Audison SR 6.600 vs Alpine R-A90S: 6-Channel Amps Compared
By Car Audio and Tint | Car Toys | Washington, Texas, Colorado ... | Published: 2026-10-31
Category: Comparisons
Compare the Audison SR 6.600 and Alpine R-A90S 6-channel amps on power layout, subwoofer output, bass control, and price to pick the right multi-channel car amplifier.
Quick answer
Choose the Audison SR 6.600 if you want a straightforward six-channel amp with Hi-Res certification and a lower catalog price. Choose the Alpine R-A90S if you need a dedicated subwoofer output with remote bass-knob readiness and a staggered power layout for a mixed speaker-and-sub system.
Power layout: even six channels vs staggered five-plus-sub
The Audison SR 6.600 is a true six-channel amplifier, so you can power front and rear speakers or a three-way front stage without dedicating a channel to a subwoofer. The Alpine R-A90S uses a staggered power design and adds a dedicated subwoofer output, which means it can drive four speakers plus a sub while still offering a sixth channel for a center or rear fill. If your system plan includes a subwoofer and you want one amp to handle everything, the Alpine’s layout is more flexible. If you already have a separate sub amp or plan an all-speaker setup, the Audison’s even channel distribution is simpler to wire and tune.
Bass control: remote knob readiness on the Alpine
The Alpine R-A90S is ready for the RUX-KNOB.2 remote bass knob (sold separately), so you can adjust subwoofer level from the driver’s seat without touching the amp. The Audison SR 6.600 does not list remote bass-knob support in the supplied catalog facts, so if on-the-fly bass control matters, the Alpine has the edge. Keep in mind that the Alpine’s knob is an extra purchase, while the Audison’s lower catalog price leaves room in the budget for other upgrades.
Price and value: catalog comparison
At the catalog prices shown, the Audison SR 6.600 is USD 443.99 (compared to USD 599.99), while the Alpine R-A90S is USD 447.97 (compared to USD 699.95). The two amps are close in current price, but the Alpine carries a higher comparison price, which may appeal if you value the subwoofer output and bass-knob readiness. The Audison’s lower comparison price makes it the more budget-friendly choice if you don’t need those extra subwoofer features. Neither price includes installation accessories or the optional Alpine bass knob, so factor those into your total.
Trade-offs to weigh
- Channel flexibility vs simplicity: The Alpine R-A90S’s staggered design and subwoofer output let you run a sub without a separate amp, but wiring and tuning are more complex than the Audison SR 6.600’s even six-channel layout. Decide whether you want one amp to do everything or a simpler all-speaker setup.
- Bass control convenience vs upfront cost: The Alpine’s remote bass-knob readiness adds convenience, but the RUX-KNOB.2 is sold separately. The Audison does not list remote bass-knob support, so you’ll set sub level at the amp or via your head unit. Add the cost of the Alpine knob to your budget if you want dash control.
- Catalog price vs feature set: The two amps are within a few dollars at current catalog prices, but the Alpine’s higher comparison price and extra subwoofer features may justify the spend if you need them. The Audison’s lower comparison price favors budget-conscious builds without subwoofer demands. Compare total system cost, including installation parts and optional accessories.
Product facts
- Audison SR 6.600 6-Channel Amplifier: Hi-Res Audio Certification. Certification indicates the amp is designed to handle high-resolution audio sources, which matters if you stream or play lossless files.
Audison SR 6.600 6-Channel Amplifier - Alpine R-A90S R-Series 6-Channel Amplifier with Subwoofer Output: Remote Bass-Knob ready with the RUX-KNOB.2 (sold separately). You can add dash-mounted subwoofer level control, but you must budget for the knob separately.
Alpine R-A90S R-Series 6-Channel Amplifier with Subwoofer Output
Which amp fits your build?
Best for
- Drivers who want a true six-channel amp for front, rear, and center speakers without a subwoofer channel.
- Budget-conscious builds that don’t need remote bass control or a dedicated sub output.
Not for
- Systems that need a dedicated subwoofer output and remote bass knob from a single amp.
- Installations where staggered power for a mixed speaker-and-sub setup is preferred.
