About the Alpine S-A55V

Power for your whole system
Power for your whole system

Alpine's S-Series S-A55V amplifier makes it easier than ever to get great sound in your vehicle. This 5-channel powerhouse can put out 40 watts RMS each to four full-range speakers and up to 300 watts RMS to a subwoofer, and still fit into the tight spaces you find in many cars and trucks these days. You can also use this versatile amp in 3-channel mode, driving a pair of high-performance speakers with 120 watts each, while still sending 300 watts to a sub.
Technology that keeps you on the air
Enhanced Shutdown Performance technology rolls back the output a bit when the amp threatens to overheat from playing at its limits too long. Instead of shutting down completely, it continues playing your music until it cools enough to return to full power.
Convenient features
High- and low-pass filters put you in command of the frequencies that reach your speakers and subs, while a bass boost lets you apply some extra low-end punch. The amp includes preamp- and speaker-level inputs, so you can install it in almost any vehicle, even one with a factory radio. If you're using the speaker-level inputs, the amp senses an incoming signal and turns itself on, eliminating the need to run a turn-on wire back to your vehicle's receiver or fuse box. An optional wired remote lets you control bass level from the driver's seat.
Product highlights:
- 5-channel car amplifier
- 40 watts RMS x 4 + 200 watts RMS x 1 at 4 ohms
- 60 watts RMS x 4 + 300 watts RMS x 1 at 2 ohms
- 120 watts RMS x 2 bridged at 4 ohms + 300 watts RMS x 1 at 2 ohms
- CTA-2006 compliant
- variable high-pass filter (50-400 Hz, 12 dB/octave) on 4-channel section
- variable low-pass filter (50-400 Hz, 24 dB/octave) on sub channel
- variable bass boost (0-12 dB at 50 Hz) on sub channel
More Info:
- optional RUX-KNOB.2 wired remote level control for sub channel
- preamp and speaker-level inputs
- speaker wire to RCA adapter required for speaker-level input
- wiring and hardware not included with amplifier
- 4-gauge power and ground leads recommended
- fuse rating: 30A x 2
- dimensions: 13-1/4"W x 2-5/16"H x 8-1/16"D
- warranty: 1 year
- MFR # S-A55V
What's in the box:
- 5-Channel amplifier
- Two 30-amp ATO fuses (installed)
- Four 3/4" Screws
- 2mm Allen wrench
- Owner's manual (English/ French/ Spanish)
- Alpine Verification Certificate
- Warranty information
- Power supply note
- On-line product registration information
Customer reviews for Alpine S-A55V
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Average review:
5.0 out of 5 starsCustomer photos
This review was collected as part of a promotion
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More details on the Alpine S-A55V

