Owner'S Manual: Class D Monoblock Subwoofer Amplifiers
Owner'S Manual: Class D Monoblock Subwoofer Amplifiers
Chassis Ground
Connector
(pg. 5)
2 JL Audio
INSTALLATION APPLICATIONS ! I M P O R TA N T !
This amplifier is designed for operation in Mounting the amplifier upside down is
vehicles with 12V, negative-ground electrical strongly discouraged.
systems. Use of this product in vehicles with
positive ground and/or voltages other than 12V If mounting the amplifier under a seat,
may result in damage to the product and will void make sure there is at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of
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the warranty. space above the amplifier’s outer shell to permit
This product is not certified or approved for proper cooling.
use in aircraft. Do not attempt to “bridge” the
outputs of this amplifier with the outputs of a Safety Considerations:
second amplifier, including an identical one. Your amplifier needs to be installed in a dry,
well-ventilated environment and in a manner
PLANNING YOUR INSTALLATION which does not interfere with your vehicle’s safety
It is important that you take the time to read equipment (air bags, seat belt systems, ABS brake
this manual and that you plan out your systems, etc.). You should also take the time to
installation carefully. The following are some securely mount the amplifier using appropriate
considerations that you must take into account hardware so that it does not come loose in the
when planning your installation. event of a collision or a sudden jolt to the vehicle.
4 JL Audio
POWER CONNECTIONS
Before installing the amplifier, disconnect the 2.5 mm hex wrench to secure the wire via
negative (ground) wire from the vehicle’s battery. the screw on the top of each terminal.
This will prevent accidental damage to the system, The “Ground” connection should be made
the vehicle and your person during installation. using 4 AWG wire (8 AWG is sufficient for
JX250/1D only) and should be kept as short as
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possible, while accessing a solid piece of sheet
metal in the vehicle. The surface of the sheet
metal should be sanded at the contact point
to create a clean, metal-to-metal connection
between the chassis and the termination of the
ground wire. The use of a #10 sheet metal screw
and star washer to lock down the connection is
advisable. Alternatively, you can use a specialized
grounding lug, such as the JL Audio XB-MGLU.
Any wires run through metal barriers (such
The amplifier’s “+12 VDC” (positive) and as firewalls), must be protected with a high
“Ground” (ground) connections are designed to quality insulating grommet to prevent damage
accept up to 4 AWG power wire. to the insulation of the wire. Failure to do so
may result in a dangerous short circuit.
Minimum Power / Ground
Wire Size Requirements:
JX250/1D: 8 AWG
! I M P O R TA N T !
JX500/1D: 4 AWG Many vehicles employ small (10 AWG -
JX1000/1D: 4 AWG 6 AWG) wire to ground the battery to the
vehicle chassis and to connect the alternator’s
Note: Smaller AWG numbers mean bigger wire positive connection to the battery. To prevent
and vice-versa (1/0 AWG is the largest, 2 AWG is voltage drops, these wires should be upgraded
smaller, then 4 AWG, then 8 AWG, etc.). to 4 AWG when installing amplifier systems
with main fuse ratings above 60A.
The above wire gauge recommendations
assume no other amplifiers are connected FUSE REQUIREMENTS
to the same wire. Use larger wire with JX250/1D: 30A (AGU or MAXI®)
a fused distribution block (or separate JX500/1D: 50A (AGU or MAXI®)
wires) for multiple amplifiers. JX1000/1D: 80A (AGU, ANL or MAXI®)
If you are installing this amplifier with other
amplifiers and wish to use a single main power An appropriate fuse at the main power wire(s)
wire, use 2 AWG or 1/0 AWG main power wire to the amplifier(s) is vital for vehicle safety! This
(depending on the overall current demands of fuse must be installed within 18 inches (45 cm)
all the amplifiers in the system). This 2 AWG of the positive battery post connection. If the JX
or 1/0 AWG power wire should terminate into a monoblock is the only device connected to this
fused distribution block mounted as close to the main wire, use the corresponding fuse value listed
amplifiers as possible and should connect to the above (no other fuse is required in this situation).
JX monoblock with 4 AWG power wire (8 AWG is When running multiple devices from one
sufficient for the JX250/1D only). main power wire, the main fuse value and rating
To connect the power and ground wires of the main power wire must be high enough
to the amplifier, strip 1/2-inch (12 mm) of for all of the equipment being run from it. Use a
insulation from each wire and insert the fused distribution block to split the main power
bare wire into the appropriate terminal block wire feed to each device, with appropriate fusing
positions on the JX250/1D. Use the supplied and power wire for each device.
6 JL Audio
“INPUT SENSITIVITY” (GAIN) ADJUSTMENT
2) Hi-Level Inputs: If your system does not offer Located to the left of the input connectors is a
a preamp level signal option, you can connect rotary control labeled “Input Sens.”. This rotary
speaker level signals directly to the “Hi-Level control can be used to match the source unit’s
Inputs” connector using the supplied mating output voltage to the input stage of the amplifier
connector and wire harness. Simply splice the for maximum clean output.
