Kicker's Two Mono Amps That Don't Mind Getting Wet

OceanRock Audio|
The PXA300.1 and PXA600.1 are the same 1-ohm-stable, dual-rated mono sub amp at two power tiers. The choice between them comes down to one number: how much power your subwoofer actually needs.

The Kicker PXA300.1 and PXA600.1 are the same mono subwoofer amp at two power tiers: both 1-ohm stable, both dual IP66/IP67-rated, both built for the same UTV, off-road, and space-challenged installs as the rest of the PXA line. The PXA300.1 delivers 300W at 1-ohm ($254.96); the PXA600.1 doubles that to 600W at 1-ohm ($339.96).

As an authorized Kicker dealer, the choice between these two comes down almost entirely to what your specific subwoofer needs, not which one is the "better" amp in the abstract. Here's the full comparison.

Key Takeaways

  • The PXA600.1 delivers roughly double the PXA300.1's output at every impedance: 600W vs. 300W at 1-ohm, 500W vs. 250W at 2-ohm, 300W vs. 150W at 4-ohm.
  • Both are 1-ohm stable, meaning both can safely run a demanding low-impedance subwoofer load without special accommodation.
  • Both share the same dual IP66/IP67 rating, solder-free inline couplers, and dual turn-on mode options as the rest of the PXA line.
  • The price gap is $85 for double the power — a reasonable premium if your subwoofer can actually use the extra headroom.
  • Neither amp has a crossover spec beyond frequency response range published on these specific listings — confirm tuning controls directly with Kicker if precise crossover adjustment matters to your build.

Spec Comparison

Spec PXA300.1 PXA600.1
Power at 1-ohm 300W 600W
Power at 2-ohm 250W 500W
Power at 4-ohm 150W 300W
Dynamic Power 500W 850W
Frequency Response 25-200Hz 25-200Hz
Box Weight 4.2 lbs 4.6 lbs
Price (at time of writing) $254.96 $339.96

Check the PXA300.1 →  |  Check the PXA600.1 →

1-Ohm Stable: Why That Matters Here

Not every amp is rated to safely handle a 1-ohm load, which is what you get wiring two 2-ohm subwoofers in parallel, or certain dual voice-coil configurations. Both the PXA300.1 and PXA600.1 are explicitly stated as 1-ohm stable, meaning that low-impedance flexibility isn't reserved for the more expensive model. Choosing between them is a power question, not a stability question.

Feature Walkthrough

Waterproofing

Both share the same dual IP66/IP67 certification as the rest of the PXA line, the strongest documented waterproof rating in this catalog's amplifier lineup.

Install Simplicity

Solder-free inline power and ground couplers and a choice of DC offset or 12V trigger turn-on are identical across both models.

Size and Weight

Nearly identical footprints (both roughly 3"H x 8-9"W x 14"L), with the PXA600.1 weighing slightly more at 4.6 lbs versus 4.2 lbs.

Amplifier-to-Subwoofer Matching

Match your subwoofer's actual RMS rating and wired impedance to one of these two tiers: a modest single subwoofer likely fits the PXA300.1's range, while a higher-power or dual-subwoofer setup benefits from the PXA600.1's extra headroom. We haven't yet reviewed a Kicker marine or powersports subwoofer in this batch, so confirm your specific subwoofer's spec sheet before choosing between the two.

Who Each Amp Is For

Choose the PXA300.1 for a single, modest subwoofer where 300W at 1-ohm is genuine headroom, not a limitation. Choose the PXA600.1 for a higher-power subwoofer or a dual-subwoofer setup that can actually use the additional output.

Honest Cons

No published crossover or subsonic filter specs on either listing, unlike the marine KMA/KXMA mono amps we've reviewed, which state specific crossover slopes and filter ranges. Confirm tuning capability directly before assuming feature parity.

Buying more power than your subwoofer needs just adds cost without benefit — match the tier to your actual subwoofer, not the bigger number by default.

Both are mono/subwoofer only, requiring a separate full-range amp for your speakers, same as every other mono amp in this catalog.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "1-ohm stable" actually mean?

It means the amp is engineered to safely handle a 1-ohm total speaker load without overheating or triggering protection circuits, relevant if you're wiring multiple subwoofers in parallel.

Is the PXA600.1 just a more expensive PXA300.1?

Functionally, yes — roughly double the power at every impedance for $85 more, with identical waterproofing, install features, and dimensions otherwise.

Do these amps have adjustable crossovers?

Neither listing states a specific crossover or subsonic filter spec the way the marine KMA/KXMA amps do. Confirm tuning capability directly with Kicker before assuming full parity with those amps.

Which one should I buy?

Match the power tier to your specific subwoofer's RMS rating and wired impedance rather than defaulting to the bigger number.

Bottom Line

The PXA300.1 and PXA600.1 are the same waterproof, 1-ohm-stable mono amp platform at two power tiers. Pick based on what your subwoofer actually needs, not on assuming more power is automatically the better buy.

View the Kicker PXA300.1/PXA600.1 on Ocean Rock Audio →

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