Features & specs
Performance | ||
---|---|---|
RMS Power Output (Watts x Channels) |
40 x 4 300 x 1 | |
Peak Power Output (Watts x Channels) | N/A | |
Power at 2 Ohms (Watts x Channels) | 60 x 4 | |
Bridged Power (Watts x Channels) | 120 x 2 | |
Minimum Impedance Bridged | 4 | |
Minimum Impedance Unbridged | 2 | |
Minimum Impedance | 2 | |
Best Frequency Response | 10-30k Hz | |
THD at Rated RMS Power | 1% | |
Signal to Noise Ratio | 83 dB | |
Input Voltage | 14.4v | |
Features | ||
Amplifier Class | D | |
Low-Pass Crossover Frequency | 50-400 Hz | |
Low-Pass Slope (dB/octave) | 24 dB/octave | |
High-Pass Crossover Frequency | 50-400 Hz | |
High-Pass Slope (dB/octave) | 12 dB/octave | |
Bass Boost | 0-12 dB | |
Bass Boost Frequency | 50 Hz | |
Fan Cooled | No | |
Fuse Rating | 60 | |
Speaker Level Inputs | Yes | |
Preamp Outputs | No | |
Width (inches) | 13-1/4 | |
Height (inches) | 2-5/16 | |
Depth (inches) | 8-1/16 | |
Parts Warranty | 1 Year | |
Labor Warranty | 1 Year |
Product Research
Controls
Connections
Features
Overview: The Alpine S-A55V 5-channel amplifier is effectively three amps built into one chassis, two (almost) full range 2-channel amps, and one mono subwoofer amp. Each of the 2-channel amps is bridgeable, so it can be wired as 5-channel, 4-channel, or 3-channel.
CTA-2006 Compliant: CTA-2006 is a system of testing and measurement for mobile audio amplifiers. This voluntary standard advocates a uniform method for measuring an amplifier's RMS power output and signal-to-noise ratio. The criteria for measuring amplifier power uses a DC input voltage of 14.4 volts and the RMS power output is measured over a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz (for full range amplifiers), with 1% or less Total Harmonic Distortion plus noise (THD+N). Signal-to-Noise ratio is measured in weighted absolute decibels (dBA) at a reference of 1 watt into 4 ohms. CTA-2006 standards allow consumers to compare car amplifiers and receivers under the same conditions (apples to apples).
CTA-2006 Specifications:
- Power Output: 40 watts RMS x 4 + 200 watts RMS x 1 into 4Ω
- Signal to Noise Ratio: 83 dBA (measured at 1 watt into 4Ω)
Other Specifications:
- Power Output:
- 2Ω: 60 watts RMS x 4 + 300 watts RMS x 1 (14.4 volts, ≤1.0% THD+N)
- Bridged: 120 watts RMS x 2 (14.4 volts, into 4Ω)
- Signal to Noise Ratio: 98 dB (at rated power output, into 4Ω)
- Frequency Response:
- +0/-3 dB (1W into 4Ω): 50 Hz - 30 kHz (Channels 1/2/3/4) and 10 Hz - 400 Hz (Subwoofer)
- +0/-1 dB (1W into 4Ω): 60 Hz - 20 kHz (Channels 1/2/3/4) and 20 Hz - 300 Hz (Subwoofer)
Controls
Gain Control: There are independent rotary gain controls for the three sections of the amplifier (Channel 1/2, Channel 3/4, and Sub). The amp will accept preamp level signals from 0.2 volts to 4.0 volts or speaker level signals from 0.5 volts to 10 volts.
Input Level: Set the input level switch to match the type of input signal used (Hi for speaker level and Lo for preamp level).
Input Channel: You can choose to send a 6-channel signal from the source unit to the amplifier, or feed all channels with a 2-channel or 4-channel signal. The Input Channel Selector switch for Channel-3/4 is set to 1/2 if you have a 2-channel input signal, or to 3/4 if you have a 4-channel source. The Input Channel switch for the subwoofer channel is set to 1+2+3+4 if you have a 2-channel or 4-channel source, or Sub if you have a dedicated subwoofer input source.
Crossovers: Each amplifier section has an independent crossover; high pass for channels 1/2 and 3/4, and low pass for the Sub channel. The crossovers are always engaged (they cannot be bypassed), and the crossover point for each is adjustable from 50 Hz to 400 Hz. The high pass slope is 12 dB/octave and the low pass slope is 24 dB/octave.
Optional Remote Control: The amplifier has an RJ-25 jack for adding the optional RUX-KNOB.2 wired remote bass level control to adjust the Sub channel output level. The remote has a 20dB adjustment range (-20 dB to 0 dB relative to the gain setting).
Connections
Power/Ground: Two set-screw terminals connect the power and ground cables. The terminals accept up to 4-gauge wire (a 4-gauge wiring kit is recommended). The set screws are tightened/loosened with the included 2mm Allen wrench.
Remote Turn-on: The remote turn-on set screw terminal will accept up to 8-gauge wire. The set screw is tightened/loosened with the included 2mm Allen wrench.
Speaker Outputs: The five pair of speaker outputs' set-screw terminals will accept up to 10-gauge wire. The set screws are tightened/loosened with the included 2mm Allen wrench.
Signal Input: Three pair of RCA jacks, labeled Channel 1/2, Channel 3/4 and Sub, connect to preamp level or speaker level input signals. If connecting the source unit's speaker wire to the input jacks, use a Speaker-to-RCA adapter or splice speaker wire to an RCA plug. When using a speaker level input signal, it may not be necessary to connect a remote turn-on lead because of the amplifier's remote sensing function.
Fuses: The two 30-amp ATO fuses protect the amplifier. Another fuse (60-amp minimum) should be placed on the +12V power wire within 18" of the battery.
The Alpine S-A55V replaces these items

Alpine MRV-V500
- 120 watts RMS x 2 bridged at 4 ohms + 250 watts RMS x 1 at 2 ohms
- variable high- and low-pass filters, plus bass boost
- speaker-level inputs
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Customer Q&A
8 questions already asked
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Great amp, compact for the power it produces. I'm running 4 Focal 5x7s and an Alpine S 8" sub on it and there's PLENTY of power. Power supply wires should be 4ga for the terminal size, likewise speaker wire should be 14ga or larger to fill the terminals. I have 12ga on my sub and it fits well.
Thomas from Mount Olive, NC