Class A and Class AB reference amplification, from the Excel line to the $39,999 CR 401.
Audio Wave is the reference tier of car amplification, Class A and Class AB only, with no Class D in the line. It is built for a front stage or subwoofer stage where the components and the tuning already justify the amplifier, and where the last increment of linearity is worth what it costs.
The range runs from $2,499.99 to $39,999.99 across two lines. The Excel line is the reference entry in 2-channel and full-range monoblock; the Aspire Pro line is the flagship, including the only reference-grade six-channel at this caliber. Above both sit the CR-30X Class A monoblock and the CR 401 Dual Mono, the most expensive car amplifier we carry.
Several models are low-volume or built to order, so availability moves. Tell us the model and the build and we will confirm lead time and whether it is the right amp for what you are doing, before you buy.
Authorized Dealer
Every amplifier is brand new with the full manufacturer warranty.
Power Matching
Send us your subwoofer or speaker specs. We'll recommend the right amplifier at the right impedance before you buy.
Hands-On Expertise
Direct support from staff who designs, builds, and competes with these systems. Honest recommendations, not upsells.
Fast Shipping from TN
In-stock orders ship within 1-2 business days from our Tullahoma, Tennessee warehouse.
Audio Wave is the reference tier of this catalog. The line is Class A and Class AB only, no Class D anywhere in it, which tells you what it is for: a front stage or a subwoofer stage built to the point where the amplifier is no longer the limit. Prices run from $2,499.99 to $39,999.99, and the CR 401 Dual Mono at the top is the most expensive car amplifier we sell.
This is not a daily-driver brand and we will not pretend it is. It is for a build where the components and the tuning already justify the amplifier, and where you have decided that the last increment of linearity is worth what it costs. If that is not the build, US Acoustics or Crescendo at a tenth of the price is the honest answer, and we would rather point you there.
The Audio Wave Lineup, Spec by Spec
Every new Audio Wave amplifier we stock, with power and dimensions verified against the manufacturer. Audio Wave rates several models in both pure Class A and Class A/B, so where you see two figures, the first is Class A and the second is Class A/B.
Model
Channels
Class
Power (4Ω RMS, 14.4V)
Dimensions W×H×D (mm)
Price
Active 250
Monoblock
AB
270W
360 × 152 × 80
$2,499.99
Excel
2-channel
AB
2 × 75W
309 × 64 × 226
$2,600.00
Excel Monoblock
Monoblock
AB
280W
314 × 64 × 295
$3,099.99
Excel CA
2-channel
A
2 × 10W A / 2 × 40W A/B
314 × 64 × 295
$3,499.99
Aspire Pro USA
2-channel
AB
2 × 240W
378 × 64 × 339
$7,999.99
Aspire Pro USA Monoblock
Monoblock
AB
300W
378 × 64 × 339
$8,999.99
Aspire Pro V2
2-channel
A
2 × 20W A / 2 × 80W A/B
378 × 64 × 339
$10,999.99
CR-30X
Monoblock
A
30W A / 100W A/B
270 × 72 × 558
$18,500.00
CR 401 Dual Mono
2-channel
AB
2 × 300W
270 × 72 × 878
$39,999.99
Power is quoted at 4 ohm and 14.4 volts. Most of these models bridge for higher mono output, and several are stable to 2 ohm; the product page carries the full 8, 4 and 2 ohm figures for each. The Aspire Pro V2 is also sold as a previous-display unit at $6,999.99 against $11,999.99, and the Aspire Pro 6 Channel is available as a previous demo at $21,999.99 from $29,999.99, the only reference-grade six-channel at this caliber.
Excel: the reference entry
The way into the brand. The Excel CA ($3,499.99) is the Class A 2-channel for a front stage; the Excel ($2,600) is its Class AB counterpart at 2 x 75W. For a subwoofer, the Active 250 (270W) and Excel Monoblock (280W) are full-range Class AB monoblocks. This is reference amplification at the bottom of the range, which on most brands would be the top.
Aspire Pro: the flagship line
The Aspire Pro USA covers the front stage in Class AB at 2 x 240W and the sub in a matching 300W monoblock, so a two-amp build shares one topology end to end. The Aspire Pro V2 is the Class A 2-channel at $10,999.99.
CR: the outright reference
The CR-30X ($18,500) is a Class A full-range monoblock, one of the very few Class A sub amplifiers made for a car. The CR 401 Dual Mono ($39,999.99) is a Class AB amplifier built as two separate mono amplifiers in one chassis, 2 x 300W at 4 ohm, and it is the top of the entire amplifier catalog.
They are reference-tier and they are Class A or Class AB only, with no Class D in the line. That is the whole positioning: linear amplification built to the point where the amplifier stops being the limiting part of the system. It is not a value brand and does not try to be. It is for a build where the components and the tuning already justify the amplifier.
Are Audio Wave amps Class A or Class AB?
Both. The Excel CA, Aspire Pro V2 and CR-30X are Class A, which conducts continuously for the lowest distortion available at the cost of heat and current draw. The Active 250, Excel, Excel Monoblock, Aspire Pro USA and CR 401 are Class AB, which uses bias current to reach most of the same linearity at better efficiency. There is no Class D in the line.
Why are some Audio Wave amps out of stock?
These are low-volume reference amplifiers, and some are built to order rather than held on a shelf. A model showing out of stock is usually a lead-time question, not a discontinued one. Contact us with the model and we will tell you the current build time.
What is the difference between the Excel and Aspire Pro lines?
Excel is the reference entry, $2,499.99 to $3,499.99, in 2-channel and full-range monoblock. Aspire Pro is the flagship, $6,999.99 to $21,999.99, including the only reference-grade six-channel in the range. Above both sit the CR-30X Class A monoblock and the CR 401 Dual Mono, which is the top of the entire catalog at $39,999.99.
Which Audio Wave amp do I use for a subwoofer?
For Class AB, the Active 250 and Excel Monoblock at the reference-entry tier, or the Aspire Pro USA Monoblock to match an Aspire Pro front stage. For Class A on the bass, the CR-30X is one of the few Class A subwoofer amplifiers made for a car. See monoblock amplifiers for the wider field.
What should I pair with an Audio Wave amp?
Drivers and processing worth the amplifier. High-resolution component sets on the front stage, a proper DSP doing the crossover and time alignment, and an electrical system upgraded to feed a continuously drawing amp. Putting reference amplification on entry-tier speakers wastes what you paid for.
Are these new with manufacturer warranty?
Yes, unless the listing says otherwise. We are an authorized Audio Wave dealer and every new unit carries the full manufacturer warranty. Previous-demo and previous-display units are labeled as such on the product page and priced accordingly.
Speakers Worth Amping
Components Built for These Amplifiers
Speaker systems that respond to clean amplifier power. The amplifiers above have the headroom; these components have the resolution to use it.
A DSP gives you crossovers, EQ, time alignment, and signal routing in a single unit. The amplifier delivers the power; the DSP makes the system actually sound right.
These subwoofers match the power and impedance characteristics of the amplifiers in this collection. Pick the driver, match the wiring, get a system that performs as designed.
These subwoofers match the power and impedance characteristics of the amplifiers in this collection. Pick the driver, match the wiring, get a system that performs as designed.
