JL AUDIO JX250 1 JX500 1 JX1000 1D Monoblock Subwoofer Amplifiers Owner’s Manual
- June 3, 2024
- JL AUDIO
Table of Contents
JX250 1 JX500 1 JX1000 1D Monoblock Subwoofer Amplifiers
Owner’s Manual
JX250/1 JX500/1 JX1000/1D Monoblock Subwoofer Amplifiers
Thank you for purchasing a JL Audio amplifier for your automotive sound
system.
Your amplifier has been designed and manufactured to exacting standards in
order to ensure years of musical enjoyment in your vehicle. For maximum
performance, we highly recommend that you have your new amplifier installed by
an authorized JL Audio dealer. Your authorized dealer has the training,
expertise, and installation equipment to ensure optimum performance from this
product. Should you decide to install the amplifier yourself, please take the
time to read this manual thoroughly so as to familiarize yourself with its
installation requirements and setup procedures.
If you have any questions regarding the instructions in this manual or any
aspect of your amplifier’s operation, please contact your authorized JL Audio
dealer for assistance. If you need further assistance, please call our
Technical Support Department at
954-443-1100 during business hours.
PROTECT YOUR HEARING!
We value you as a long-term customer. For that reason, we urge you to practice
restraint in the operation of this product so as not to damage your hearing
and that of others in your vehicle. Studies have shown that continuous
exposure to high sound pressure levels can lead to permanent (irreparable)
hearing loss. This and all other high-power amplifiers are capable of
producing such high sound pressure levels when connected exposure to high
volume levels.
While driving, operate your audio system in a manner that still allows you to
hear necessary noises to operate your vehicle safely (horns, sirens,
etc.).
SERIAL NUMBER
In the event that your amplifier requires service or is ever stolen, you will
need to have a record of the product’s serial number. the space provided
below. The serial number
can be found on the bottom panel of the amplifier and on the amplifier
packaging.
Serial Number
INSTALLATION APPLICATIONS
This amplifier is designed for operation in vehicles with 12V, negative-ground
electrical systems. Use of this product in vehicles with the positive ground
and/or voltages other than 12V may result in damage to the product and will
void the warranty.
This product is not certified or approved for use in aircraft. Do not attempt
to “bridge” the outputs of this amplifier with the outputs of a second
amplifier, including an identical one.
PLANNING YOUR INSTALLATION
It is important that you take the time to read this manual and that you plan
out your installation carefully. The following are some considerations that
you must take into account when planning your installation.
Cooling Efficiency Considerations:
The outer shell of your JL Audio amplifier is designed to remove heat from the
amplifier circuitry. For optimum cooling performance, this outer shell should
be exposed to as large a volume of air as possible. Enclosing the amplifier in
a small, poorly ventilated chamber can lead to excessive heat build-up and
degraded performance. If an installation calls for an enclosure around the
amplifier, we recommend that this enclosure be ventilated with the aid of a
fan. In normal applications, fan-cooling is not necessary.
IMPORTANT!
Mounting the amplifier upside down is strongly discouraged.
If mounting the amplifier under a seat, make sure there is at least 1 inch
(2.5 cm) of space above the amplifier’s outer shell to permit proper cooling.
Safety Considerations:
Your amplifier needs to be installed in a dry, well-ventilated environment and
in a manner that does not interfere with your vehicle’s safety equipment
(airbags, seat belt systems, ABS brake systems, etc.). You should also take
the time to securely mount the amplifier using appropriate hardware so that it
does not come loose in the event of a collision or a sudden jolt to the
vehicle.
Stupid Mistakes to Avoid:
- Check before drilling any holes in your vehicle to make sure that you will not be drilling through a gas tank, brake line, wiring harness, or another vital vehicle system.
- Do not run system wiring outside or underneath the vehicle. This is an extremely dangerous practice that can result in severe damage to your vehicle and person.
- Protect all system wires from sharp metal edges and wear by carefully routing them, tying them down, and using grommets and loom where appropriate.
- Do not mount the amplifier in the engine compartment, under the vehicle, on the roof, or in any other area that will expose the amplifier circuitry to the elements.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
JL Audio XJ monoblock subwoofer amplifiers are specifically designed to drive
subwoofers. Their frequency response is limited to the range below 150 Hz.,
making them unsuitable for driving midrange speakers or tweeters. For detailed
specifications, please refer to Appendix B (page 13).
