CACar Audio Guide UK

UK car audio comparison

Best JL Audio Car Amplifiers
in 2026.

A practical comparison of car amplifiers and processors using channel count, useful power and the system matching checks that matter.

Prices and stock should be checked on the retailer page before purchase.

Our approach. We compare the specifications shown on the retailer product pages and explain who each model suits. This is not a hands-on test.

Our pick

JL Audio MX280/4 4-Channel Class D Full-Range Marine Amplifier 280W

A 4-channel amplifier option for adding cleaner headroom to a planned car-audio system.

Check price

Full specifications

Our picks compared

This table includes every verified specification available for the products in this roundup. Check the retailer page for the latest price, stock and fitment details.

ProductPriceAvailabilityBrandModelProduct TypeChannelsListed PowerRms PowerFull specifications
JL Audio MX280/4 4-Channel Class D Full-Range Marine Amplifier 280W£269.00In stockJL AudioMX280/44 Channel Amp4280WNot listedAll listed fields are shown
JL Audio JD400/4 4-Channel Class D Full-Range Amplifier 400W£279.00In stockJL AudioJD400/44 Channel Amp4400WNot listedAll listed fields are shown
JL Audio RD400/4 4-Channel Class D Full-Range Amplifier 400W£309.00In stockJL AudioRD400/44 Channel Amp4400WNot listedAll listed fields are shown
JL Audio JD1000/1 Monoblock Class D Subwoofer Amplifier 1000W£379.00In stockJL AudioJD1000/1Monoblock Amp (For Subwoofers)11000WNot listedAll listed fields are shown
JL Audio AP300/4 AP-Series Ultracompact 4-Channel Class D Marine Amplifier 300W£439.00In stockJL AudioAP300/44 Channel Amp4300W300W
  • Class: D amplifiers are IP67-rated (excluding cables) and built with tough cast-alloy, water-resistant cons, D and NexD™ high-speed switching technology for low heat and low distortion, D amplifiers are available in monoblock (300 W RMS), 4 channel (300 W RMS), 4 channel with Bluetooth
  • Voltage: 9-16 VDC Water and dust rating: IP67 Operating temperature: -20°C to 65°C Product dimensions: 265 x
JL Audio AP300/1 AP-Series Ultracompact Monoblock Class D Marine Amplifier 300W£439.00In stockJL AudioAP300/1Monoblock Amp (For Subwoofers)4300W300W
  • Class: D amplifiers are IP67-rated (excluding cables) with tough cast-alloy water-resistant construction, D amplifiers are available in monoblock (300 W RMS), 4 channel (300 W RMS), 4 channel with Bluetooth
  • Voltage: 9-16 VDC Water and dust rating: IP67 Operating temperature: -20°C to 65°C Product dimensions: 265 x

Product notes

What each pick is best at

JL Audio MX280/4 4-Channel Class D Full-Range Marine Amplifier 280W

Best all-round amplifier

JL Audio MX280/4 4-Channel Class D Full-Range Marine Amplifier 280W

A 4-channel amplifier option for adding cleaner headroom to a planned car-audio system.

What we don't like

  • Unlike some alternatives, the listing does not show a comparable channels figure, so matching it to the rest of the system takes more checking.
  • A four-channel installation needs more wiring and load matching than a compact single-purpose setup.
Price£269.00
AvailabilityIn stock
Channels4
Listed Power280W
ModelMX280/4
BrandJL Audio
Product Type4 Channel Amp
Check CarAudioCentre.co.uk
JL Audio JD400/4 4-Channel Class D Full-Range Amplifier 400W

Best for multi-speaker systems

JL Audio JD400/4 4-Channel Class D Full-Range Amplifier 400W

A 4-channel amplifier option for adding cleaner headroom to a planned car-audio system.

