Rockford Fosgate R2-500X1 500W Class-D Mono Amplifier

The Rockford Fosgate R2-500X1 is a mono car amplifier designed to power a subwoofer system with controlled, adjustable bass output. It delivers 300 watts RMS at 4 ohms or 500 watts RMS at 2 ohms, making it suitable for a variety of subwoofer wiring configurations. Its compact chassis helps add dedicated bass amplification without requiring a large mounting area.

This amplifier is intended for listeners building or upgrading a vehicle subwoofer system, including systems retaining a factory radio. High-level input capability allows connection to compatible factory speaker wiring, while RCA inputs support aftermarket source units. A selectable auto turn-on feature can use DC-offset signal sensing when high-level inputs are used.

Its full-range Class-D design is engineered for efficient operation from a vehicle's 12-volt electrical system. The mono output is fixed low-pass for subwoofer use, with a variable low-pass crossover to help blend the subwoofer with the rest of the system. A variable infrasonic filter can reduce very low frequencies sent to the subwoofer, particularly useful with vented enclosures.

Rockford Fosgate C.L.E.A.N. input and output indicators assist with gain setup by showing when input or amplifier output distortion begins. This provides a practical reference for setting source-unit volume and amplifier gain. The variable Punch EQ adds selectable bass boost at 45 Hz, so it should be adjusted carefully after basic gain setup.

The R2-500X1 can serve as the bass amplifier in a factory-radio upgrade or an aftermarket multi-amplifier system. Its RCA pass-through connections can simplify routing signal to another compatible amplifier. A wired remote level control is included for adjusting subwoofer output from the front of the vehicle.

Key Features

• 500W RMS Mono Output: Delivers up to 500 watts RMS into a 2-ohm subwoofer load.
• Class-D Amplification: Provides efficient mono amplification in a compact chassis.
• C.L.E.A.N. Setup Indicators: Helps identify clipping during source and gain adjustment.
• Variable Low-Pass Filter: Adjusts the subwoofer crossover point from 50 to 250 Hz.
• Variable Infrasonic Filter: Filters frequencies from 15 to 40 Hz below the selected point.
• Wired Remote Level Control: Lets the driver adjust subwoofer output level remotely.

Design & Installation

The amplifier uses a cast-aluminum heat sink with a top-mounted control panel for access after installation. Nickel-plated set-screw terminals are used for power, ground, remote, and speaker connections. Blue and red status indicators identify power operation and protection or thermal conditions.

Install the amplifier where its heat sink has at least 1 inch of surrounding air space, and mount it away from moisture and excessive heat. Use either the RCA low-level inputs or the high-level input harness, never both at once. The manufacturer specifies an 80-amp battery fuse, installed within 18 inches of the battery, and recommends keeping the chassis ground connection under 30 inches.