AudioControl A800.1 Review: Specifications, Installation and Comparisons
Quick summary: the buying decision
The A800.1 is a compact Class D monoblock for subwoofers: 400 W RMS at 4 ohm, 600 W RMS at 2 ohm and 800 W RMS at 1.33 ohm. Spike Mode lets you run three 4-ohm subwoofers together at 1.33 ohm, and high/low inputs mean it works with a factory or an aftermarket head unit.
AudioControl A800.1: what it is
The AudioControl A800.1 is a monoblock subwoofer amplifier from the Altitude series, delivering 400 W RMS at 4 ohm, 600 W RMS at 2 ohm and 800 W RMS at 1.33 ohm. Spike Mode lets you connect three 4-ohm subwoofers at 1.33 ohm for extra output.
The Altitude monoblocks (A800.1 and A1500.1) share the series' anodised matte grey aluminium chassis, ParaBASS control knobs, a Linkwitz-Riley low-pass crossover from 60 Hz to 120 Hz, a variable subsonic filter, Valet Mode and start-stop/EV compliance up to 17 V.
Key features
ParaBASS control knobs to fine-tune low-frequency contouring
Linkwitz-Riley low-pass crossover from 60 Hz to 120 Hz, plus a variable subsonic filter
High and low input modes: line-level inputs up to 6 V, speaker-level inputs up to 20 V
Valet Mode limits maximum volume to 25% when activated; start-stop compliant and EV compliant up to 17 V
Anodised matte grey aluminium chassis designed to run cool at full output; optional ACR-1 remote level control
Specifications explained
Rated power at 14.4 V is 400 W at 4 ohm, 600 W at 2 ohm and 800 W at 1.33 ohm. AudioControl quotes a signal-to-noise ratio of 110.2 dBA (ref. rated power) and THD+N of less than 0.14%.
It has 2 preamp inputs (line level up to 6 V) and speaker-level inputs up to 20 V.
Full specifications as published by AudioControl:
Model: A800.1
Type: Monoblock Class D subwoofer amplifier
RMS power at 14.4 V, 4 ohm: 1 x 400 W
RMS power at 14.4 V, 2 ohm: 1 x 600 W
RMS power at 14.4 V, 1.33 ohm: 1 x 800 W (Spike Mode)
Preamp inputs: 2
Line-level input: 6 V max
Speaker-level input: 20 V max
Crossover: Linkwitz-Riley low-pass, 60 Hz – 120 Hz
Subsonic filter: Variable
Bass processing: ParaBASS
Signal-to-noise ratio: 110.2 dBA (ref. rated power)
THD+N: Less than 0.14%
Valet Mode: Yes
Power / ground wire: 4 AWG
Recommended fuse: 100 A
Remote level control: ACR-1 (optional)
Dimensions (W x D x H): 10.9 x 6.7 x 2.1 in
Weight: 6.05 lb
In the box: A800.1, manual, warranty card
Matching subwoofers and impedance
Work out the final impedance before you buy subwoofers. One single 4-ohm subwoofer gets 400 W; two 4-ohm subwoofers in parallel (2 ohm) share 600 W; and in Spike Mode, three 4-ohm subwoofers can run together in parallel at 1.33 ohm, sharing 800 W. AudioControl's Spike subwoofers are single 4-ohm designs, which suits Spike Mode.
Filters, ParaBASS and inputs
Set the low-pass filter (60 to 120 Hz) to blend with the front speakers and the subsonic filter to protect the subwoofers below their useful range, especially in a ported box. ParaBASS knobs fine-tune low-frequency contouring. In high-input mode the amplifier accepts speaker-level signals up to 20 V; with an aftermarket head unit, use the RCA outputs. Valet Mode limits maximum volume to 25%.
Wiring and fusing
AudioControl specifies 4 AWG power and ground wire and a 100 A fuse. Keep the ground short and on bare metal, and set the gain with a test tone or an oscilloscope. An optional ACR-1 remote adds level control from the driver's seat. The amplifier measures 10.9 x 6.7 x 2.1 in (W x D x H).
How it compares
Other subwoofer amplifiers at VA3 Car Studio:
AudioControl A1500.1: 1 x 600 W RMS at 4 ohm, 1 x 1,200 W at 2 ohm, 1 x 1,500 W at 1 ohm, ₹55,240
AudioControl EPIC750: 1 x 300 W RMS at 4 ohm, 1 x 500 W at 2 ohm, 1 x 750 W at 1 ohm, ₹27,190
AudioControl EPIC1000: 1 x 400 W RMS at 4 ohm, 1 x 700 W at 2 ohm, 1 x 1,000 W at 1 ohm, ₹33,990
The EPIC monoblocks are line-level-input designs that are stable at 1 ohm and include an ACR-E remote bass knob; the Altitude models add speaker-level inputs, Spike Mode, Valet Mode and start-stop compliance.
Price and value in India
At the time of writing (October 2026), VA3 Car Studio lists the A800.1 at ₹42,490, 15% below the MRP of ₹49,990. It is priced as a practical subwoofer amplifier for everyday cars, with Spike Mode as a useful extra. Prices can change, so the product page always shows the current price.
Verdict: who should shortlist the A800.1
Shortlist the A800.1 for a subwoofer system in an everyday car, especially with AudioControl's single 4-ohm Spike subwoofers. If you need 1-ohm operation or more power per rupee with an aftermarket head unit, compare the EPIC monoblocks.
Real-world reviews and limitations
We have not yet published a VA3 installation report for the A800.1. The figures in this review are AudioControl's published specifications, not our own measurements, and real-world results depend on the installation, the wiring and the tune. If you have used one, we would welcome your feedback.
Frequently asked questions
How much power does the A800.1 deliver?
400 W RMS at 4 ohm, 600 W RMS at 2 ohm and 800 W RMS at 1.33 ohm (14.4 V).
What is Spike Mode on the A800.1?
It lets you connect three 4-ohm subwoofers in parallel, a 1.33-ohm load, for extra output.
Can the A800.1 work with a factory head unit?
Yes. In high-input mode it accepts speaker-level signals up to 20 V.
Does the A800.1 have a bass remote?
An ACR-1 remote level control is available as an option.
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