TYPICAL INSTALLATION SEQUENCE
The following represents the sequence for a typical amplifier installation,
using an aftermarket source unit or OEM Interface product. Additional steps
and different procedures may be required in some applications. If you have any
questions, please contact your authorized JL Audio dealer for assistance.
-
Disconnect the negative battery post connection and secure the disconnected cable to prevent accidental re-connection during installation. This step is not optional!
-
Run the power wire from the battery location to the amplifier mounting location, taking care to route it in such a way that it will not be damaged and will not interfere with vehicle operation. See the next page for the appropriate wire size.
-
Connect the power wire to the positive battery post. Fuse the wire with an appropriate fuse block (and connectors) within 18 inches (45 cm) of the wire length of the positive attery post. This fuse is essential to protect the vehicle. Do not install the fuse until the power wire has been connected to the amplifier.
-
Run signal cables (RCA cables) and remote turn-on wire from the source unit to the amplifier mounting location.
-
Run speaker wire from the speaker systems to the amplifier mounting location.
-
Find a good, solid metal grounding point close to the amplifier and connect the negative power wire to it using the appropriate hardware. Use the same size power wire used for the +12V connection, no longer than 36 inches (90 cm) from the amplifier’s ground (GND) connector to the ground connection point. In some vehicles, it may be necessary to upgrade the battery ground wire. (See page 5 for important notice).
-
Securely mount the amplifier using the appropriate hardware.
-
Connect the positive and negative power wires to the amplifier.
-
Connect the remote turn-on wire to the amplifier.
-
Connect the input cables to the amplifier.
-
Connect the speaker wires to the amplifier.
-
Carefully review the amplifier’s control settings to make sure that they are set according to the needs of the system.
-
Install the power wire fuse (see next page for the correct value) and reconnect the negative battery post terminal.
-
Turn on the source unit at a low level to double-check that the amplifier is configured correctly. Resist the temptation to crank it up until you have verified the control
settings. -
Make necessary adjustments to the input sensitivity controls to obtain the right overall output and the desired balance in the system. See Appendix A (page 12) for the recommended input sensitivity setting method.
-
Enjoy the fruits of your labor with your favorite music.
POWER CONNECTIONS
Before installing the amplifier, disconnect the negative (ground) wire from
the vehicle’s battery. This will prevent accidental damage to the system, the
vehicle and your person during installation. The amplifier’s “+12 VDC”
(positive) and “Ground” (ground) connections are designed to accept up to 4
AWG power wires.
Minimum Power / Ground Wire Size Requirements:
JX250/1: 8 A WG
JX500/1: 4 AWG
JX1000/1D: 4 A WG
Note: Smaller AWG numbers mean bigger wire and vice-versa (1/0 AWG is the
largest, 2 AWG is smaller, then 4 AWG, then 8 AWG, etc.).
The above wire gauge recommendations assume no other amplifiers are connected
to the same wire. Use larger wires with a fused distribution block (or
separate wires) for multiple amplifiers.
If you are installing this amplifier with other amplifiers and wish to use a
single main power wire, use 2 AWG or 1/0 AWG main power wire (depending on the
overall current demands of all the amplifiers in the system). This 2 AWG or
1/0 AWG power wire should terminate into a fused distribution block mounted as
close to the amplifiers as possible and should connect to the XJ monoblock
with 4 AWG power wire (8 AWG is sufficient for the JX250/1 only).
To connect the power and ground wires to the amplifier, strip 1/2-inch (12 mm)
of insulation from each wire and insert the bare wire into the appropriate
terminal block positions on the JX250/1. Use the supplied 2.5 mm hex wrench to
secure the wire via the screw on the top of each terminal.
The “Ground” connection should be made using 4 AWG wires (8 AWG is sufficient
for JX250/1 only) and should be kept as short as 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 as firewalls),
must be protected with a high-quality insulating grommet to prevent damage to
the insulation of the wire. Failure to do so may result in a dangerous short
circuit.
IMPORTANT!
Many vehicles employ small (10 AWG – 6 AWG) wires to ground the battery to the
vehicle chassis and to connect the alternator’s positive connection to the
battery. To prevent voltage drops, these wires should be upgraded to 4 AWG
when installing amplifier systems with main fuse ratings above 60A.
