If you currently own a Jl Audio sub and want to connect more subs to your car audio system, they must all have the same coil type and impedance to distribute the power equally. While every style of subwoofer needs a unique amplifier.

Your aftermarket vehicle entertainment system sounds much better when a subwoofer is added like JL Audio 12TW3-D4. But a subwoofer must be connected with the correct amplifier to sound terrific. The sound quality will improve, and your car radio system will function correctly if the parts are matched.

The budget for the best amp for JL audio 12tw3-d4 ranges between $50 to $150. You can also go for second-hand amplifiers, which will do the job. Buying second-hand amplifiers loses the cost by 40% to 50%.

Our Recommendations For Best Amplifier For JL Audio 12TW3-D4 Sub

Audio Control LC-1.1500 Expensive Amp Option Audio Control LC-1.1500 Read More See On Amazon
Memphis Audio VIV750.1V2 SixFive series Memphis Audio VIV750.1V2 Read More See On Amazon
Rockford Fosgate Power T750X1bd Ultra Compact Rockford Fosgate Power T750X1bd Read More See On Amazon
JL RD 400/4 Amp Full Range Amp JL RD 400/4 Amp Read More See On Amazon
Rockford Fosgate R500X1D Amp Prime Series mono subwoofer amplifier Rockford Fosgate R500X1D Amp Read More See On Amazon

Best Amplifier For JL Audio 12TW3-D4 Shallow-mount Subwoofer Reviews

Audio Control LC-1.1500 (Image credit: Amazon)

Audio Control LC-1.1500

Expensive Amp Option

SPECIFICATIONS

Power: 1,500 watts RMS - Class: D - Type: Mono Amp -  Sensitivity: 24 dB - Stable: 2 ohm - Fuse Rating: 40A x 4

Pros

+ Has amazing build quality

+ It is simple to install

+ Great SQ Power

+ For Great bass

Cons

- Bit bigger in size

- Installation of cover may difficult due to small size screws

Our review list starts with Audio Control LC-1.1500 Amplifier, which you can get for under $900 from the market. As $900 is a handsome amount, most people think Is Audio Control LC-1.1500 worth it under this price range? So to find this answer let’s review LC-1.1500.

First of all, the design of LC-1.1500 is compact and easy to fit, and its color scheme is black, which looks elegant. On the LC-1.1500 amplifier interface, you will find six sections which are Fuses (4x 40A), Power (+12V / Remote In/Out / Ground), Inputs (Speaker level and line Level), Remote Level control (ACR-1) and Mono subwoofer output (Min 2) which making it the perfect choice for powering your JL Audio 12tw3-d4 subwoofer. 

The Audio Control LC-1.1500 amp is designed to provide maximum power with minimum distortion as it can manage the Power of 850 watts RMS x 1 at 4 ohms and 1,500 watts RMS x 1 at 2 ohms meaning that your audio will sound clear and crisp.

The Audio Control LC-1.1500 features Class D amp technology and also has adjustable filters of variable low-pass (30-230 Hz, 24 dB/octave) and fixed subsonic filter (24 Hz), allowing you to customize the sound to your liking.

Whenever the LC-1.1500 amp senses a signal, it turns on speaker-level input, and this system is called GTO™ (Great Turn On), and there is also Has MILC™ (Maximum Input Level Control) available.

As a result of getting a better understanding of Audio Control LC-1.1500, I found a feature that the company Audio Control has installed in this amp is the AccuBASS® circuit, so with it, you’ll enjoy great bass sounds. With all these features, including remote controlling, the Audio Control LC-1.1500 is the best amp for powering JL audio 12tw3-d4 and makes the subwoofer happy.

Memphis Audio VIV750.1V2 (Image credit: Amazon)

Memphis Audio VIV750.1V2

SixFive series

SPECIFICATIONS

FQ: 10-200 Hz - Class:  D - Bass Level Control: Yes - Bass Boost 0-18 dB

Pros

+ Installation is easy

+ Parametric-style bass boost

+ Excellent design

Cons

- Bit expensive

After the Audio Control LC-1.1500 expensive amp option, here is Memphis Audio VIV750.1V2, which is a bit budget-buddy, and under $600, you can get it quickly. The design of Memphis Audio VIV 750.1V2 is a bit bigger, and it features a seven-color selectable LED logo which looks pretty, and if we talk about body material, then it features anodized brushed aluminum chassis, and there is a hinged magnetic cover plate that plays a significant role in the protection of the control panel.

The Audio Control LC-1.1500 is an amp that utilizes a Class D Mono subwoofer amp design which is able to deliver powerful performance with 175W RMS x 1 at 4 ohms, 380W RMS x 1 at 2 ohms, and an impressive 750W RMS x 1 at 1 ohm and on the other hand, LC-1.1500 amp offering a comprehensive frequency response of 10-200 Hz.

