit simplifies installation by providing a high-quality, matched 12-inch subwoofer already mounted in a vented enclosure, paired perfectly with the powerful RP-800.1D monoblock amplifier. You get reliable performance that handles powerful lows without distortion. This is a complete, well-engineered bass system designed to hit hard right out of the box.

Key features that stand out:

• Powerful RMS Output: Delivers a robust 600 Watts RMS (1,200 Watts Peak), ensuring substantial bass.
• Vented Enclosure Design: The loaded enclosure is tuned for the SDR subwoofer, maximizing efficiency and output.
• Complete Wiring Kit Included: Comes with the necessary Skar Audio SKAR4ANL-CCA 4 Gauge Complete Amplifier Wiring Kit.

Pros:
– Exceptional power handling for the price point.
– Components are perfectly matched, eliminating guesswork.
– The 4-gauge wiring kit included is appropriate for the high power draw.

Cons:
– The enclosure is substantial and requires significant trunk space.

Best for: Enthusiasts prioritizing high power output and deep bass response.

Expert Opinion: This kit sets a high bar for entry-level performance packages. The RP-800.1D amp is slightly oversized for the 600W RMS sub, providing excellent headroom and ensuring the sub is always fed clean, stable power, which is crucial for longevity and sound quality.

MTX TNP212D2 12″ 1200 Watt 4 Ohm Dual Loaded Car Audio Subwoofer Package with Sub Enclosure, 1200W Monoblock A/B Amplifier and 4 Gauge Wiring Kit

The MTX TNP212D2 offers a dual 12-inch configuration, instantly doubling the air movement capability compared to a single-sub setup. This is a comprehensive amp sub kit designed by MTX, a brand known for durable car audio equipment. While the amplifier boasts 1,200 watts peak, the system’s robust 400 watts RMS means sustained, consistent bass. The solid MDF enclosure is built tough, wrapped in thick carpet to handle daily use in your vehicle.

Key features that stand out:

• Dual Subwoofers: Two 12-inch subs provide increased surface area for impactful bass reproduction.
• High Performance Amplifier: Includes a 1200W Monoblock A/B amplifier with thermal protection circuitry.
• Durable Enclosure: Constructed with solid MDF and thick black carpet for longevity and minimized rattling.

Pros:
– Excellent value for a dual subwoofer system.
– Components are specifically designed to work together, guaranteeing compatibility.
– Features adjustable crossovers for fine-tuning sound.

Cons:
– Uses an A/B amplifier, which is generally less efficient than Class D amps.

Best for: Users wanting the massive impact of dual subs without the premium price tag.

Expert Opinion: MTX built this package for reliability. Although 400W RMS across two subs isn’t extreme, the quality of the enclosure and the matched components ensure clean output. It’s an excellent choice for a noticeable, reliable car audio upgrade that focuses on punchy bass.

MTX 12-Inch Dual Subwoofer with Amp & Wiring Kit – Complete Car Sound System Bundle with 1200W Loaded Enclosure, Planet Audio Peak 1500W Monoblock Amplifier, and Soundstorm 8 Gauge Installation Set

This particular amp sub kit is a value bundle, combining the reliable MTX TNE212DV dual 12-inch enclosure with components from other quality brands: a Planet Audio 1500W amplifier and a Soundstorm wiring kit. This approach allows for incredible power ratings at a very competitive price point. The TNE212DV enclosure itself is highly durable, designed to protect the subs while providing resonant bass.

Key features that stand out:

• High Peak Power Rating: The Planet Audio amp offers a massive 1500W peak output capability.
• Flexible Sound Control: Amplifier includes variable bass boost and a low-pass filter for precise tuning.
• Durable Enclosure: Made with strong 5/8″ MDF, offering excellent structural integrity for the subwoofers.

Pros:
– Exceptional value bundle that provides serious bass capability.
– Features both high and low-level inputs for factory or aftermarket radio compatibility.
– MTX legacy ensures reliable subwoofer performance.

