DS18 G1000.4D Review: A Compact Class D Four-Channel With a High-Level Input
The DS18 G1000.4D is a compact Class D four-channel amplifier from DS18's GEN-X (G Series) range, rated at 4 x 90 W RMS at 4 Ω, 4 x 150 W RMS at 2 Ω and 2 x 300 W RMS bridged at 4 Ω. The 1,000 W figure DS18 also prints is a max (peak) number, not RMS. Its India MRP is ₹22,990, and it suits four speakers rated near 90 W RMS fed from RCA outputs or, through its high-level input, a compatible factory radio. You can see it on our DS18 G1000.4D product page.
Quick summary
RMS is 4 x 90 W at 4 Ω, 4 x 150 W at 2 Ω and 2 x 300 W bridged at 4 Ω. The 1,000 W max figure is about 2.8 times the 360 W total RMS at 4 Ω.
DS18 lists a high-level input, low-level inputs of 0.25 V to 6 V and a 2CH / 4CH input selector.
Class D with 92% listed efficiency and no cooling fan, in a 205 x 120 x 50 mm case weighing 1.2 kg gross.
DS18's own shop shows five reviews: three positive, and two reporting output below the rating, one of them still satisfied.
DS18 G1000.4D specifications
Specification | DS18 G1000.4D |
|---|---|
Type | 4-channel full-range amplifier, Class D (GEN-X / G Series) |
Max (peak) power, not RMS | 1,000 W, no load or voltage given |
RMS power at 4 Ω | 4 x 90 W |
RMS power at 2 Ω | 4 x 150 W |
RMS power bridged at 4 Ω | 2 x 300 W |
Minimum impedance | 2 Ω stereo, 4 Ω bridged |
Frequency response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
THD, signal-to-noise, efficiency | 0.01% THD, more than 90 dB, 92% efficiency at 4 Ω |
Inputs | High-level input; low-level 0.25 V – 6 V, 22 kΩ; 2CH / 4CH input selector |
Crossover | Selectable LPF / flat / HPF, 50 Hz – 2 kHz |
Power terminal and fuses | 4 GA, 2 x 25 A |
Protection | Thermal, overload, DC output, short-circuit, input voltage, clipping |
Listed as absent | Cooling fan, phase selector, remote level control, voltmeter |
Size and weight | 205 x 120 x 50 mm (L x W x H); 1.2 kg gross |
Not listed | Supply voltage behind the ratings, crossover slope |
India MRP | ₹22,990 |
Figures come from DS18's G1000.4D page and its GEN-X G-series manual, which covers nine models. The ratings and sizes match our listing; the weight and the listed-as-absent entries appear only on DS18's page.
Reading 4 x 90 W RMS beside a 1,000 W max
DS18's description and our listing both give 1,000 W max with no load or supply voltage, so the RMS lines are the ones to plan around. Four channels at 90 W make 360 W in total at 4 Ω, four 150 W channels make 600 W at 2 Ω, and the two bridged 300 W outputs make 600 W. DS18 lists no 1 Ω rating, and bridging needs a 4 Ω or higher load.
The high-level input and the 2CH / 4CH selector
Of the three four-channel DS18 amplifiers compared below, this is the only one for which DS18 lists a high-level (speaker-level) input, which our listing describes as a connection for compatible factory radios. DS18's manual says to use it if the source has no RCA outputs, and never to use the high and low-level inputs at the same time. It prints no high-level sensitivity figure.
In the 2-channel position of the selector, the signal on channels 1 and 2 can drive all four outputs; in the 4-channel position each of the four inputs feeds only its own channel. If you want to shape the sound before the amplifier, our guides to why a car may need a DSP and setting up a DSP explain what that adds.
Class D efficiency, no fan and where it can go
DS18 lists 92% efficiency at 4 Ω and no cooling fan. The case is 205 x 120 x 50 mm with a 158 mm heatsink. DS18's manual says to avoid mounting the amplifier under seats, in the engine bay or anywhere moisture might collect, and to pick a completely dry position with good air circulation.
