JBL GTS100 User Manual
GTS100
2/1 CHANNEL AUTOMOTIVE POWER AMPLIFIER
OWNER’S MANUAL
GTS100
Table Of Contents
Introduction..................................................................................................3
Features.......................................................................................................4
About Installation .........................................................................................4
Quick Start...................................................................................................5
System Design Using the GTS100..............................................................6
Typical Applications.....................................................................................7
Installation Precautions................................................................................9
Physical Installation .....................................................................................9
Controls and Connectors...........................................................................10
Mounting Instructions.................................................................................12
Wiring.........................................................................................................12
Power Supply Connections........................................................................14
Audio Input Connections............................................................................15
Speaker Connections ................................................................................17
Operation...................................................................................................20
Solving Noise Problems.............................................................................21
Maintenance ..............................................................................................24
Additional System Configurations for Add-On or Upgrade ........................24
In Case of Difficulty....................................................................................27
Specifications.............................................................................................29
Owner’s Warranty Information Records
Model Number
Serial Number
Dealer Name
City, State, Zip
Sales Receipt Number
Date of Purchase
Introduction
Thanks for purchasing your new
GT series automotive amplifier. The
GT series amplifier you have chosen
includes many unique features to
enhance its performance and utility.
The power amplifier circuitry is a
fully discrete design notable for low
distortion and unusually clean and clear
reproduction quality. Your GT series
amplifier will easily connect to virtually
any car audio system, whether it is
factory installed or purchased
separately.
In addition to conventional preamp-level
inputs, this model features JBL’s
Universal Interface design, which facilitates simple connection to factory
radios with the low distortion that is usually only associated with preamp level
connection. With Universal Interface, a
factory radio can be used either as the
main music source or combined with a
CD changer which includes volume
control capability, simultaneously
connected directly to the amplifier.
By providing this two-unit direct connection, Universal Interface circuitry eliminates the need for an FM modulator to
connect a CD player to factory radios,
improving the fidelity of digital playback.
Also, when using a high-powered (BTL)
radio through the speaker-level inputs,
Common Sense turn-on circuitry
senses the common-mode voltage
present on the radio’s speaker wires
and turns the amplifier on without an
additional “remote” wire. When the
speaker-level inputs are used exclusively, the preamp-level inputs may be
converted to preamp-level outputs to
drive additional amplifiers or signal
processors.
In addition, the built-in active crossover
provides either high-pass or low-pass
operation. This lets your GT series
amplifier power either subwoofer or
main speakers in a bi-amplified system,
without the expense of an additional
crossover.
3
Features
About Installation
• Bridgeable 2/1 Channel Operation
• Simultaneous Stereo + Mono
Operation
• Built-in Staggered 18dB/Octave
100Hz High-Pass and 80Hz Low-Pass
Crossover
• No Current Limiting
• Oversized Floating Rail MOSFET
Switch-Mode Power Supply
• Common Sense 2-way Turn-On
• Stealth Remote Silent Turn-On
Circuitry with Power-On Indicator
• Continuously Adjustable Gain Controls
• Capable of Single-Ended Operation
Into 2-Ohm Loads.
• Fully Complementary, Direct-Coupled,
Discrete Power Amplifier Circuitry
• Gold Plated RCA Input Connectors
• Preamp Output Capability
• Convenient Easy-Disconnect Power
and Speaker Connections
Although the GTS100 was designed to
make installation as easy as possible, it
is a sophisticated product that requires
proper installation to realize its full performance potential. Skill with tools, an
understanding of basic electronics, and
experience with car stereo installation
are needed to properly install these
amplifiers. If you feel you do not have
the necessary knowledge and skills,
strongly recommend that the installation be done by your authorized
JBL dealer.
by a qualified JBL dealer, we will
the length of your warranty to two years
from date of purchase
If you choose to install the GTS100
yourself read
this manual
tion. Pay particular attention to the
safety precautions and notes.
It will save potential problems later if
you take a few minutes to plan the complete installation before you start. The
routing of wires, the power supply connection points, and the mechanical
installation of the unit should be completely thought out before you begin.
Work carefully and check each step as
it is performed. Before operating the
amplifier, recheck the entire installation
to be sure that each connection is correct, properly insulated and secure.
If the GTS100 is installed
.
all
of the information in
before
you start the installa-
we
double
• Third Order (18dB per Octave),
Capacitive/Inductive Power-Supply
Filtering
• Input Mode Switching
• Made in USA
4
Quick Start
Recommended for experienced
professional installers only!
