Rockford Fosgate R2-500X4 Prime 500 Watt 4-Channel Amplifier
Rockford Fosgate R2-500X4 Prime 500 Watt 4-Channel Full-Range Class-D Car Amplifier
A 500W 4-channel Full-Range Class-D car amplifier delivering 125W x 4 at 2-ohm or 250W x 2 at 4-ohm bridged (CTA-2006 rated). Features independent front and rear channel crossover control with all-pass mode, 2/4 channel input selection switch, RCA pass-through outputs, C.L.E.A.N. gain calibration with per-channel output clip indicators, Rollback Protection, NOMAD speaker protection, and MEHSA4 heat management. Designed and engineered in Tempe, Arizona. Backed by a 1 year warranty.
Product Overview
The Rockford Fosgate R2-500X4 is a 500W 4-channel Full-Range Class-D car amplifier from the Prime R2 series, purpose-built for powering car speaker pairs across the full audio spectrum. Rated continuous power is 75W x 4 at 4-ohm, 125W x 4 at 2-ohm, or 250W x 2 at 4-ohm bridged (CTA-2006, less than 1.0% THD+N). Dynamic power via PowerCube reaches 90W x 4 at 4-ohm, 160W x 4 at 2-ohm, and 300W x 2 at 4-ohm bridged.
The R2-500X4 provides independent front and rear channel crossover control, each with fully adjustable high-pass and low-pass filters at 12dB/octave Butterworth (50Hz-250Hz) and an all-pass mode for full-bandwidth output. Independent front and rear variable input gain adjustment is provided. A 2/4 channel input selection switch configures the amplifier for source units with either 2 or 4 RCA outputs, working for both RCA and high-level inputs. RCA pass-through outputs allow downstream amplifier chaining - the R2-750X1 monoblock subwoofer amplifier is the natural companion for a complete car audio system. Auto-Sense turn-on activates the amplifier when a speaker-level signal is detected, with a RAP bypass switch for Retained Accessory Power systems.
C.L.E.A.N. provides separate input and output clip indicators for both front and rear channel groups. Rollback Protection, NOMAD speaker protection, and MEHSA4 heat management are all active. Cast aluminium heatsink with convection cooling. Designed and engineered in Tempe, Arizona.
Features & Benefits
Full-Range Class-D - Efficient 4-Channel Car Audio Amplification: Full-Range Class-D topology delivers high-efficiency power across the complete 20Hz-20kHz audio spectrum, reducing current demand on the vehicle's electrical system while powering speaker pairs with clean, accurate output.
Independent Front and Rear Crossover Control with All-Pass Mode: Front and rear channels each have independent high-pass and low-pass crossover controls at 12dB/octave Butterworth (50Hz-250Hz) plus an all-pass mode for full-bandwidth output, giving more flexibility than a single shared crossover.
2/4 Channel Input Selection Switch: The input selection switch configures the R2-500X4 to accept either a 2-channel or 4-channel RCA or high-level input, working with source units that have limited RCA output pairs without requiring Y-cables or signal splitting.
Bridgeable to 2-Channel - 250W Mono per Pair: The R2-500X4 can be bridged to 2-channel, delivering 250W x 2 at 4-ohm (300W dynamic), suited to driving higher-power speaker pairs or running a compact 2-channel installation.
RCA Pass-Through Outputs for Downstream Chaining: RCA pass-through outputs are active with both RCA and high-level input, allowing the signal to be passed to a downstream subwoofer amplifier such as the R2-750X1 without signal degradation.
C.L.E.A.N. Technology - Independent Per-Channel Clip Monitoring: C.L.E.A.N. provides separate input and output clip indicator LEDs for both the front and rear channel groups, enabling accurate independent gain calibration across all four channels.
Auto-Sense Turn-On with RAP Bypass: Auto-Sense activates the amplifier automatically when a high-level input signal is detected, removing the need for a dedicated remote turn-on wire. A bypass switch is included for vehicles with Retained Accessory Power systems.