FUSE REQUIREMENTS
JX250/1: 30A (AGU or MAXI®)
JX500/1: 60A (AGU or MAXI®)
JX1000/1D: 80A (AGU, ANL, or MAXI®)
An appropriate fuse at the main power wire(s) to the amplifier(s) is vital for
vehicle safety! This fuse must be installed within 18 inches (45 cm) of the
positive battery post connection. If the XJ monoblock is the only device
connected to this main wire, use the corresponding fuse value listed above (no
other fuse is required in this situation).
When running multiple devices from one main power wire, the main fuse value
and rating of the main power wire must be high enough for all of the equipment
being run from it. Use a fused distribution block to split the main power wire
feed to each device, with appropriate fusing and power wire for each device.
REMOTE TURN-ON
The XJ monoblock amplifier is turned on and off using a conventional +12V
remote turn-on lead, typically controlled by the source unit’s remote turn-on
output. The amplifier will turn on when +12V is present at its “Remote” input
and turn off when +12V is switched off. If a source unit does not have a
dedicated remote turn-on output, the amplifier’s turn-on lead can be connected
to +12V via a switch that derives power from an ignition-switched circuit.
18 AWG wire is more than adequate for the remote turn-on connection. To
connect the remote turn-on wire to the amplifier, strip 1/2inch (12 mm) of
insulation from the
wire and insert it into the “Remote” receptacle on the power connector.
Tighten the connector down using the supplied 2.5 mm hex wrench.
AMPLIFIER INPUTS
The XJ monoblock amplifier offers two input connection methods, one for high-
level (speaker level) signals and one for low-level (preamp level) signals.
You may run a stereo or a mono signal into the inputs of the amplifier. The
amplifier’s input section automatically sums stereo signals to monitor the
internal amplifier section.
The amplifier will operate with only one input connection (left or right), but
will require an increase in input sensitivity to overcome the loss of signal.
For this reason, when entering a mono input signal into the “Low-Level
Inputs”, use a Y-adaptor splitter to split the mono signal and connect it to
both the Left and Right Low-Level Inputs of the amplifier. When feeding a mono
signal to the “Hi-Level Inputs”, connect it in parallel to both left and right
input wires.
- Low-Level Inputs: A standard left/ right pair of RCA-type jacks is used for preamp level (low-level) signal input on the XJ monoblocks. This is the preferred connection method whenever available.
- Hi-Level Inputs: If your system does not offer a preamp level signal option, you can connect speaker-level signals directly to the “Hi-Level Inputs” connector using the supplied mating connector and wire harness. Simply splice the 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 XJ monoblock will attenuate the high-level signal to make it compatible with its input stage.
IMPORTANT!
Make sure you observe the correct polarity in making the “Hi-Level Input”
connections. Failure to do so will result in a complete loss of signal (no
bass).
The connections for the “Hi-Level Inputs” plug wires are as follows from left
to right on the plug:
White: White/Black: Left Negative (–)
Black: Common Ground (rarely used)
Gray: Gray/Black: Right Negative (–)
The only time you will use the “Common Ground” connection is with some older (pre1980) factory systems or head units that ground their speakers to chassis ground. To use this connection, ground the black wire on the plug to the chassis ground and only connect the Left and Right
IMPORTANT!
If you plan to use the preamp outputs to feed a 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.
“INPUT SENSITIVITY” (GAIN) ADJUSTMENT
Located to the left of the input connectors is a rotary control labeled “Input
Sens.”. This rotary control can be used to match the source unit’s output
voltage to the input stage of the amplifier for maximum clean output. Rotating
the control clockwise will result in higher sensitivity (louder for a given
input voltage). Rotating the control counter-clockwise will result in lower
sensitivity (quieter for a given input voltage). To properly set the amplifier
for maximum clean output, please refer to Appendix A (page 12) in this manual.
After using this procedure, you can then adjust the level of the amplifier by
adjusting the input sensitivity downward, if the amplifier requires
attenuation to achieve the desired system balance.
Do not increase the “Input Sens.” setting for any amplifier in the system
beyond the maximum level established during the procedure outlined in Appendix
A (page 12). Doing so will result in audible distortion and possible speaker
damage.