The Audio Control LC-1.1500 is designed with an M-Equalization™ variable bass boost (0-18 dB at 20-80 Hz, 1-5 Q), which can further increase the low-end performance and also there you will find onboard digital signal processing for a great range of audio processing.

Rockford Fosgate Power T750X1bd (Image credit: Amazon)

Rockford Fosgate Power T750X1bd

Ultra Compact

SPECIFICATIONS

750 watts RMS - THD: One Percent - SNR: 90 dB

Pros

+ Clipping lights on amp

+ Great build

+ Small and powerful amp

Cons

- No output clip light on Bass Knob

Now we will review Rockford Fosgate Power T750X1bd so anyone who enjoys car audio would love this T750X1bd amp which packs a powerful punch with 500 watts R.M.S. x 1 at 4 ohms and 750 watts R.M.S. x 1 at 1 ohm and 750 watts R.M.S. x 1 at 2 ohms.

As compared to Audio Control LC-1.1500, this T750X1bd is also a bit expensive, and under the $500 range of price, you can get it easily. The Rockford Fosgate has a black design of black and with pre-installed dual-fan forced induction cooling, so It doesn’t matter how hot the amp gets. On the front side of Rockford Fosgate Power T750X1bd, there is a panel that contains Clip L.E.D. light (In-out), Input level adjustment, Punch E.Q. adjustment, Frequency adjustment, and infrasonic filter, so with all these incredible features, you can use as a liking.

With built-in advanced Class B.D. Amplifier technology, this Power T750X1bd amp is more efficient, and with Constant Power topology, it will be instantaneous delivery of output power.

The Rockford Fosgate Power T750X1bd amp is designed to provide maximum power and clean sound and will eliminate audible noise as it features a C.L.E.A.N. gain setup system and differential input circuitry.

The Rockford Fosgate Power T750X1bd includes several features for sound customization, and firstly, it is equipped with a variable low-pass filter that operates within a frequency range of 50 to 250 Hz, offering a slope of 12 dB per octave so you can make adjustments of bass level as liking.

The Rockford Fosgate T750X1bd features a switchable subsonic filter with a cutoff frequency of 28 Hz and a slope of 12 dB per octave is included so it will allow you for the suppression of extremely low frequencies.

The Rockford Fosgate T750X1bd incorporates a variable Punch E.Q., which permits the modification of audio output at 45 Hz within a range of 0 to 18 dB, so with this feature, you can enhance sound quality and also the amp is complemented by the PLC2 Punch Level Control wired remote so audio settings can be adjusted conveniently.

JL RD 400/4 Amp (Image credit: Amazon)

JL RD 400/4 Amp

Full Range Amp

Pros

+ Solid build

+ Good Power

+ High Quality Amp

Cons

- Bit Pricy

- Class D sounds thin

After Audio Control LC-1.1500 and Rockford Fosgate T750X1bd, here is a cheaper 4-channel car amplifier which is JL RD 400/4 amp, and It’s easily accessible under $400.

The RMS Ratings Of JL RD 400/4 Amp Are:

  • 75 watts RMS x 4 at 4 ohms > {100 watts RMS x 4 at 2 ohms}
  • 200 watts RMS x 2 bridged At 4 ohms {4-ohm stable in bridged mode}

The JL RD 400/4 is a powerful and reliable amplifier that contains a removable cover that works as a hiding amp control and has a tamper-resistant installation.

With JL RD 400/4 Amp, you don’t need to worry about RCA connections and remote turn-on lead setup, and you can also fit 4 to 2-channel mode, and if you have a couple of subwoofers then each sub can run up with 200 watts RMS.

The JL RD 400/4 Amp is of class D type with NextD™ switching amp technology, and there are differential-balanced inputs that will help with eliminating noise.

The JL RD 400/4 Amp features variable low- and high-pass filters of 50-500 Hz, 12 dB/octave, so overall, the amp offers wide frequency response, low distortion, and high signal-to-noise ratio, which makes it the best amp for JL audio 12tw3-d4.

Rockford Fosgate R500X1D Amp (Image credit: Amazon)

Rockford Fosgate R500X1D Amp

Prime Series mono subwoofer amplifier

SPECIFICATIONS

Power: 500 watts RMS x 1 at 2 ohms - Frequency Response: 20-250 Hz - SNR: 80 dB

Pros

+ Easy to install

+ Amplifier runs cool

+ Adjustments are easily accessible

Cons

- Remote Blue LED light is too much bright

After the JL RD 400/4 Amp, here is Rockford Fosgate R500X1D, which is more budget-friendly and under the $300 range of price you can purchase it. The Rockford Fosgate R500X1D has an RMS Power of 300 watts RMS x 1 at 4 ohms (500 watts RMS x 1 at 2 ohms). 