Rollback Protection and NOMAD Speaker Protection: Rollback Protection dynamically manages output to prevent thermal stress during sustained high-output conditions. NOMAD provides real-time protection against shorted speaker wires and dangerously low impedances.
Technical Specs
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| SKU | R2-500X4 |
| Number of Channels | 4 |
| Total Power | 500W |
| Rated Power - 4-ohm (CTA-2006, less than 1.0% THD+N) | 75W x 4 |
| Rated Power - 2-ohm (CTA-2006, less than 1.0% THD+N) | 125W x 4 |
| Rated Power - 4-ohm Bridged (CTA-2006) | 250W x 2 |
| Dynamic Power - 4-ohm (PowerCube) | 90W x 4 |
| Dynamic Power - 2-ohm (PowerCube) | 160W x 4 |
| Dynamic Power - 4-ohm Bridged (PowerCube) | 300W x 2 |
| Circuit Topology | Full-Range Class-D |
| Bridgeable | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz - 20 kHz |
| THD + Noise | Less than 1.0% at 4-ohm and 2-ohm |
| Input Sensitivity | Low-Level: 150mV - 4V / High-Level: 450mV - 12V |
| Signal Input | Front: 4 x RCA + 4-Pin Molex / Rear: 4 x RCA + 4-Pin Molex |
| Input Selection | 2/4 Channel Switch (RCA and High-Level) |
| Signal Output | 2 x RCA Pass-Thru (active with RCA or High-Level input) |
| Tone Controls | None |
| Front High-Pass Crossover | 50 Hz - 250 Hz at 12dB/Octave Butterworth |
| Front Low-Pass Crossover | 50 Hz - 250 Hz at 12dB/Octave Butterworth |
| Rear High-Pass Crossover | 50 Hz - 250 Hz at 12dB/Octave Butterworth |
| Rear Low-Pass Crossover | 50 Hz - 250 Hz at 12dB/Octave Butterworth |
| All-Pass | Yes |
| Remote Controls | None |
| Auto-Sense Turn-On | Yes (with RAP bypass switch) |
| Power Wire Gauge | 4 AWG |
| Power Input Connector | Compression Terminal Block |
| Speaker Wire Gauge | 8 AWG |
| Speaker Output Connector | Compression Terminal Block |
| Cooling | Convection |
| Heatsink | Cast Aluminium |
| Operating Voltage | 9 - 16 VDC |
| Recommended Fuse (not included) | 80A |
| Max Current Draw at 13.8V Sinewave | 59A |
| Visual Indicators | Power: Blue / Protect: Red / C.L.E.A.N. In: Red / C.L.E.A.N. Out Front and Rear: Blue/Red |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 49 x 173 x 255mm (1.9 x 6.8 x 10.1 inch) |
| CTA-2006 Compliant | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
Compatible With / Goes Well With
The R2-500X4 suits car audio builds requiring an efficient 4-channel full-range amplifier for speaker pairs at the Prime R2 price point. At 59A maximum current draw and an 80A fuse requirement, it places moderate demand on the vehicle's electrical system. The RCA pass-through output pairs naturally with the R2-750X1 mono subwoofer amplifier for a complete R2 series speaker and subwoofer system.
Goes Well With:
- R2-750X1 - Companion R2 series 750W mono subwoofer amplifier, chainable via the R2-500X4's RCA pass-through outputs for a complete R2 series car audio system
- R2-750X5 - Alternative single-unit 5-channel R2 series amplifier for builds requiring an integrated subwoofer channel alongside speaker amplification
- R2-2X12 / R2-2X10 - Rockford Fosgate Prime dual loaded subwoofer enclosures when paired with the R2-750X1 companion monoblock
- RFK4 - Rockford Fosgate 4 AWG amplifier wiring kit to complete the installation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the R2-500X4 and the R2-750X5?