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appropriate left/right and positive/negative
wires to the included harness and plug the
harness into the “Hi-Level Inputs” connector
on the amplifier. The JX monoblock will
attenuate the high-level signal to make it
compatible with its input stage.
! I M P O R TA N T !
Make sure you observe correct polarity in
making the “Hi-Level Input” connections.
Failure to do so will result in a complete loss of
signal (no bass).
White: Left Positive (+) Rotating the control clockwise will result
White/Black: Left Negative (–) in higher sensitivity (louder for a given input
Black: Common Ground (rarely used)* voltage). Rotating the control counter-clockwise
Gray: Right Positive (+) will result in lower sensitivity (quieter for a given
Gray/Black: Right Negative (–) input voltage). To properly set the amplifier for
maximum clean output, please refer to Appendix
*The only time you will use the “Common A (page 12) in this manual. After using this
Ground” connection is with some older (pre- procedure, you can then adjust the level of the
1980’s) factory systems or head units that ground amplifier by adjusting the input sensitivity
their speakers to chassis ground. To use this downward, if the amplifier requires attenuation to
connection, ground the black wire on the plug to achieve the desired system balance.
chassis ground and only connect the Left and Right
Positive plug wires to the factory radio outputs. Do not increase the “Input Sens.” setting for
any amplifier in the system beyond the maximum
level established during the procedure outlined
! I M P O R TA N T !
in Appendix A (page 12). Doing so will result in
If you plan to use the preamp outputs to feed a audible distortion and possible speaker damage.
stereo amplifier, you must connect stereo
signals to the inputs of the amplifier. A mono
signal into the amplifier will result in a mono
signal out of its preamp output.
! I M P O R TA N T !
The "Preouts" of the JX250/1D and JX500/1D
will not pass signals from the Hi-Level inputs.
The JX1000/1D will pass signals from the
Hi-Level inputs and will attenuate them to
Low-Level.
8 JL Audio
“BASS BOOST” CONTROL REMOTE LEVEL CONTROL
The JX monoblock includes a single band, With the optional RBC-1 Remote Level
boost-only bass equalizer controlled by a rotary Control (sold separately), you can control the
knob marked “Bass Boost”. This control has a subwoofer volume from the front of the vehicle.
boost range of 0dB (full-counterclockwise) to The RBC-1 connects to the jack
+12dB (full-clockwise) and is centered at 45 Hz. labeled “Remote Level Control” on the
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Connection Panel of the JX Monoblock
amplifier, using a standard telephone
cable (supplied with the RBC-1).
When connected to the amplifier, the
Remote Level Control operates as follows.
At full counter-clockwise rotation, the audio
will mute completely. At full clockwise
rotation the level will be the same as if
the RBC-1 was not connected at all. In
other words, it operates strictly as a level
attenuator. This control will not affect the
"Bass Boost" feature of the JX Monoblock.
! I M P O R TA N T !
Speaker loads below 2Ω nominal are not
recommended and will cause the amplifier to
enter into a protection mode.
10 JL Audio
STATUS INDICATOR LIGHTS / SERVICING YOUR AMPLIFIER
PROTECTION CIRCUITRY If your amplifier fails or malfunctions, please
return it to your authorized JL Audio dealer so
that it may be sent in to JL Audio for service.
There are no user serviceable parts or fuses inside
the amplifier. The unique nature of the circuitry
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in the JL Audio amplifiers requires specifically
trained service personnel. Do not attempt
to service the amplifier yourself or through
unauthorized repair facilities. This will not only
void the warranty, but may result in the creation
of more problems within the amplifier.
