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Rockford Fosgate M5-1500X5 1500 Watt 5-Channel IPX6 Element Ready Marine Amplifier
A marine grade 1500W 5-channel amplifier with IPX6 water intrusion rating, delivering 100W x 4 plus 600W x 1 at 2-ohm (CTA-2006 rated). Class-AD topology across the four full-range channels and Class-BD on the dedicated subwoofer channel. Features C.L.E.A.N. gain calibration, NOMAD speaker protection, P.O.W.E.R. supply, MEHSA4 heat management, infrasonic filter, and balanced differential inputs. Engineered in the USA. Backed by a 2 year warranty.
Product Overview
The Rockford Fosgate M5-1500X5 is a 1500W 5-channel marine amplifier purpose-built for demanding outdoor environments, combining four full-range Class-AD channels with a dedicated Class-BD subwoofer channel in a single compact unit. IPX6 rated and fully Element Ready, it is protected against dust, UV radiation, temperature extremes, water jets from any direction, corrosion, and vibration throughout its service life.
Rated continuous power is 100W x 4 at 4-ohm plus 400W x 1 at 4-ohm, or 100W x 4 plus 600W x 1 at 2-ohm, all at less than 1.0% THD+N and CTA-2006 certified. Dynamic power via PVC/PowerCube reaches 200W x 4 at 2-ohm plus 700W x 1 at 2-ohm. The M5-1500X5 is the first in the M5 series to provide both Continuous Power and Dynamic Power ratings in accordance with the CTA-2006 specification, reflecting real-world listening performance rather than test bench figures alone. Class-AD on the full-range channels improves efficiency and reduces current draw, while Class-BD on the sub channel delivers 75-80% efficiency versus 20-60% for traditional Class-A/B designs.
C.L.E.A.N. (Calibrated Level Eliminates Audible Noise) input and output clip indicators guide precise gain calibration at setup. NOMAD real-time protection guards against shorted speaker wires and dangerously low impedances. MEHSA4 reduces MOSFET temperatures, lowers distortion, and extends output device life. The PRESET feature eliminates manual setup and tuning when the M5-1500X5 is used with compatible Rockford Fosgate UTV audio kits. An infrasonic filter at 30Hz protects subwoofers from damaging low-frequency excursion. Chassis isolation from mounting points reduces the introduction of vehicle noise into the audio signal.
Features & Benefits
Dual Topology - Class-AD Full-Range Channels and Class-BD Subwoofer Channel: The four full-range channels use Class-AD topology for efficient power delivery with low current draw. The dedicated fifth subwoofer channel uses Class-BD topology, delivering 75-80% efficiency - significantly better than the 20-60% typical of Class-A/B amplifier designs.
C.L.E.A.N. Technology - Precision Gain Calibration: C.L.E.A.N. (Calibrated Level Eliminates Audible Noise) is a patented circuit with dedicated input and output clip indicator LEDs, enabling precise matching of the source unit output to the amplifier's input sensitivity for maximum output with minimum distortion.
P.O.W.E.R. Supply and Constant Power Circuit: The P.O.W.E.R. supply continues to generate above rated output as voltage increases. The Constant Power circuit topology provides instantaneous power delivery across varying impedance loads, boosting output by up to 25%.
PRESET Feature - Zero Setup for Rockford Fosgate UTV Kits: When used with compatible Rockford Fosgate UTV audio kits, the PRESET feature removes the need to manually set up and tune the amplifier, enabling a faster and simpler installation experience.
Infrasonic Filter - Subwoofer Protection: A dedicated infrasonic filter at 30Hz (12dB/octave Butterworth) is available on the subwoofer channel, protecting subwoofer drivers from damaging excursion caused by subsonic frequencies that cannot be heard but can overstress the driver at high volume.
MEHSA4 Heat Management and Chassis Isolation: MEHSA4 (Maximum Efficiency Heat Sink Application) reduces MOSFET temperatures, lowers distortion, increases durability, and extends output device life. Chassis isolation from mounting points further reduces the introduction of vehicle electrical noise into the audio signal.
IPX6 Element Ready - Built for Marine and Outdoor Environments: IPX6 water intrusion rating confirms protection against powerful jets of water from any direction. Element Ready construction and integrated harness and panel seals protect all components throughout the service life of the amplifier.
RATS Tested and Engineered in the USA: Each M5-1500X5 is quality and performance tested through Rockford Fosgate's proprietary RATS (Rockford Automated Testing System). The amplifier is designed and engineered in the USA.
