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500 Watts of Punch. All the Boot Space You Need.
Product Overview
The Rockford Fosgate PM500X2 is a 500 Watt, 2-channel Class A/B amplifier purpose-built for marine, motorsport, and powersports environments. Delivering 150W x 2 at 4 ohms, 250W x 2 at 2 ohms, or a massive 500W x 1 bridged at 4 ohms, this amp is specifically engineered for high-demand subwoofer applications optimised for driving a pair of 8-ohm SVC subwoofers or four 2-ohm DVC subwoofers.
Unlike bulkier alternatives, the PM500X2 punches well above its compact footprint (60.5 x 197.1 x 337.3 mm), making it a smart choice for tinnies, UTVs, utes, and touring 4WDs where boot space and under-seat real estate is at a premium. Rockford Fosgate's Element Ready™ construction marine-grade two-part epoxy conformal-coated PCB, UV-resistant materials, and corrosion-resistant stainless steel hardware means this amp is built to handle saltwater spray, humidity, outback dust, and the unforgiving Australian sun without skipping a beat.
Key Specifications
- 500W total power output (CTA-2006 compliant)
- 150W x 2 channels at 4 ohms | 250W x 2 channels at 2 ohms
- 500W x 1 channel at 4 ohms (bridged mono)
- Class A/B circuit topology (Trans•ana)
- 2-channel configuration; bridgeable to mono
- Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- THD+N: Less than 1%
- Input sensitivity: 150mV – 12V (low- and high-level)
- Crossover: 12 dB/octave Butterworth, 50 Hz – 250 Hz (HP/LP/AP)
- On-board Punch EQ2: Bass +0 to +18 dB @ 45 Hz | Treble +0 to +12 dB @ 12 kHz
- RCA pass-through outputs (active signal loop for daisy-chaining amps)
- Optional remote Punch Level Control (PLC2) compatible
- Marine-grade two-part epoxy conformal coating on PCB
- Marine-grade stainless steel hardware
- Element Ready™: Dust, UV, Temperature, Water, Corrosion & Vibration rated
- Recommended fuse: 80A x 1 (not included)
- Max current draw: 80A at 13.8V sinewave
- 2-year manufacturer warranty
Features & Benefits
Designed for Subwoofer-First Builds The PM500X2's massive output stage is specifically optimised for subwoofer loads pair it with two 8-ohm SVC subs or wire four 2-ohm DVC subs in series-parallel for a punishing, clean bass foundation. Whether it's thumping across open water or rattling corrugated outback tracks, this amp was made for the low end.
Compact Footprint More Room for Subs At just 337.3 mm long, the PM500X2 fits neatly under seats, behind panels, or in tight marine cavities where a larger amp simply won't go. Less amp space = more room for the enclosure that actually moves air.
Marine-Grade Element Ready™ Construction Conformal-coated circuit boards using marine-grade two-part epoxy, combined with corrosion-resistant stainless steel hardware, provide genuine protection against saltwater, humidity, UV radiation, and vibration. This isn't a consumer amp with a coat of paint it's built to last in real-world marine and motorsport conditions.
Class A/B Trans•ana Topology Rockford Fosgate's Trans•ana circuit simplifies the signal path, keeping the signal travelling at lower voltage for improved reliability and a flat, distortion-free response. Independent testing consistently measures distortion below 0.02% far better than the <1% spec rating.
C.L.E.A.N. Gain Setting Technology Calibrated Level Eliminates Audible Noise. LED clip indicators on the input and output side guide you to a perfect gain match between head unit and amplifier protecting your subwoofers from clipping distortion, eliminating setup guesswork, and maximising dynamic headroom.
High-Level Input with Auto Turn-On Connects directly to factory head units via speaker-level inputs no line output converter required. Auto Turn-On senses the audio signal and powers the amp automatically at ignition. Ideal for Aussie utes and 4WDs running OEM radios where an aftermarket RCA tap isn't available.
RCA Pass-Through Outputs The PM500X2 includes RCA preamp pass-through outputs, allowing you to daisy-chain a second amplifier run the PM500X2 on subwoofers and loop the signal to a separate 4-channel amp for your full-range speakers. One signal source, two amplifiers, no signal converter needed.
Optional Remote Punch Level Control (PLC2) The PM500X2 is PLC2-ready. Add the optional Rockford Fosgate PLC2 remote level controller (sold separately) to adjust subwoofer output from the driver's seat with the added benefit of an onboard input clip indicator so you always know when you're pushing the amp too hard.
MEHSA³ Cast Aluminium Heatsink Maximum Efficiency Heat Sink Application (MEHSA³) construction delivers up to five times better heat transfer than conventional mounting methods. Keeps the PM500X2 running cool in enclosed spaces, fibreglass hulls, and sealed under-seat compartments during long summer days on the water.
Muted Turn-On Eliminates the power-on thump through your subwoofers when the ignition is cycled a small detail that protects your investment over the life of the install.
