owner’s manual
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! |
Serial Number |
Installation Applications |
We value you as a long-term customer. For |
In the event that your amplifier requires |
This amplifier is designed for operation in |
that reason, we urge you to practice restraint in |
service or is ever stolen, you will need to |
vehicles with 12V, negative-ground electrical |
the operation of this product so as not to damage |
have a record of the product’s serial number. |
systems. Use of this product in vehicles with |
your hearing and that of others in your vehicle. |
Please take the time to enter that number in |
positive ground and/or voltages other than 12V |
Studies have shown that continuous exposure to |
the space provided below. The serial number |
may result in damage to the product and will void |
high sound pressure levels can lead to permanent |
can be found on the bottom panel of the |
the warranty. |
(irreparable) hearing loss. This and all other |
amplifier and on the amplifier packaging. |
This product is not certified or approved for |
high-power amplifiers are capable of producing |
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use in aircraft. Do not attempt to “bridge” the |
such high sound pressure levels when connected |
Serial Number: |
outputs of this amplifier with the outputs of a |
to a speaker system. Please limit your continuous |
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second amplifier, including an identical one. |
exposure to high volume levels. |
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While driving, operate your audio system in |
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Planning Your Installation |
a manner that still allows you to hear necessary |
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It is important that you take the time to read |
noises to operate your vehicle safely (horns, |
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this manual and that you plan out your |
sirens, etc.). |
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installation carefully. The following are some |
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considerations that you must take into account |
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when planning your installation. |
Chassis Ground
Connector
(pg. 5)
+12 V Power |
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Remote Turn-On |
Speaker Outputs |
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Connector |
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Connector |
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(pg. 10) |
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(pg. 5) |
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(pg. 6) |
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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.
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Power Status |
Filter |
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High-Level |
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Left & Right |
Bass Boost |
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Indicator |
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Frequency Selector |
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Input Jack |
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Preamp Output Jacks |
Control |
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(pg. 11) |
Protection Status(pg. 8) Input Sensitivity |
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(pg. 6,7) |
Left & Right (pg. |
8) |
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Remote |
(pg. 9) |
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Indicator |
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Control |
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Preamp Input Jacks |
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Level Control |
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(pg. 11) |
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(pg. 7) |
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(pg. 6) |
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(pg. 9) |
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! 
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 which does not interfere with your vehicle’s safety equipment (air bags, 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 other vital vehicle system.
•Do not run system wiring outside or underneath the vehicle. This is an extremely dangerous practice which 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.
ENGLISH
2 |
JL Audio |
JX250/1 •JX500/1 •JX1000/1D |
3 |
Product Description
JL Audio JX 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.
1) Disconnect the negative battery post connection and secure the disconnected cable to prevent accidental re-connection during installation. This step is not optional!
2) Run 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 next page for appropriate wire size.
3) Connect power wire to the positive battery post. Fuse the wire with an appropriate fuse block (and connectors) within 18 inches (45 cm) wire length of the positive battery post. This fuse is essential to protect the vehicle.
Do not install the fuse until the power wire has been connected to the amplifier.
4) Run signal cables (RCA cables) and remote turn-on wire from the source unit to the amplifier mounting location.
5) Run speaker wire from the speaker systems to the amplifier mounting location.
6) Find a good, solid metal grounding point close to the amplifier and connect the negative power wire to it using 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).
7) Securely mount the amplifier using appropriate hardware.
8)Connect the positive and negative power wires to the amplifier.
9) Connect the remote turn-on wire
to the amplifier.
10)Connect the input cables to the amplifier.
11)Connect the speaker wires to the amplifier.
12)Carefully review the amplifier’s control settings to make sure that they are set according to the needs of the system.
13)Install power wire fuse (see next page for correct value) and reconnect the negative battery post terminal.
14)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.
15)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.
16)Enjoy the fruits of your labor with your favorite music.
4 |
JL Audio |
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 wire.
Minimum Power / Ground
Wire Size Requirements:
JX250/1: 8 AWG
JX500/1: 4 AWG
JX1000/1D: 4 AWG
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 wire 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
JX 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 wire (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) wire 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 JX 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.
JX250/1 •JX500/1 •JX1000/1D |
5 |
ENGLISH
REMote turn-On
The JX 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 ignitionswitched 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 1/2- inch (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 JX 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 mono for 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 feeding 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.
1)Low-Level Inputs: A standard left/ right pair of RCA type jacks is used for preamp level (low-level) signal input on the JX monoblocks. This is the preferred connection method whenever available.
2)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 JX monoblock will attenuate the high-level signal to make it compatible with its input stage.
!
IMPORTANT
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).
The connections for the “Hi-Level Inputs” plug wires are as follows from left to right on the plug:
White: Left Positive (+)
White/Black: Left Negative (–)
Black: Common Ground (rarely used)*
Gray: Right Positive (+)
Gray/Black: Right Negative (–)
*The only time you will use the “Common Ground” connection is with some older (pre1980’s) factory systems or head units that ground their speakers to chassis ground. To use this connection, ground the black wire on the plug to chassis ground and only connect the Left and Right
Positive plug wires to the factory radio outputs.
! 
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.
ENGLISH
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.
6 |
JL Audio |
JX250/1 •JX500/1 •JX1000/1D |
7 |
Low-pass filter Control
The JX 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.
“Preouts”
The JX monoblock incorporates a pass- through preamp output (Preouts) section, designed to make multiple amplifier systems easy to set up. This section consists of a pair of RCA-type jacks marked “Preouts”.
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 "Preouts" 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
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.
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).
ENGLISH
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JL Audio |
JX250/1 •JX500/1 •JX1000/1D |
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SpeaKEr OUTPUT
Subwoofer connection to the JX monoblock is straightforward and takes place at the
far right of the power/speaker connection panel. Two positive (“+”) connections and two negative (“–”) connections are available via a connector labeled “Speaker Output (Mono)”. The dual connections allow for two separate speaker wire runs to be parallelconnected 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 JX 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:
1)“Power” (Green): Located at the far left of the amplifier’s control panel, this LED lights to indicate that the amplifier is turned on and operating normally.
2)“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 in to 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
ENGLISH
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JL Audio |
JX250/1 •JX500/1 •JX1000/1D |
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