Technical Specs
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| SKU | M5-1500X5 |
| Number of Channels | 5 (4 full-range + 1 subwoofer) |
| Total Power | 1500W |
| Rated Power - 4-ohm (CTA-2006, less than 1.0% THD+N) | 100W x 4 + 400W x 1 |
| Rated Power - 2-ohm (CTA-2006, less than 1.0% THD+N) | 100W x 4 + 600W x 1 |
| Rated Power - 4-ohm Bridged (CTA-2006) | 200W x 2 (full-range channels) |
| Dynamic Power - 4-ohm (CTA-2006 PVC/PowerCube) | 125W x 4 + 400W x 1 |
| Dynamic Power - 2-ohm (CTA-2006 PVC/PowerCube) | 200W x 4 + 700W x 1 |
| Dynamic Power - 4-ohm Bridged (CTA-2006 PVC/PowerCube) | 400W x 2 (full-range channels) |
| Circuit Topology | Class-AD (full-range channels) / Class-BD (subwoofer channel) |
| Bridgeable | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 10 Hz - 50 kHz |
| THD + Noise | Less than 0.2% at 1 Watt |
| Input Sensitivity | 150mVrms - 12Vrms |
| Efficiency | Greater than 75% |
| Signal Input | Low-Level: 2 x RCA / High-Level: 4-Pin Molex |
| Tone Controls | Front/Rear: 0-18dB at 45Hz / 0-14dB at 12.5kHz / Sub: 0-18dB at 45Hz |
| High-Pass Crossover | 50 Hz - 250 Hz at 12dB/Octave Butterworth |
| Low-Pass Crossover | 50 Hz - 250 Hz at 12dB/Octave Butterworth |
| Infrasonic Filter | 30 Hz at 12dB/Octave Butterworth |
| All-Pass | Yes |
| Power Wire Gauge | 4 AWG |
| Power Input Connector | Compression Terminal Block |
| Speaker Wire Gauge | 16 AWG |
| Speaker Output Connector | 4-Pin Molex |
| Cooling | Convection |
| Heatsink | Extruded Aluminium (Focused Mass) |
| Operating Voltage | 9 - 16 VDC |
| Recommended Fuse (not included) | 80A MAXI (Littelfuse 0299080) |
| Average Current Draw at 13.8V Music | 2-ohm Stereo + 1-ohm Sub: 48A |
| Max Current Draw at 13.8V Sinewave | 2-ohm Stereo + 1-ohm Sub: 123A |
| Water Intrusion Rating | IPX6 |
| Visual Indicators | Power: Blue / Protect: Red / Input Clip: Red / Output Clip: Blue/Red |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 42.8 x 108 x 311.4mm (1.7 x 4.25 x 12.3 inch) |
| Shipping Weight | 2.7kg |
| CTA-2006 Compliant | Yes |
| Quality Testing | RATS (Rockford Automated Testing System) |
| Warranty | 2 Years |
Compatible With / Goes Well With
The M5-1500X5 suits marine watercraft, pontoon boats, wakeboard boats, and powersports vehicles requiring a single integrated 5-channel marine amplifier to power both full-range speakers and a dedicated subwoofer. It is the recommended all-in-one amplifier solution for full marine audio system builds combining wake tower speakers and a marine subwoofer.
Goes Well With:
- M2WL-8 / M2WL-8B - Rockford Fosgate M2 series 8 inch wake tower speakers, powered by the four full-range channels of the M5-1500X5
- M212S4 - M2 series 12 inch marine subwoofer, driven by the dedicated 600W subwoofer channel of the M5-1500X5
- M210S4B - M2 series 10 inch marine subwoofer in black for a compact subwoofer pairing with the M5-1500X5
- M5-800X4 - Companion M5 series 4-channel amplifier for expanded systems requiring additional full-range channels beyond the 4 provided by the M5-1500X5
- DSR1 - Rockford Fosgate Digital Signal Processor for advanced signal processing ahead of the M5-1500X5
- RFW4R / RFW4B - Rockford Fosgate 4 AWG marine amplifier wiring kits (red or black) matched to the M5-1500X5's 4 AWG power wire requirement
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the M5-1500X5 and the M5-800X4?
The M5-800X4 is a 4-channel amplifier rated at 800W total, using Class-AD topology across all channels with 8 AWG power wiring. The M5-1500X5 is a 5-channel amplifier rated at 1500W total, adding a dedicated Class-BD subwoofer channel capable of 600W RMS at 2-ohm, and requires 4 AWG power wiring for the higher current demand. Choose the M5-1500X5 for builds requiring both full-range and subwoofer amplification from a single unit; choose the M5-800X4 for full-range speaker applications where a separate subwoofer amplifier is not needed.
What is Class-BD and how does it differ from Class-AD?
Class-AD is used on the four full-range channels to produce more power with less current draw from the charging system, improving overall efficiency. Class-BD is a patented Rockford Fosgate topology used on the dedicated subwoofer channel, delivering 75-80% efficiency versus 20-60% for traditional Class-A/B designs. The combination of both topologies in one amplifier ensures each channel type operates at its optimal efficiency for the task it is performing.
What does the PRESET feature do?
The PRESET feature removes the need to manually set up and tune the M5-1500X5 when it is used with compatible Rockford Fosgate UTV audio kits. Rather than adjusting gain, crossover, and tone control settings individually during installation, the amplifier arrives pre-configured for the matching kit, reducing setup time and eliminating the risk of incorrect settings.
What is the infrasonic filter and when should I use it?
The infrasonic filter on the subwoofer channel attenuates frequencies below 30Hz at 12dB/octave. Subsonic frequencies below the audible range cannot be heard but can cause excessive cone excursion in subwoofer drivers at high volume, potentially leading to damage over time. Enabling the infrasonic filter is recommended for most sealed and vented subwoofer installations, particularly when the source material may include subsonic content such as DJ music or poorly mastered recordings.
What fuse is required for the M5-1500X5 and is it included?
The M5-1500X5 requires an 80A MAXI fuse (Littelfuse part number 0299080). The fuse is not included in the box and must be sourced separately. Given the M5-1500X5's maximum current draw of up to 123A at sinewave, it is critical to install the fuse as close to the battery as possible in the 4 AWG power supply line.
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