What we don't like

  • It is £10.00 above the cheapest pick without a clearly unique listed specification to explain the difference.
  • A four-channel installation needs more wiring and load matching than a compact single-purpose setup.
Price£279.00
AvailabilityIn stock
Channels4
Listed Power400W
ModelJD400/4
BrandJL Audio
Product Type4 Channel Amp
Check CarAudioCentre.co.uk
JL Audio RD400/4 4-Channel Class D Full-Range Amplifier 400W

Best for a dedicated subwoofer

JL Audio RD400/4 4-Channel Class D Full-Range Amplifier 400W

A 4-channel amplifier option for adding cleaner headroom to a planned car-audio system.

What we don't like

  • It is £40.00 above the cheapest pick without a clearly unique listed specification to explain the difference.
  • A four-channel installation needs more wiring and load matching than a compact single-purpose setup.
Price£309.00
AvailabilityIn stock
Channels4
Listed Power400W
ModelRD400/4
BrandJL Audio
Product Type4 Channel Amp
Check CarAudioCentre.co.uk
JL Audio JD1000/1 Monoblock Class D Subwoofer Amplifier 1000W

Best for system tuning

JL Audio JD1000/1 Monoblock Class D Subwoofer Amplifier 1000W

A 1-channel amplifier option for adding cleaner headroom to a planned car-audio system.

What we don't like

  • It is £110.00 above the cheapest pick, so the higher price depends on whether the distinct 1-channel channels suits the installation.
  • A mono layout is intended for a subwoofer rather than a full speaker system, so it is less flexible than multi-channel picks.
Price£379.00
AvailabilityIn stock
Channels1
Listed Power1000W
ModelJD1000/1
BrandJL Audio
Product TypeMonoblock Amp (For Subwoofers)
Check CarAudioCentre.co.uk
JL Audio AP300/4 AP-Series Ultracompact 4-Channel Class D Marine Amplifier 300W

Best for adding headroom

JL Audio AP300/4 AP-Series Ultracompact 4-Channel Class D Marine Amplifier 300W

A 4-channel amplifier option for adding cleaner headroom to a planned car-audio system.

What we don't like

  • It is £170.00 above the cheapest pick without a clearly unique listed specification to explain the difference.
  • A four-channel installation needs more wiring and load matching than a compact single-purpose setup.
Price£439.00
AvailabilityIn stock
Channels4
Listed Power300W
ModelAP300/4
Rms Power300W
BrandJL Audio
ClassD amplifiers are IP67-rated (excluding cables) and built with tough cast-alloy, water-resistant cons, D and NexD™ high-speed switching technology for low heat and low distortion, D amplifiers are available in monoblock (300 W RMS), 4 channel (300 W RMS), 4 channel with Bluetooth
Product Type4 Channel Amp
Voltage9-16 VDC Water and dust rating: IP67 Operating temperature: -20°C to 65°C Product dimensions: 265 x
Check CarAudioCentre.co.uk
JL Audio AP300/1 AP-Series Ultracompact Monoblock Class D Marine Amplifier 300W

Best for a planned upgrade

JL Audio AP300/1 AP-Series Ultracompact Monoblock Class D Marine Amplifier 300W

A 4-channel amplifier option for adding cleaner headroom to a planned car-audio system.

What we don't like

  • It is £170.00 above the cheapest pick without a clearly unique listed specification to explain the difference.
  • A four-channel installation needs more wiring and load matching than a compact single-purpose setup.
Price£439.00
AvailabilityIn stock
Channels4
Listed Power300W
ModelAP300/1
Rms Power300W
BrandJL Audio
ClassD amplifiers are IP67-rated (excluding cables) with tough cast-alloy water-resistant construction, D amplifiers are available in monoblock (300 W RMS), 4 channel (300 W RMS), 4 channel with Bluetooth
Product TypeMonoblock Amp (For Subwoofers)
Voltage9-16 VDC Water and dust rating: IP67 Operating temperature: -20°C to 65°C Product dimensions: 265 x
Check CarAudioCentre.co.uk

Buying guide

What to check before ordering

Match the amplifier to the speakers or subwoofer at the correct impedance. Plan power cable routing, fuse placement, signal cables and ventilation before deciding that the largest watt figure is the best fit.

Use the model number as the final reference. Retailer images and prices can change, and vehicle fitment should be confirmed for the exact make, model and year.