LOW-PASS FILTER CONTROL
The XJ monoblock employs a 12dB/octave low-pass active filter for its internal
channel. This feature is designed to attenuate frequencies above its filter
frequency so that the system’s subwoofers do not reproduce any audible mid-
range content. The low-pass filter is fully variable between 50 Hz and 200 Hz
via the “Filter Frequency” control knob. 80 Hz (as shown in the diagram below)
is a good starting point for system tuning. “PRE-OUTS”
The XJ monoblock incorporates a pass designed to make multiple amplifier
systems easy to set up. This section consists of a pair of RCA-type jacks
marked “Pre outs”. These preamp outputs deliver the same signal that is being
fed to the Low-Level inputs. (If the input signals are full-range, the preamp
outputs will be full-range). This signal is not affected by the bass boost or
Filter processing selected for the amplifier.
IMPORTANT!
The “Pre outs” of the JX250/1 and JX500/1 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.
“BASS BOOST” CONTROL
The JX monoblock includes a single band, boost-only bass equalizer controlled
by a rotary knob marked “Bass Boost”. This control has a boost range of 0dB
(full-counterclockwise) to +12dB (full-clockwise) and is centered at 45 Hz.
REMOTE LEVEL CONTROL
With the optional RBC-1 Remote Level Control (sold separately), you can
control the subwoofer volume from the front of the vehicle.
The RBC-1 connects to the jack labeled “Remote Level Control” on the
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 XJ Monoblock.
Care should be taken to securely mount this control in a manner that does not
interfere with vehicle operation.
When setting the amplifier’s input sensitivity, the Remote Level Control
should be unplugged or at full clockwise rotation (maximum level).
SPEAKER OUTPUT
Subwoofer connection to the XJ monoblock is straightforward and takes place at
the ar right of the power/speaker connection panel. Two positive (“+”)
connections and
two negatives (“–”) connections are available via a connector labeled “Speaker
Output (Mono)”. The dual connections allow for two separate speaker wire runs
to be parallel connected to the amplifier’s mono output.
**IMPORTANT!
Speaker loads below 2Ω nominal are not recommended and will cause the
amplifier to enter into a protection mode.
Do not chassis ground any speakers connected to this or any other JL Audio
amplifier. Doing so will cause the amplifier to go into protection. To connect
the speaker wires to the amplifier, strip 1/2-inch (12 mm) of insulation from
each speaker wire and insert them into their appropriate connector (observing
correct polarity). Then, tighten each connector using the supplied 2.5 mm hex
wrench.
IMPORTANT!
Do NOT attempt to “bridge” two XJ monoblocks together or combine their output
to a single load in any manner. Doing so will damage the amplifier(s).
IMPORTANT!
Before reconnecting the battery ground and turning the system on, verify that
all control settings on the amplifier are set according to the needs of the
system.
STATUS INDICATOR LIGHTS / PROTECTION CIRCUITRY**
There are two status indicator lights on the amplifier’s control panel. These are as follows:
- “Power” (Green): Located at the far left of the amplifier’s control panel, these LED lights indicate that the amplifier is turned on and operating normally.
- “Protect” (Red): Indicates that the amplifier protection circuitry has been activated to prevent product failure due to thermal overload, short-circuit or a dangerously low impedance connected to the amplifier outputs. Connecting the speaker output to an impedance lower than 2 ohms will cause this protection mode to activate. When this
protection mode is activated, the amplifier will shut down to protect its circuitry. When the problem is corrected, the amplifier will return to normal operation and the Protect” LED will shut off.
SERVICING YOUR AMPLIFIER
If your amplifier fails or malfunctions, please return it to your authorized
JL Audio dealer so that it may be sent into JL Audio for service. There are no
user-serviceable parts or fuses inside the amplifier. The unique nature of the
circuitry 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.
If you have any questions about the installation or setup of the amplifier not
covered in this manual, please contact your dealer or technical support.
JL Audio Technical Support:
954-443-1100
9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Eastern Time Zone)
Monday – Friday
APPENDIX A:
Input Sensitivity Level Setting
Following the directions below will allow the installer to adjust the input
sensitivity of each amplifier channel pair simply and easily in just a few
minutes using equipment that is commonly available in installation bays.
Necessary Equipment
- Digital AC Voltmeter
- CD with a sine-wave test tone recorded at 0 dB reference level in the frequency range to be amplified (50 Hz is a good choice). Do not use attenuated test tones (-10 dB. -20 dB. etc.).