Gain, clipping and wiring
The manual maps the gain control to the source's output voltage, says it is not a volume control, and says a blinking CLIP LED means the gain should come down. It also calls for an in-line fuse or breaker within 18 inches (about 46 cm) of the battery, fitted last.
What owners and reviewers say about the DS18 G1000.4D
When we checked in October 2026, the only owner feedback we read was on DS18's own web shop; we have not read independent tests or forum threads. The shop's G1000.4D page carries five reviews, none dated in the text we read. Three are positive: one describes clean sound with about the right amount of power, one finds it loud enough and very clean, and one praises the customer service and the product.
The other two concern output. One reviewer found it well below its power rating out of the box. The second put it on a dyno before installing it and reports about 20 W short of the rating at 4 Ω and about 30 W short at 2 Ω (the review does not say per channel or in total), yet says it still does what it should. Those are single owners' claims, not VA3 results, and DS18 prints no supply voltage or test condition for its RMS figures.
G1000.4D against the SXE-1200.4/RD, FRP-1.2K4/TI and G3600.1D
The DS18 SXE-1200.4/RD (₹14,990 MRP, ₹8,000 less) is a Class AB amplifier rated 4 x 60 W at 4 Ω, 30 W per channel below the G1000.4D. It is 249.3 mm long against 205 mm, lists a cooling fan and 64% efficiency, and DS18 does not list a high-level input for it.
The DS18 FRP-1.2K4/TI (₹49,990 MRP, ₹27,000 more) is rated 4 x 120 W at 4 Ω, 30 W per channel above the G1000.4D, and is 183 mm long with a fan. DS18's page lists no high-level input for it, and both amplifiers list a 2CH / 4CH selector.
For a subwoofer channel, see our review of the DS18 G3600.1D, a monoblock from the same G series.
Who should buy it, and who shouldn't
Buy the G1000.4D if you want four channels of about 90 W RMS each in a compact case with no fan, and your source is a compatible factory radio or has RCA outputs. If you are weighing whether to add an amplifier, our guide to the need for an amplifier is worth a read first.
Look elsewhere if you need more than 90 W RMS per channel at 4 Ω (the FRP-1.2K4/TI lists 120 W) or want the lowest MRP of the three (the SXE-1200.4/RD).
Installation notes for Indian cars
Pick the amplifier's spot for dryness and airflow first, then plan the power and ground runs around it. VA3 Car Studio in Ghaziabad offers professional installation. For speakers, our DS18 range includes GEN-X coaxials such as the G6.5XI pair; compare any speaker's RMS rating with the 90 W per channel here. DS18's manual says installation that does not follow it may affect the warranty; the warranty is per DS18's published terms, so confirm India terms with us.
Price and where to buy
The DS18 G1000.4D has an India MRP of ₹22,990. VA3 Car Studio often sells below MRP, so check the current offer on the G1000.4D listing, which describes it as a genuine DS18 product.
The bottom line
The G1000.4D is a 4 x 90 W RMS Class D amplifier whose 1,000 W figure is a max rating, not continuous power. Its listed high-level input makes it worth a look for a factory-radio system, though two of five shop reviewers report output below the rating. Buy it for the 360 W it is rated to deliver at 4 Ω and give it a dry spot.
DS18 G1000.4D FAQ
Is the DS18 G1000.4D a 1,000 W amplifier?
Not in RMS terms. DS18 prints 1,000 W as a max figure with no load or voltage. The RMS ratings are 4 x 90 W at 4 Ω, 4 x 150 W at 2 Ω and 2 x 300 W bridged at 4 Ω, which is 360 W in total at 4 Ω.
Can the G1000.4D connect to a factory radio?
DS18 lists a high-level input for compatible factory radios, and its manual says to use it when the source has no RCA outputs, never together with the low-level inputs. It prints no sensitivity figure for that input, so have the match confirmed at installation.
What does the 2CH / 4CH switch on the G1000.4D do?
In the 2-channel position the signal on channels 1 and 2 can drive all four outputs. In the 4-channel position the four inputs are separate and each feeds only its own channel.
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