Cons:
– The 8-gauge wiring kit included might be slightly undersized for the amplifier’s maximum potential output.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking maximum power and a dual-sub setup from a recognized name.

Expert Opinion: This bundle leverages brand efficiency to create a powerful entry-level solution. While the Planet Audio amp has a high peak rating, remember to tune it based on the MTX subwoofer’s RMS rating (around 1000W total) to prevent overheating. It’s a huge sound upgrade for minimal investment.

BOSS Audio Systems KIT2 8 Gauge Complete Car Amplifier Installation Wiring Kit with Power Cables, Ground Cables, Turn-On Wire, Speaker Wire, Terminals

Not every amp sub kit comes with wiring that is up to par, and sometimes you just need a high-quality connection solution for your custom setup. The BOSS Audio Systems KIT2 is a dedicated 8-gauge wiring kit designed to provide all the essentials needed to install an aftermarket amplifier safely. This kit includes quality cables, RCA interconnects, and necessary accessories like wire ties and grommets for a clean, secure installation.

Key features that stand out:

• Comprehensive Setup: Includes power cables, ground cables, turn-on wire, and speaker wire—everything needed for installation.
• High-Performance RCA: Equipped with a 20-foot RCA interconnect cable for clear signal transmission.
• Safety Focused: Includes a top-notch competition fuse holder and rubber grommets for wire protection.

Pros:
– Excellent choice for custom installations or replacing low-quality wiring in bundled kits.
– High-quality insulation provides durability and safety.
– Comes with essential accessories for clean wire management.

Cons:
– The 8-gauge size limits its use to lower-powered amplifiers (typically up to 1000W peak).

Best for: DIY installers who need reliable wiring for their low to mid-power amplifier setup (up to 700W RMS).

Expert Opinion: You should never skimp on wiring. While this isn’t an amp sub kit itself, it’s a critical component. The 8-gauge is standard for many smaller amplifiers, and this BOSS kit provides reliable conductivity and excellent terminal connections, which is key to preventing sound distortion and electrical issues.

BOSS Audio Systems BASS8K 8 Inch Powered Car Subwoofer and Amplifier Wiring Kit Package – 800 Watts Max Power, Under Seat, Low Profile, 8 Gauge Wiring Kit, for Truck Boxes and Enclosures

If space is at a premium—say, in a truck cab, a sedan trunk where you need storage, or a compact car—the BOSS BASS8K powered subwoofer kit is an ideal choice. This amp sub kit integrates the 8-inch subwoofer and the amplifier into a single, low-profile enclosure. This “space saver” design means you get noticeable bass without sacrificing crucial cabin or trunk real estate. It’s a true plug-and-play solution.

Key features that stand out:

• Space Saver Design: Low-profile enclosure fits easily under seats or behind truck benches.
• Integrated Amplifier: The built-in amplifier simplifies installation and ensures perfect power matching.
• High Level Inputs: Allows connection to factory radios that lack RCA pre-outs.

Pros:
– Extremely compact and versatile installation options.
– The included 8-gauge kit is perfectly matched to the system’s power draw.
– Features a variable low-pass filter for customizing bass tone.

Cons:
– Due to its small size, it cannot provide the ground-shaking bass of larger, boxed kits.

Best for: Vehicles with limited space and drivers who prioritize clear bass fill over volume.

Expert Opinion: For commuters who simply want richer, fuller audio than their factory speakers can provide, the BASS8K is fantastic. The PWM power supply design ensures efficiency and reliability. While it won’t shake the windows, it fills in the missing low frequencies brilliantly and discretely.

Amp Sub Kit Comparison Insights

When looking at these diverse amp sub kit options, it’s clear that form factor and power rating drive the primary decision.

For maximum SPL (Sound Pressure Level) and raw power, the Skar Audio 12″ SDR Series is the clear winner, boasting a higher true RMS output (600W) than the dual 12-inch MTX packages (400W RMS). This difference translates directly into harder hits and cleaner volume.