Technical Specs
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| SKU | PM500X2 |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Total Power | 500W |
| Rated Power – 4 ohm (CTA-2006, <1.0% THD+N) | 150W x 2 |
| Rated Power – 2 ohm (CTA-2006, <1.0% THD+N) | 250W x 2 |
| Rated Power – 4 ohm Bridged (CTA-2006) | 500W x 1 |
| Dynamic Power – 4 ohm | 223W x 2 |
| Circuit Topology | Class A/B (Trans•ana) |
| Bridgeable | Yes (mono, 4 ohm minimum) |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
| THD + Noise | Less than 1% |
| Input Sensitivity | Low-Level: 150mV – 4V / High-Level: 4V – 12V |
| Signal Input | 2 x RCA + High-Level |
| Signal Output | 2 x RCA Pass-Through |
| Punch EQ2 Bass | 0 dB to +18 dB @ 45 Hz |
| Punch EQ2 Treble | 0 dB to +12 dB @ 12 kHz |
| High-Pass/Low-Pass Crossover | 50 Hz – 250 Hz @ 12 dB/octave Butterworth |
| All-Pass | Yes |
| Auto-Sense Turn-On | Yes |
| High-Level Input | Yes (with Auto Turn-On) |
| Remote Level Control | Optional PLC2 (sold separately) |
| Circuit Board Protection | Marine-grade two-part epoxy conformal coating |
| Heatsink | Cast aluminium (MEHSA³ process) |
| Hardware | Marine-grade stainless steel |
| Element Ready™ | Dust, UV, Temperature, Water, Corrosion, Vibration |
| CTA-2006 Compliant | Yes |
| CE Compliant | Yes |
| Recommended Fuse | 80A x 1 (not included) |
| Max Current Draw (13.8V Sinewave) | 80A |
| Visual Indicators | Power/Protect LED; C.L.E.A.N. In/Out LED |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 60.5 x 197.1 x 337.3 mm (2.38 x 7.76 x 13.28 in) |
| Shipping Weight | 5.4 kg (11.9 lbs) |
| Warranty | 2 Years |
Compatible With
Subwoofer Configurations (Optimised For)
- Pair of 8-ohm SVC subwoofers (one per channel, stereo)
- Four 2-ohm DVC subwoofers (wired series-parallel, bridged mono)
- Rockford Fosgate PM series marine subwoofers
- Rockford Fosgate Punch P2 / P3 series subwoofers (P2D4-10, P3D4-12)
- Rockford Fosgate M2D4-12 Marine Subwoofer
Marine & Boat Audio
- Tinnie, ski boat, pontoon, bowrider, and cabin cruiser installs
- Paired with Rockford Fosgate PM400X4 (4-channel full-range amp) via RCA pass-through
- Rockford Fosgate PMX-5CAN Marine Head Unit
Motorsport & Powersports
- Side-by-side UTVs (Can-Am Maverick, Polaris RZR, Yamaha YXZ, Honda Talon)
- Rockford Fosgate UTV subwoofer enclosures
4WD, Ute & Touring Vehicles
- Toyota LandCruiser (100, 200, 300 Series), HiLux, Prado
- Ford Ranger, Everest, Bronco
- Isuzu D-MAX / MU-X
- Nissan Patrol, Navara
- Mitsubishi Triton, Pajero Sport
- Any vehicle running an OEM (factory) head unit via high-level input
Compatible Accessories
- Rockford Fosgate PLC2 Remote Punch Level Controller (sold separately)
- RFI-1 Amplifier Wiring Installation Kit (recommended for extended warranty)
- Rockford Fosgate 4 AWG OFC wiring kit (for optimal power delivery)
Frequently Asked Questions
What subwoofer configuration works best with the PM500X2?
The PM500X2 is optimised for a pair of 8-ohm SVC subwoofers (one per channel) or four 2-ohm DVC subwoofers wired in series-parallel, bridged to mono. Always confirm your final load impedance is 4 ohms or higher when bridging.
Can I run speakers and a subwoofer from this amp at the same time?
The PM500X2 is a 2-channel amplifier best suited to subwoofer-only or stereo speaker applications. For a combined system, pair it with a separate 4-channel amplifier using the PM500X2's RCA pass-through outputs to loop the signal no extra signal converter required.
Does the PM500X2 connect to a factory head unit?
Yes. The high-level input accepts speaker-level signals up to 12V directly from OEM head units, with Auto Turn-On sensing to power the amp with ignition. No line output converter is needed, making it compatible with most factory-fitted radios in AU utes and 4WDs.
What is the PLC2 and do I need it?
The Rockford Fosgate PLC2 is an optional remote level controller (sold separately) that mounts within reach of the driver, allowing real-time subwoofer volume adjustment. It also includes an input clip LED useful for monitoring gain headroom on the fly. It's optional but recommended for subwoofer-focused installs.
Is the PM500X2 covered by warranty when purchased in Australia?
The PM500X2 carries a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Australian warranty terms are administered through the authorised local distributor confirm coverage details at point of purchase, as Rockford Fosgate's printed US warranty applies only to products purchased via US-authorised dealers.
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