The Nine-Step Procedure
- Disconnect the subwoofer(s) from the amplifier’s subwoofer output connector (you
- Turn off all processing (bass/treble, loudness, EQ, etc.) on the source unit, processors (if used), and amplifiers. Set the source unit’s fader control to center position and its subwoofer level control to 3/4 of maximum. If connected, set the amplifier’s Remote Level Control at maximum (full clockwise).
- Turn the amplifier’s “Input Sens.” control all the way down.
- Set the source unit volume to 3/4 of the full volume. This will allow for reasonable gain overlap with moderate clipping at full volume.
- Using the charts on this page, determine the target voltage for input sensitivity adjustment according to the nominal impedance of the speaker system connected to the amplifier outputs. Make sure you reference the appropriate chart for your specific XJ monoblock model.
- Verify that you have disconnected the speaker’s appropriate sine wave (50 Hz is recommended) at 3/4 source unit volume.
- Connect the AC voltmeter to the speaker output connectors of the amplifier. Make sure you test the voltage at the correct connectors (+ and –).
- Increase the “Input Sens.” control until the target voltage is observed with the voltmeter.
- Once you have adjusted the amplifier to its maximum low-distortion output level, reconnect the speaker(s) and listen to the system. The “Input Sens.” controls can now be adjusted downward if the amplifier requires attenuation to achieve the desired system balance.
IMPORTANT!
Do not increase any “Input Sens.” setting for any amplifier channel or channel
pair in the system beyond the maximum level established during this procedure.
Doing so will result in audible distortion and possible speaker damage.
It will be necessary to re-adjust the “Input Sens.” for the affected channels
if any equalizer boost is activated after setting the “Input Sens.” with this
procedure. This applies
to any EQ boost circuit, including source unit tone controls or EQ circuits.
EQ cuts will not require re-adjustment.
JX250/1
Nom. Impedance| Target AC Voltage
4Ω| 26.5 V
3Ω| 25.1 V
2Ω| 22.4 V
JX500/1
Nom. Impedance| Target AC Voltage
4Ω| 36.9 V
3Ω| 35.5 V
2Ω| 31.6 V
JX1000/1D
Nom. Impedance| Target AC Voltage
4Ω| 44.7 V
3Ω| 47.4 V
2Ω| 44.7 V
APPENDIX B:
Specifications
Input Section (all models):
Low-Level Input: Single-ended with RCA jacks
Low-Level Input Range: 200mV – 4V RMS
High-Level Input: Single-ended with molded connector
High-Level Input Range: 2.0V – 10.0V RMS
Signal Processing (all models):
Filter Type: 12dB/octave Low-Pass with continuously variable cutoff
frequency selection from 50 – 200 Hz. Not defeatable.
Preamp Output: 2-Ch., pass-through with RCA-type jacks
Bass Boost: Single-band with 45 Hz center frequency, adjustable from 0 to
+12dB.
Remote Level Control: Via optional, wired RBC -1 remote control knob.
Full mute to 0 dB range. (RBC -1 is sold separately.)
JX250/1 Specifications:
Amplifier Topology: Class A/B
Power Supply: Unregulated PWM switching type
Frequency Response: 10 – 150 Hz (+0/– 1 dB)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio:
87 dBA referred to the highest rated power, >63 dBA referred to 1W (20 Hz – 20 kHz noise bandwidth)
Damping Factor: >160 @ 4 ohms / >80 @ 2 ohms
THD + Noise @ Rated Power: 1 %
Rated Continuous (RMS) Power @ 14.4V:
175W RMS x 1 @ 4Ω
210W RMS x 1 @ 3Ω
250W RMS x 1 @ 2Ω
Rated Continuous (RMS) Power @ 12.5V:
130W RMS x 1 @ 4Ω
170W RMS x 1 @ 3Ω
210W RMS x 1 @ 2Ω
Recommended Fuse Value (Type): 30A (MAXI or AGU)
Minimum Copper Power/Ground Wire Gauge: 8 AWG
Dimensions (LxWxH):
10.94″ x 7.68″ x 2.09″ (278 mm x 195 mm x 53 mm)
Net Weight: 6.0 lbs. (2.72 kg)
JX500/1 Specifications:
Amplifier Topology: Class A/B
Power Supply: Unregulated PWM switching type
Frequency Response: 10 – 150 Hz (+0/– 1 dB)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio:
90 dBA referred to the highest rated power, >63 dBA referred to 1W (20 Hz – 20 kHz noise bandwidth)
Damping Factor: >160 @ 4 ohms / >80 @ 2 ohms
THD + Noise @ Rated Power: 1 %
Rated Continuous (RMS) Power @ 14.4V:
340W RMS x 1 @ 4Ω
420W RMS x 1 @ 3Ω
500W RMS x 1 @ 2Ω
Rated Continuous (RMS) Power @ 12.5V:
270W RMS x 1 @ 4Ω
340W RMS x 1 @ 3Ω
410W RMS x 1 @ 2Ω