The R2-500X4 is a 4-channel full-range amplifier rated at 125W x 4 at 2-ohm with no dedicated subwoofer channel, no Punch EQ, and no remote level control. The R2-750X5 is a 5-channel amplifier rated at 100W x 4 plus 350W subwoofer at 2-ohm, adding a dedicated subwoofer channel with Punch EQ, infrasonic filter, RLC remote level control, and a 2/4/5 channel input switch. Choose the R2-500X4 for a pure 4-channel speaker amplifier and pair it with the R2-750X1 for subwoofer duty; choose the R2-750X5 for a single-unit 5-channel solution.
Can I add a subwoofer amplifier to a system using the R2-500X4?
Yes. The R2-500X4 includes RCA pass-through outputs that are active with both RCA and high-level input, allowing a distortion-free signal to be passed to a downstream mono subwoofer amplifier such as the R2-750X1. The two amplifiers chain together cleanly for a complete 4-channel speaker plus mono subwoofer car audio system.
What does the 2/4 channel input selection switch do?
The input selection switch configures the R2-500X4 to accept either a 2-channel or 4-channel input from the source unit, working for both RCA and high-level connections. In 2-channel mode, the single stereo RCA pair feeds all four channels internally. In 4-channel mode, separate front and rear RCA pairs are used for independent left/right front and rear channel control.
What fuse does the R2-500X4 require and is it included?
The R2-500X4 requires an 80A fuse, which is not included and must be sourced separately. This is smaller than the 120A fuse required by the R2-750X5 and R2-750X1, reflecting the R2-500X4's lower maximum current draw of 59A. Install the fuse as close to the battery as possible in the 4 AWG power supply line.
Does the R2-500X4 need a dedicated remote turn-on wire?
Not necessarily. Auto-Sense activates the amplifier automatically when a high-level speaker signal is detected at the input, removing the need for a separate remote wire in OEM integration scenarios. A RAP bypass switch is included for vehicles where the source unit continues to output a signal after the ignition is switched off.
Original: $361.94
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Description
Rockford Fosgate R2-500X4 Prime 500 Watt 4-Channel Full-Range Class-D Car Amplifier
A 500W 4-channel Full-Range Class-D car amplifier delivering 125W x 4 at 2-ohm or 250W x 2 at 4-ohm bridged (CTA-2006 rated). Features independent front and rear channel crossover control with all-pass mode, 2/4 channel input selection switch, RCA pass-through outputs, C.L.E.A.N. gain calibration with per-channel output clip indicators, Rollback Protection, NOMAD speaker protection, and MEHSA4 heat management. Designed and engineered in Tempe, Arizona. Backed by a 1 year warranty.
Product Overview
The Rockford Fosgate R2-500X4 is a 500W 4-channel Full-Range Class-D car amplifier from the Prime R2 series, purpose-built for powering car speaker pairs across the full audio spectrum. Rated continuous power is 75W x 4 at 4-ohm, 125W x 4 at 2-ohm, or 250W x 2 at 4-ohm bridged (CTA-2006, less than 1.0% THD+N). Dynamic power via PowerCube reaches 90W x 4 at 4-ohm, 160W x 4 at 2-ohm, and 300W x 2 at 4-ohm bridged.
The R2-500X4 provides independent front and rear channel crossover control, each with fully adjustable high-pass and low-pass filters at 12dB/octave Butterworth (50Hz-250Hz) and an all-pass mode for full-bandwidth output. Independent front and rear variable input gain adjustment is provided. A 2/4 channel input selection switch configures the amplifier for source units with either 2 or 4 RCA outputs, working for both RCA and high-level inputs. RCA pass-through outputs allow downstream amplifier chaining - the R2-750X1 monoblock subwoofer amplifier is the natural companion for a complete car audio system. Auto-Sense turn-on activates the amplifier when a speaker-level signal is detected, with a RAP bypass switch for Retained Accessory Power systems.