12 JL Audio
APPENDIX B:
Specifications
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High-Level Input: Single-ended with molded connector Frequency Response: 10 - 150 Hz (+0/– 1 dB)
High-Level Input Range: 2.0V - 10.0V RMS Signal to Noise Ratio:
>62 dBA referred to highest rated power, >35 dBA
Signal Processing (all models): referred to 1W (20 Hz - 20 kHz noise bandwidth)
Filter Type: 12dB/octave Low-Pass with continuously Damping Factor: >1000 @ 4 ohms
variable cutoff frequency selection from 50 - 200 Hz. THD + Noise @ Rated Power: 1 %
Not defeatable. Rated Continuous (RMS) Power @ 14.4V:
Preamp Output: 2-Ch., pass-through with RCA-type jacks 300W RMS x 1 @ 4Ω
Bass Boost: Single-band with 45 Hz center frequency, 400W RMS x 1 @ 3Ω
adjustable from 0 to +12dB. 500W RMS x 1 @ 2Ω
Remote Level Control: Via optional, wired RBC-1 remote Rated Continuous (RMS) Power @ 12.5V:
control knob. Full mute to 0 dB range. (RBC-1 is sold 235W RMS x 1 @ 4Ω
separately.) 300W RMS x 1 @ 3Ω
410W RMS x 1 @ 2Ω
JX250/1D Specifications: Recommended Fuse Value (Type): 50A (MAXI or AGU)
Amplifier Topology: Class D Minimum Copper Power/Ground Wire Gauge: 4 AWG
Power Supply: Unregulated PWM switching type Dimensions (LxWxH):
Frequency Response: 10 - 150 Hz (+0/– 1 dB) 7.83" x 7.68" x 2.15" (199 mm x 195 mm x 53 mm)
Signal to Noise Ratio: Net Weight: 4.8 lbs. (2.18 kg)
>97 dBA referred to highest rated power, >76 dBA referred
to 1W (20 Hz - 20 kHz noise bandwidth) JX1000/1D Specifications:
Damping Factor: >1000 @ 4 ohms Amplifier Topology: Class D
THD + Noise @ Rated Power: 1 % Power Supply: Unregulated PWM switching type
Rated Continuous (RMS) Power @ 14.4V: Frequency Response: 20 - 150 Hz (+/– 1 dB)
160W RMS x 1 @ 4Ω Signal to Noise Ratio:
200W RMS x 1 @ 3Ω >75 dBA referred to highest rated power, >45 dBA referred
250W RMS x 1 @ 2Ω to 1W (20 Hz - 20 kHz noise bandwidth)
Rated Continuous (RMS) Power @ 12.5V: Damping Factor: >1000 @ 4 ohms
125W RMS x 1 @ 4Ω THD + Noise @ Rated Power: 1 %
160W RMS x 1 @ 3Ω Rated Continuous (RMS) Power @ 14.4V:
220W RMS x 1 @ 2Ω 500W RMS x 1 @ 4Ω
Recommended Fuse Value (Type): 30A (MAXI or AGU) 750W RMS x 1 @ 3Ω
Minimum Copper Power/Ground Wire Gauge: 8 AWG 1000W RMS x 1 @ 2Ω
Dimensions (LxWxH): Rated Continuous (RMS) Power @ 12.5V:
7.83" x 7.68" x 2.09" (199 mm x 195 mm x 53 mm) 500W RMS x 1 @ 4Ω
Net Weight: 4.6 lbs. (2.09 kg) 700W RMS x 1 @ 3Ω
900W RMS x 1 @ 2Ω
Recommended Fuse Value (Type): 80A (MAXI or ANL)
Minimum Copper Power/Ground Wire Gauge: 4 AWG
Dimensions (LxWxH):
10.94" x 7.68" x 2.09" (278 mm x 195 mm x 53 mm)
Net Weight: 7.0 lbs. (3.18 kg)
14 JL Audio
“My amplifier turns on, but there is no output”
Check the input signal using an AC voltmeter to measure the
voltage from the source unit while an appropriate test tone is
played through the source unit (disconnect the input cables
from the amplifier prior to this test). The frequency used
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should be in the range that is to be amplified by the amplifier
(example: 50 Hz for a sub bass application or 1 kHz for a full
range / high-pass application). A steady, sufficient voltage
(between 0.2 and 8.0-volts) should be present at the output of
the signal cables.
Check the output of the amplifier. Using the procedure explained in
the previous check item (after plugging the input cables back
into the amplifier) test for output at the speaker outputs of
the amplifier. Unless you enjoy test tones at high levels, it is
a good idea to remove the speaker wires from the amplifier
while doing this. Turn the volume up approximately half
way. 5V or more should be measured at the speaker outputs.
This output level can vary greatly between amplifiers but it
should not be in the millivolt range with the source unit at
half volume. If you are reading sufficient voltage, check your
speaker connections as explained below.
Check to ensure that the speaker wires are making a good
connection with the metal inside the terminal block. The
speaker wire connectors are designed to accept up to 8 AWG
wire. Make sure to strip the wire to allow for a sufficient
connection with the metal inside the terminal block.
16 JL Audio
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JL AUDIO warrants this product to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a
period of two (2) years. The warranty is extended to three (3) years total if installation is performed by an
authorized JL Audio dealer using a JL Audio Premium Power Connection System for power wiring.
This warranty is not transferrable and applies only to the original purchaser from an authorized
JL AUDIO dealer. Should service be necessary under this warranty for any reason due to manufacturing
defect or malfunction, JL AUDIO will (at its discretion), repair or replace the defective product with new
or remanufactured product at no charge. Damage caused by the following is not covered under warranty:
accident, misuse, abuse, product modification or neglect, failure to follow installation instructions,
unauthorized repair attempts, misrepresentations by the seller. This warranty does not cover incidental
or consequential damages and does not cover the cost of removing or reinstalling the unit(s). Cosmetic
damage due to accident or normal wear and tear is not covered under warranty.
Warranty is void if the product’s serial number has been removed or defaced.
Any applicable implied warranties are limited in duration to the period of the express warranty as
provided herein beginning with the date of the original purchase at retail, and no warranties, whether
express or implied, shall apply to this product thereafter. Some states do not allow limitations on implied
warranties, therefore these exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights,
and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
International Warranties:
Products purchased outside the United States of America are covered only
by that country’s distributor and not by JL Audio, Inc.