Taramps Big Boss 3 Bass Review: High Power, Mixed Verdict
When a car amplifier doubles as a nightclub light show, expectations run high. The Taramps The Big Boss 3 Bass Amplifier Monoblock earns a solid 8.1/10 from verified buyers and enthusiasts, who praise its “insane bass output” and RGB effects that “turn the whole ride into a concert” while pointing out its appetite for power and careful setup demands.
Quick Verdict: Conditional
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 3000W RMS multi-impedance (0.5–2 ohms) delivers high bass impact | Very high current draw under load |
| 108 RGB LED effects synced to music | Light patterns can be distracting for some |
| Solid build quality, compact form | Requires heavy-gauge wiring (min 4 AWG) and strong alternator |
| Good cooling and protection systems | Bass boost can cause distortion if misused |
| Flexible crossover and tuning controls | Limited frequency range (bass only) |
| Available in white or black finish | Power hungry for small vehicles |
Claims vs Reality
One of Taramps’ boldest claims is that the Big Boss 3 Bass “brings together the best technology available in terms of audio and design” with 3000 watts RMS at any of its rated impedances. The spec sheet confirms 0.5, 1, and 2-ohm outputs at full power, with a drop to 1700W at 4 ohms.
Digging into buyer reports, this holds up under proper setup. An Amazon verified buyer noted: “Runs my subs hard at 1 ohm with no clipping – but you must have the electrical to back it up." That conditioning—proper electrical support—was a recurring caveat.
Another claim is the “108 RGB LED effects that sync perfectly to the beat of your music.” While some adored this feature, eBay buyers admitted it’s “a bit gimmicky unless you’re into the show-car scene,” reinforcing that while technically true, its appeal depends heavily on user taste.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
One feature that drew consistent praise on Amazon, eBay, and Trustpilot was its sheer bass authority. A verified buyer on Amazon declared: “The punch is ridiculous – it wakes up subs that sounded bland on my old amp.” For bass-heavy genres, the combination of a wide low-pass range and adjustable bass boost between 35–60Hz allowed owners to dial in their sound precisely.
Durability also received nods. Reddit feedback called it “a rugged little beast” and highlighted the brushed metal finish as “scratch resistant and solid.” Users who pulled it from show cars after a season found “no corrosion on terminals” and “fan still quiet,” suggesting the “smart cooler” ventilation works well in real conditions.
Its compact size—9.37" x 9.45"—helped installers in tight trunks. One Trustpilot reviewer wrote: “Fits where big Korean amps would never go, giving me way more bass in my coupe.”
Common Complaints
The Big Boss 3 Bass’s most frequent criticism was power consumption. At full tilt, musical draw hits 190A, with peaks at 278A under sinusoidal load. As one eBay buyer warned: “If you don’t have the alternator and battery reserve, it will dim your headlights and starve your system.” This sentiment was echoed on Amazon, where multiple reviewers reported needing to upgrade electrical systems.
Heat management, although backed by cooling fans, drew mixed comfort levels. While some lauded the “never overheats” nature, a minority in hotter climates said the internal fan “runs constantly on summer days” and made them worry about long-term wear.
Divisive Features
The RGB lighting divided the room. Show-car enthusiasts loved it: “At night it’s the star of the build,” said a Trustpilot buyer. But minimalists saw it as “pointless battery drain.” The unit’s limited frequency range also sparked debate. While designed for sub use, a Reddit user complained: “Wish it had a wider band to run mids alongside – had to add another amp.”
Trust & Reliability
Concerns about reliability are rare, with most Trustpilot entries reading more like product praise than complaint logs. No pattern of dead-on-arrival incidents emerged, and the warranty coverage seemed adequate.
Long-term Reddit posts detailed six months to a year of use without performance drop. One user stated: “Still hitting just as hard, LEDs all working, no popping or hiss.” The main reliability threat, according to community consensus, comes from improper installation: the amp’s demand for solid wiring and stable voltage is non-negotiable.
Alternatives
In direct Taramps competition, the Smart 3 Bass offers similar 3000W RMS but drops the RGB lighting, focusing purely on audio output. This makes it appealing to those who want the same power but less flash. The Bass 3000 model matches the low-frequency tuning but lacks multi-impedance flexibility, locking to 1 ohm—better for fixed sub configurations but less versatile.
Price & Value
Recent eBay listings show new units at $288.98, while some outlets like Sweetheart Deals push prices toward $399 for the white version. Buyers noted that resale stays healthy, particularly for show-car builds, as the visual effects and compact footprint make it attractive for second-hand swaps.
Community buying tips boiled down to this: “Get it on sale, and budget for the electrical upgrades before installation.”
FAQ
Q: Can the Big Boss 3 Bass run full-range speakers?
A: No. Its 8Hz–200Hz frequency response is optimized for subwoofers and bass duties only, not mids or highs.
Q: Do I need an extra cooling setup?
A: The built-in smart cooler suffices for most, but hot-climate installers sometimes add external fans for reassurance.
Q: Will the RGB effects drain my battery?
A: Minimal impact if the vehicle is running, but when parked without the engine, they can pull unnecessary current.
Q: What wiring is required?
A: Minimum 4 AWG for power; max 1/0 AWG. 200A fuse or breaker recommended by manufacturer.
Q: Can it handle daily use at 0.5 ohms?
A: Yes, with adequate electrical upgrades, but sustained 0.5-ohm operation pushes the alternator and battery hard.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a bass enthusiast with a strong electrical setup and an appreciation for visual flair. Avoid if your system isn’t ready for high current draw or if you dislike integrated lighting effects. Pro tip from the community: “Set gain properly and watch voltage – that’s how you keep it pounding for years.”
