# JL Audio RD900/5 vs Kicker KEY500.1: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the JL Audio RD900/5 (JL Audio) and Kicker KEY500.1 (Kicker) among car amplifiers. Kicker KEY500.1 is the cheaper of the two at $329.99.

## Side by side

| Spec | JL Audio RD900/5 | Kicker KEY500.1 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $679.99 | $329.99 |
| Brand | JL Audio | Kicker |
| Channels | 5 | 1 |
| Amplifier class | Class D | — |
| Rms per channel4 ohm (W) | 70 | 150 |
| Rms per channel2 ohm (W) | 100 | 300 |
| Bridged rms4 ohm (W) | 200 | — |
| Total rms power (W) | 900 | 500 |
| Snr (dB) | 104 | 90 |
| Thd percent | — | — |
| Frequency response (Hz) | 12-22000 | 10-160 |
| Min impedance ohms | 2 | 1 |
| Fuse rating amps | 80 | — |

## Key differences

- Channels: JL Audio RD900/5 5 vs Kicker KEY500.1 1
- Rms per channel4 ohm (W): JL Audio RD900/5 70 vs Kicker KEY500.1 150
- Rms per channel2 ohm (W): JL Audio RD900/5 100 vs Kicker KEY500.1 300
- Total rms power (W): JL Audio RD900/5 900 vs Kicker KEY500.1 500
- Snr (dB): JL Audio RD900/5 104 vs Kicker KEY500.1 90
- Frequency response (Hz): JL Audio RD900/5 12-22000 vs Kicker KEY500.1 10-160
- Min impedance ohms: JL Audio RD900/5 2 vs Kicker KEY500.1 1

## Sources

- JL Audio RD900/5: https://www.jlaudio.com/products/rd900-5-car-audio-rd-amplifiers-98642 (jlaudio.com, verified 2026-07-11)
- Kicker KEY500.1: https://www.kicker.com/key-5001-1-channel-smart-amplifier (kicker.com, verified 2026-07-11)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/car-amplifiers/jl-audio-rd900-5-vs-kicker-key500-1/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, JL Audio RD900/5 ($679.99) vs Kicker KEY500.1 ($329.99) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/car-amplifiers/jl-audio-rd900-5-vs-kicker-key500-1/
License: CC BY 4.0.