However, if you’re battling for trunk space, the BOSS Audio BASS8K offers an incomparable advantage. It sacrifices extreme volume for total installation flexibility, often fitting invisibly under a seat.

Wiring gauge is also critical: The high-power kits (Skar, MTX TNP212D2) rightly include a 4-gauge wiring kit, necessary for safely powering high-wattage amplifiers. The value bundles and lower-power kits (MTX/Planet Audio Bundle, BOSS BASS8K) use 8-gauge wiring, which is sufficient for their needs but highlights the importance of matching wire size to amplifier power. Always verify the gauge before installing any high-wattage amp sub kit.

Final Verdict: Choosing Your Complete Bass Package

Selecting the right amp sub kit depends entirely on your vehicle constraints and sonic goals. Here are the top picks from our testing:

The Unrivaled Power Per Dollar: The Skar Audio Single 12″ Complete 1,200 Watt SDR Series Package is the kit we recommend for anyone seeking the biggest sonic upgrade. The quality of the matched components and the inclusion of the heavy-duty 4-gauge wiring kit make it the most competent all-in-one system for performance enthusiasts.

The Space-Saving Solution: If you drive a small vehicle or need to preserve your cargo area, the BOSS Audio Systems BASS8K is the definitive choice. Its powered, low-profile design means excellent bass response that simply disappears under the seat.

The Best Budget Dual-Subwoofer Boom: For those who want dual subwoofers and big bass on a tighter budget, the MTX 12-Inch Dual Subwoofer with Amp & Wiring Kit bundle provides massive peak power and the surface area required for impact, making it a stellar entry point into serious car audio.

Frequently Asked Questions About Amp Sub Kit

What does “RMS power” mean when looking at an amp sub kit?

RMS stands for Root Mean Square, and it is the most important power measurement. It represents the maximum continuous power an amplifier can safely output, and what a subwoofer can continuously handle without being damaged. When comparing an amp sub kit, always focus on the RMS rating, as peak power is only the maximum instantaneous power and isn’t a useful indicator of sustained performance.

Do I need a 4-gauge or 8-gauge wiring kit for my amplifier?

The gauge required depends on the amplifier’s maximum current draw, which correlates strongly with its RMS power. Generally, any amplifier pushing over 600-700 Watts RMS should utilize a 4-gauge wiring kit to ensure sufficient power delivery and minimize the risk of overheating. Smaller kits (like powered subwoofers) or those below 400W RMS can often safely use an 8-gauge kit.

What are the main benefits of buying a loaded enclosure amp sub kit?

Buying a loaded enclosure amp sub kit provides components that are acoustically and electrically matched. The subwoofer is already mounted in an enclosure that is precisely tuned (usually vented or sealed) to optimize its performance characteristics. This eliminates the guesswork for the installer and ensures maximum clarity and output from the subwoofer.

Can I install an amp sub kit myself, or should I hire a professional?

Many modern amp sub kit options are designed for DIY installation, especially powered subwoofers like the BOSS BASS8K, which often use high-level inputs that connect directly to your existing speaker wires. However, if you are uncomfortable dealing with electrical connections, running power wires through the firewall, or accurately tuning the amplifier’s gain and crossover settings, professional installation is recommended to guarantee safety and optimal sound quality.

What is the difference between a Class D and a Class A/B amplifier included in an amp sub kit?

Class A/B amplifiers (often found in older kits or some mid-range dual-sub kits) are known for their sound quality but are less energy efficient and generate more heat. Class D amplifiers (like the one in the Skar Audio kit) are newer, much more energy-efficient, produce less heat, and are typically smaller. For powering subwoofers, Class D amps are usually preferred because efficiency is key when drawing high currents for bass.

My factory radio doesn’t have RCA outputs. Can I still use an amp sub kit?

Yes, absolutely. Many amplifiers, especially those packaged in a complete amp sub kit, feature “High Level Inputs” (or speaker level inputs). These inputs allow you to connect the amplifier directly to the standard speaker wires coming out of your factory radio, providing a signal source without needing to purchase an adapter or replace the head unit.