C.L.E.A.N. provides separate input and output clip indicators for both front and rear channel groups. Rollback Protection, NOMAD speaker protection, and MEHSA4 heat management are all active. Cast aluminium heatsink with convection cooling. Designed and engineered in Tempe, Arizona.
Features & Benefits
Full-Range Class-D - Efficient 4-Channel Car Audio Amplification: Full-Range Class-D topology delivers high-efficiency power across the complete 20Hz-20kHz audio spectrum, reducing current demand on the vehicle's electrical system while powering speaker pairs with clean, accurate output.
Independent Front and Rear Crossover Control with All-Pass Mode: Front and rear channels each have independent high-pass and low-pass crossover controls at 12dB/octave Butterworth (50Hz-250Hz) plus an all-pass mode for full-bandwidth output, giving more flexibility than a single shared crossover.
2/4 Channel Input Selection Switch: The input selection switch configures the R2-500X4 to accept either a 2-channel or 4-channel RCA or high-level input, working with source units that have limited RCA output pairs without requiring Y-cables or signal splitting.
Bridgeable to 2-Channel - 250W Mono per Pair: The R2-500X4 can be bridged to 2-channel, delivering 250W x 2 at 4-ohm (300W dynamic), suited to driving higher-power speaker pairs or running a compact 2-channel installation.
RCA Pass-Through Outputs for Downstream Chaining: RCA pass-through outputs are active with both RCA and high-level input, allowing the signal to be passed to a downstream subwoofer amplifier such as the R2-750X1 without signal degradation.
C.L.E.A.N. Technology - Independent Per-Channel Clip Monitoring: C.L.E.A.N. provides separate input and output clip indicator LEDs for both the front and rear channel groups, enabling accurate independent gain calibration across all four channels.
Auto-Sense Turn-On with RAP Bypass: Auto-Sense activates the amplifier automatically when a high-level input signal is detected, removing the need for a dedicated remote turn-on wire. A bypass switch is included for vehicles with Retained Accessory Power systems.
Rollback Protection and NOMAD Speaker Protection: Rollback Protection dynamically manages output to prevent thermal stress during sustained high-output conditions. NOMAD provides real-time protection against shorted speaker wires and dangerously low impedances.
Technical Specs
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| SKU | R2-500X4 |
| Number of Channels | 4 |
| Total Power | 500W |
| Rated Power - 4-ohm (CTA-2006, less than 1.0% THD+N) | 75W x 4 |
| Rated Power - 2-ohm (CTA-2006, less than 1.0% THD+N) | 125W x 4 |
| Rated Power - 4-ohm Bridged (CTA-2006) | 250W x 2 |
| Dynamic Power - 4-ohm (PowerCube) | 90W x 4 |
| Dynamic Power - 2-ohm (PowerCube) | 160W x 4 |
| Dynamic Power - 4-ohm Bridged (PowerCube) | 300W x 2 |
| Circuit Topology | Full-Range Class-D |
| Bridgeable | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz - 20 kHz |
| THD + Noise | Less than 1.0% at 4-ohm and 2-ohm |
| Input Sensitivity | Low-Level: 150mV - 4V / High-Level: 450mV - 12V |
| Signal Input | Front: 4 x RCA + 4-Pin Molex / Rear: 4 x RCA + 4-Pin Molex |
| Input Selection | 2/4 Channel Switch (RCA and High-Level) |
| Signal Output | 2 x RCA Pass-Thru (active with RCA or High-Level input) |
| Tone Controls | None |
| Front High-Pass Crossover | 50 Hz - 250 Hz at 12dB/Octave Butterworth |
| Front Low-Pass Crossover | 50 Hz - 250 Hz at 12dB/Octave Butterworth |
| Rear High-Pass Crossover | 50 Hz - 250 Hz at 12dB/Octave Butterworth |
| Rear Low-Pass Crossover | 50 Hz - 250 Hz at 12dB/Octave Butterworth |
| All-Pass | Yes |
| Remote Controls | None |
| Auto-Sense Turn-On | Yes (with RAP bypass switch) |
| Power Wire Gauge | 4 AWG |
