53CXA5001 KICKER CX Series 500W Mono Class D Subwoofer Amplifier 1-Ohm

Serious Bass Power in KICKER's Smallest CXA Chassis Yet

Get powerful subwoofer performance without sacrificing installation space with the KICKER 53CXA5001 CXA500.1 Mono Class-D Amplifier. Delivering up to 500 watts RMS at 1 ohm, this compact amplifier is designed to bring strong, controlled bass to your car, truck, SUV, or custom audio system.

Featuring KICKER's smallest CXA amplifier chassis to date, the CXA500.1 measures just 6.85 inches long, 7.09 inches wide, and 2.20 inches tall. Its space-saving design makes it an excellent choice for installations where mounting room is limited, including under-seat and other compact mounting locations where adequate ventilation can be maintained.

The CXA500.1 delivers 250 watts RMS at 4 ohms, 400 watts RMS at 2 ohms, and 500 watts RMS at 1 ohm, giving you flexibility when matching the amplifier to a compatible subwoofer or loaded enclosure.

A built-in Gain-Match LED helps simplify amplifier setup by providing a visual reference when matching the source unit's signal to the amplifier. A 24dB Linkwitz-Riley crossover and fixed 15Hz subsonic filter provide additional control over the frequencies delivered to your subwoofer.

Advanced thermal management helps maintain reliable performance during demanding listening sessions. The amplifier begins reducing output as temperatures approach 167°F (75°C) and enters thermal protection at approximately 185°F (85°C).

For added convenience, the CXA500.1 is compatible with the optional KICKER CXARC remote bass control, allowing you to adjust your subwoofer level from the driver's seat.

Whether you're upgrading a factory audio system or building a compact aftermarket subwoofer setup, the KICKER CXA500.1 delivers the power, flexibility, and installation-friendly design you need.

Key Features

• 500W RMS at 1 Ohm: Powerful mono output for compatible subwoofer systems.

• Ultra-Compact Chassis: KICKER's smallest CXA amplifier chassis to date, measuring just 174mm long.

• Flexible Power Output: Delivers 250W RMS at 4 ohms, 400W RMS at 2 ohms, and 500W RMS at 1 ohm.

• 600W Dynamic Power: Additional dynamic output capability at 1 ohm, measured using Audio Precision testing.

• Gain-Match LED: Provides a visual reference to help match source-unit output to amplifier gain settings.

• 24dB Linkwitz-Riley Crossover: Provides steep frequency filtering for subwoofer integration.

• Fixed 15Hz Subsonic Filter: Helps reduce extremely low-frequency signals that can contribute to unnecessary subwoofer excursion.

• Advanced Thermal Rollback: Begins reducing output around 167°F (75°C) to help manage amplifier temperature.

• Thermal Protection: Enters protection mode at approximately 185°F (85°C).

• Start/Stop Compatible: Designed to continue operating with supply voltage as low as 7 volts during supported vehicle start/stop events.

• 4-Gauge Power Inputs: Supports appropriate high-current power and ground connections.

• Remote Bass Ready: Compatible with the optional KICKER CXARC remote bass controller, sold separately.

Amplifier Power Ratings

Note: The 600W dynamic rating is separate from the amplifier's continuous 500W RMS rating at 1 ohm.

Technical Specifications

Amplifier Dimensions

The compact chassis provides more installation flexibility than a traditional full-size subwoofer amplifier. Always confirm available mounting space and allow adequate room for wiring and ventilation.

Installation and Compatibility

The KICKER CXA500.1 is designed to power a compatible subwoofer system with a final impedance of 1, 2, or 4 ohms.

Its 4-gauge power and ground connections accommodate properly sized amplifier wiring, while the single positive and negative speaker terminal pair provides a straightforward connection to the subwoofer system.

For vehicles equipped with automatic engine start/stop technology, the amplifier is designed to maintain operation through supported voltage drops down to 7 volts.

Install the amplifier in a secure, ventilated location and follow KICKER's recommended wiring, fuse protection, and mounting instructions.

Pro Audio Center Expert Recommendation

The KICKER 53CXA5001 is an excellent choice for customers who want strong bass performance without dedicating a large amount of space to their amplifier.

For a balanced setup, pair it with a subwoofer or loaded enclosure capable of handling approximately 400–500 watts RMS, depending on the final impedance.

For customers who want convenient control over their bass level, we recommend adding the KICKER 53CXARC Remote Bass Control Knob, sold separately. Installing the remote at the same time as the amplifier makes cable routing easier and gives you quick bass adjustments from the driver's seat.

Recommended Applications

Single 10" or 12" Subwoofer

A great option for customers adding bass to a car, truck, or SUV without requiring a large amplifier.

Compact Loaded Subwoofer Enclosures

The amplifier's small chassis makes it especially appealing for space-conscious installations, including behind-seat and under-seat subwoofer systems.

Dual Subwoofer Systems

The CXA500.1 can also power two compatible subwoofers when their combined impedance and RMS power handling are appropriate for the amplifier.

Recommended Accessories

KICKER 53CXARC Remote Bass Control

Add convenient control over your subwoofer's bass level without reaching for the amplifier.

The optional KICKER 53CXARC remote bass knob allows you to make quick bass adjustments from the driver's seat and includes a 19.75-foot connection cable for flexible mounting.

Sold separately.

Amplifier Wiring Kit

Use a quality KICKER amplifier wiring kit with properly sized power and ground wiring, appropriate fuse protection, and secure connections.

The CXA500.1 features 4-gauge power and ground inputs. Follow KICKER's installation instructions when selecting wiring and fuse protection.

Subwoofer Enclosures and Accessories

Complete your installation with a compatible subwoofer enclosure, speaker wire, RCA cables, and other accessories suited to your vehicle and system configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many watts does the KICKER 53CXA5001 produce?

The CXA500.1 delivers 250W RMS at 4 ohms, 400W RMS at 2 ohms, and 500W RMS at 1 ohm. It also has a listed dynamic power rating of 600W at 1 ohm.

Is the KICKER CXA500.1 stable at 1 ohm?

Yes. The 53CXA5001 is rated to operate with a final subwoofer impedance as low as 1 ohm.

What size subwoofer works best with this amplifier?

The CXA500.1 can power compatible 8", 10", 12", or larger subwoofers. The most important factors are RMS power handling and final impedance, rather than speaker diameter alone.

Can this amplifier power two subwoofers?

Yes. It can power two subwoofers when they are wired to a supported final impedance and their combined RMS power handling is appropriate for the amplifier's output.

What size power wire does the KICKER CXA500.1 use?

The amplifier features 4-gauge power and ground inputs. Use properly sized wiring and fuse protection according to KICKER's installation instructions.

Does the KICKER 53CXA5001 include a bass knob?

The KICKER 53CXARC remote bass controller is an optional accessory sold separately.

Will the KICKER 53CXARC work with this amplifier?

Yes. The 53CXA5001 supports the optional CXARC remote bass controller, allowing convenient bass-level adjustments from the driver's seat.

Can I use this amplifier with a factory radio?

The amplifier may be integrated into a factory audio system using a compatible signal connection or interface. Confirm the amplifier's input requirements and your vehicle's factory audio configuration before installation.

Is the CXA500.1 a good choice for a truck with limited space?

Yes. Its compact 174mm × 180mm × 56mm chassis makes it a practical option for installations where amplifier space is limited. Always verify clearance, ventilation, and wiring access before mounting.