Recommended Fuse Value (Type): 60A (MAXI or AGU)
Minimum Copper Power/Ground Wire Gauge: 4 AWG
Dimensions (LxWxH):
13.70″ x 7.68″ x 2.15″ (348 mm x 195 mm x 53 mm)
Net Weight: 7.9 lbs. (3.58 kg)
JX1000/1D Specifications:
Amplifier Topology: Class D
Power Supply: Unregulated PWM switching type
Frequency Response: 20 – 150 Hz (+/– 1 dB)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio:
75 dBA referred to highest rated power, >45 dBA referred to 1W (20 Hz – 20 kHz noise bandwidth)
Damping Factor: >1000 @ 4 ohms
THD + Noise @ Rated Power: 1 %
Rated Continuous (RMS) Power @ 14.4V:
500W RMS x 1 @ 4Ω
750W RMS x 1 @ 3Ω
1000W RMS x 1 @ 2Ω
Rated Continuous (RMS) Power @ 12.5V:
500W RMS x 1 @ 4Ω
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)
APPENDIX C: TROUBLESHOOTING “How do I properly set the input sensitivity on my amplifier”
Please refer to Appendix A (page 12) to set the input sensitivity for maximum, low-distortion output.
“My amplifier doesn’t turn on”
Check the fuse, not just visually, but with a continuity meter. It is possible for a fuse to have poor internal connections that cannot be found by visual inspection. It is best to take the fuse out of the holder for testing. If no problem is found with the fuse, inspect the fuse holder.
Check the integrity of the connections made to each of the “+12VDC”, “Ground”, and “Remote” terminals. Ensure that no wire insulation is pinched by the terminal set screw and that each connection is tight.
Check to make sure there is +12V at the “Remote” connection of the amplifier. In some cases, the turn-on lead from the source unit is insufficient to turn on multiple devices and the use of a relay is required. To test for this problem, jump the “+12VDC” wire to the “Remote” terminal to see if the amplifier turns on. If this does not work, proceed to the next step.
“My amplifier’s output fluctuates when I tap on it or hit a bump”
Check the connections to the amplifier. Make sure that the insulation for all wires has been stripped back far enough to allow a good contact area inside the terminal block.
Check the input connectors to ensure that they all are making good contact with the input jacks on the amplifier.
“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 should be in the range that is to be amplified by the amplifier(for 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 halfway. 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 wires. Make sure to strip the wire to allow for a sufficient connection with the metal inside the terminal block.
INSTALLATION NOTES:
Use this diagram to document your amplifier’s switch and control positions. LIMITED WARRANTY – AMPLIFIERS (USA)
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 a 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 the 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, and 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.
The 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.
If you need service on your JL AUDIO product:
All warranty returns should be sent to JL Audio’s Amplifier Service Facility freight-prepaid through an authorized JL Audio dealer and must be accompanied by proof of purchase (a copy of the original sales receipt). Direct returns from consumers or non-authorized dealers will be refused unless specifically authorized by JL Audio with a valid return authorization number. Warranty expiration on products returned without proof of purchase will be determined from the manufacturing date code. Coverage may be invalidated as this date is previous to the purchase date. Non-defective items received will be returned freight-collect. The customers are responsible for shipping charges and insurance in sending the product to JL Audio. Freight damage on return is not covered under warranty.
For Service Information in the U.S.A. please call
JL Audio Customer Service:
954-443-1100
9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Eastern Time Zone)
JL Audio, Inc
10369 North Commerce Pkwy.
Miramar, FL 33025
(do not send product for repair to this address)
International Warranties:
Products purchased outside the United States of America are covered only
by that country’s distributor and not by JL Audio, Inc.