| Power Input Connector | Compression Terminal Block |
| Speaker Wire Gauge | 8 AWG |
| Speaker Output Connector | Compression Terminal Block |
| Cooling | Convection |
| Heatsink | Cast Aluminium |
| Operating Voltage | 9 - 16 VDC |
| Recommended Fuse (not included) | 80A |
| Max Current Draw at 13.8V Sinewave | 59A |
| Visual Indicators | Power: Blue / Protect: Red / C.L.E.A.N. In: Red / C.L.E.A.N. Out Front and Rear: Blue/Red |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 49 x 173 x 255mm (1.9 x 6.8 x 10.1 inch) |
| CTA-2006 Compliant | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
Compatible With / Goes Well With
The R2-500X4 suits car audio builds requiring an efficient 4-channel full-range amplifier for speaker pairs at the Prime R2 price point. At 59A maximum current draw and an 80A fuse requirement, it places moderate demand on the vehicle's electrical system. The RCA pass-through output pairs naturally with the R2-750X1 mono subwoofer amplifier for a complete R2 series speaker and subwoofer system.
Goes Well With:
- R2-750X1 - Companion R2 series 750W mono subwoofer amplifier, chainable via the R2-500X4's RCA pass-through outputs for a complete R2 series car audio system
- R2-750X5 - Alternative single-unit 5-channel R2 series amplifier for builds requiring an integrated subwoofer channel alongside speaker amplification
- R2-2X12 / R2-2X10 - Rockford Fosgate Prime dual loaded subwoofer enclosures when paired with the R2-750X1 companion monoblock
- RFK4 - Rockford Fosgate 4 AWG amplifier wiring kit to complete the installation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the R2-500X4 and the R2-750X5?
The R2-500X4 is a 4-channel full-range amplifier rated at 125W x 4 at 2-ohm with no dedicated subwoofer channel, no Punch EQ, and no remote level control. The R2-750X5 is a 5-channel amplifier rated at 100W x 4 plus 350W subwoofer at 2-ohm, adding a dedicated subwoofer channel with Punch EQ, infrasonic filter, RLC remote level control, and a 2/4/5 channel input switch. Choose the R2-500X4 for a pure 4-channel speaker amplifier and pair it with the R2-750X1 for subwoofer duty; choose the R2-750X5 for a single-unit 5-channel solution.
Can I add a subwoofer amplifier to a system using the R2-500X4?
Yes. The R2-500X4 includes RCA pass-through outputs that are active with both RCA and high-level input, allowing a distortion-free signal to be passed to a downstream mono subwoofer amplifier such as the R2-750X1. The two amplifiers chain together cleanly for a complete 4-channel speaker plus mono subwoofer car audio system.
What does the 2/4 channel input selection switch do?
The input selection switch configures the R2-500X4 to accept either a 2-channel or 4-channel input from the source unit, working for both RCA and high-level connections. In 2-channel mode, the single stereo RCA pair feeds all four channels internally. In 4-channel mode, separate front and rear RCA pairs are used for independent left/right front and rear channel control.
What fuse does the R2-500X4 require and is it included?
The R2-500X4 requires an 80A fuse, which is not included and must be sourced separately. This is smaller than the 120A fuse required by the R2-750X5 and R2-750X1, reflecting the R2-500X4's lower maximum current draw of 59A. Install the fuse as close to the battery as possible in the 4 AWG power supply line.
Does the R2-500X4 need a dedicated remote turn-on wire?
Not necessarily. Auto-Sense activates the amplifier automatically when a high-level speaker signal is detected at the input, removing the need for a separate remote wire in OEM integration scenarios. A RAP bypass switch is included for vehicles where the source unit continues to output a signal after the ignition is switched off.