The R500X1D amp has a body of heavy cast aluminum chassis, and there is an amp’s built-in sensor which makes it more powerful. The R500X1D also features a variable low-pass filter of 50-250 Hz, 12 dB/octave, and variable bass boost of 0-12 dB at 45 Hz and has a 20-250 Hz frequency response. 

The R500X1D features preamp and speaker-level inputs and preamp outputs. So overall the R500X1D is the best amp for your JL audio 12tw3-d4 sub. Here is you can get 1000 watt amp if you need.

What is the JL Audio 12TW3-D4 subwoofer?

JL Audio 12tw3-d4 has JL Audio’s patented thin-line woofer technology with a Mounting depth of 3.50 “. It’s a powerful subwoofer (having an Injection molded) with mica-filled polypropylene cone. The body is Rubber Surround and a Cast Alloy Basket. Jl audio 12tw3-d4 has a DMA-optimized motor design with Minimal sealed enclosure volume requirements.

Quick Buying Tips

Choosing among thousands of amps for jl audio 12tw3-d4 is hard, but these factors will help you find the best amp for jl audio 12tw3-d4.

Power Requirements

If you already have the best amp, you’ll need to choose a subwoofer or a pair of subwoofers that match the power it can produce. Check your amp’s power at 4 ohms, 1 ohm, and 2-ohm watts. Choose the power you want to attain for the best results. 

Class of Amplifier

A, B, AB, and D are the 4 classes in the amp. Basically, there are only 2 power amplifiers: analog amp and switching amp. These fundamental categories are further subdivided into almost a dozen lettered groups. Some of them are confidential. Class A is the best when buying the amp for jl audio 12tw3-d4.

Compatibility

Before buying any amp, check if it’s compatible with your jl audio 12tw3-d4 and if all the wiring requirements are met. Sometimes, you must check the power, class, and brand compatibility. The most compatible amp will produce the best sound and bass. 

Features and Controls

To avail of all the features and characteristics of an amp, check its compatibility with the JL audio 12tw3-d4. First, consider your requirements and then choose the best amp with all the features you’re looking for. It also includes connectivity and the design of the amp. 

Budget

Spending $150 on an amp is a good deal. Usually, an A-class amp will cost at most $150, which can be reduced if you go for a second-hand amp.

What wiring connections and gauges are required to connect the amplifier to the JL Audio 12TW3-D4 subwoofer?

If your device does not yet have an internal amplifier, you can connect it to an external amplifier using RCA cables with red, white, and yellow plugs. A typical wiring connection and gauge required to connect the amplifier to the JL Audio 12TW3-D4 subwoofer is to attach a connecting cable to a receiver or amplifier’s Subwoofer Output. 

How do you pair the amplifier with JL audio 12tw3-d4?

The capabilities of the amplifier must meet the requirements of the JL audio 12tw3-d4 subwoofer. The JL audio 12tw3-d4 subwoofers sound best when amplified with the appropriate amount of power. Size differences have less to do with power output and more with tonal characteristics and frequency response. And matching subs and amps is all about optimum performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a subwoofer without an amp?

Yes, but a JL audio 12tw3-d4 subwoofer needs an amplifier to get the best sound and bass. If you use the subwoofer without an amplifier, the sound will appear from a speaker with a cloth. To get the best results from your JL Audio subwoofers, choose the best compatible amp with them.

How does an amp switch on and off?

A low current signal known as the “remote” wire prevents the amplifier from being on and depleting the battery while not in use. The remote cable is attached to the automobile radio or ignition wiring output. When a +12V signal is lost, the amp switches off and ceases consuming battery power.

What is the role of impedance in choosing an amp?

Yes, impedance influences amp power. The total amplifier load is affected by the impedance of a subwoofer. Select subwoofers rated within the RMS wattage range (the one you calculate)  and either SVC/DVC based on the configuration and impedance.

William
William is technical editor of Wooster Audio, an audio enthusiast passionate about cutting-edge technologies. He has been working with us for three years, meticulously reviewing and evaluating wireless (speakers & soundbars), hi-fi, and home cinema equipment, and has covered 1000+ audio products. His background is based in Audio engineering and he has an ardent passion for building home theater systems and audio systems and loves audio mixing, editing and sound designing. This allows William to share this knowledge on Wooster audio site. He provides the most comprehensive audio information available by tapping into his expertise and keen insights. He can guide you to audio excellence on Wooster Audio with his discerning ear and commitment to quality. Contact William for any question (william@woosteraudio.com)