1. Disconnect the negative cable from
the battery.
radio features a code type security
system, make certain you know the
code before disconnecting the
battery!
2. Mount the amplifier to the desired
location using four screws.
3. Run a minimum AWG #10 power
cable complete with a 20 amp fuse
(not included) directly from the positive +12V battery terminal to the
desired amplifier location. Keep
the fuse to within 5" of the battery
terminal, and before the wire runs
through any metal partition.
Note: All wiring connections should be
made either by soldering with heatshrink tubing insulation or with high
quality crimp type insulated connectors
installed with a good crimping tool.
Soldering crimp connections is recommended to further enhance connection
reliability. Never use wire-nuts, insulation-displacement connectors (i.e.
ScotchLok type), or “twist and tape”
connections. Do not use electrical tape;
it will loosen with age and extreme
temperatures. Never leave bare wire
exposed.
Note: If the vehicle’s
5. Connect the outputs from the signal
source to the appropriate inputs of
the amplifier according to the Wiring
Diagram (page 13) with either high
quality low-level signal cables with
RCA plugs, with the supplied
Speaker-level input connector, or
both.
6. Connect the speakers to the amplifier according to the wiring diagram
on page 13.
7. Turn the input sensitivity adjustment
1
to the
/4 position.
8. Set the input level switch to “line”
if you are using the line-level
(preamp) inputs.
9. Set the crossover switch as desired.
10. Set the input mode switch to
stereo, left + right or right input
only operation.
11. Reconnect the negative battery
cable.
12. Turn on the signal source at a low
volume level and check for the
correct output from each speaker.
13. Adjust the amplifier gain control,
using the procedure described in
the Gain Adjustment section on
page 20.
14. Read the rest of the manual to get
maximum use and enjoyment from
your amplifier.
4. Connect power wiring as shown in
the
Wiring Diagram
using the supplied power harness.
on page 13,
5
System Design Using the
(+)
(-)
(+)
(-)
Parallel Wiring
Series Wiring
2 Ohms
Nominal
Impedance
8 Ohms
Nominal
Impedance
4 Ohms
4 Ohms
4 Ohms 4 Ohms
GTS100
Speakers
When used in the non-bridged mode,
the GTS100 can easily drive 2 ohm
speaker loads. When only one speaker
is connected to each channel, virtually
any common speaker may be used.
When two speakers are connected in
parallel to a given channel, each speaker
must have a minimum impedance of at
least 4 ohms to ensure that the combined load does not drop below 2 ohms.
Although the amplifier will not be damaged, load impedances lower than 2
ohms will eventually cause the amplifier
to overheat, activating the protection
circuits and causing the unit to shut off
until it cools down sufficiently.
When the GTS100 is in bridged mode,
the combined impedance of the speaker
(or speakers) connected to the bridged
channel should be at least 4 ohms. As
in the example above, sustained operation of the GTS100 in bridged mode
with less than 4-ohms will likely cause
overheating. If monaural operation is
desired, and two 4-ohm speakers are
used, it is best to connect each speaker
to an individual amplifier channel and
use the “L+R” mode on the input-mode
switch to provide monaural operation.
The GTS100 must not be used with
speakers that have either one of their
input terminals wired to the frame of
the speaker or to the chassis of the
vehicle.
Signal Sources
The low level preamp outputs of any
radio/tape deck, CD player or preamp/
equalizer so equipped can drive the
GTS100. The Gain control of the
GTS100 is used to match the amplifier
to the output voltage of the source.
This matching is important to keep
noise low and is explained in the Gain
Adjustments section of this manual
(page 20).
Thanks to Universal Interface circuitry,
the GTS100 can also be connected to
power amplifiers, radios or equalizers
that are equipped with only speaker
outputs by connecting them through the
speaker level input connector. Inside
the GTS100, the speaker-level and
preamp-level inputs are connected
through a mixing circuit, which allows
them to be used simultaneously.
Therefore a low level source, such as
a CD player equipped with preamp
6
controls (Volume, Balance, Bass,
2 or 4-Ohm
Full-Range
Speakers or
Subwoofers
L– L+
– +
R– R+
– +
GTS100
GTS100
Application 1
Stereo Full-Range or Subwoofer Operation
Full-Range Operation
Subwoofer Operation
Crossover Input Mode Line
Switch Switch Switch
Off Stereo In
Crossover Input Mode Line
Switch Switch Switch
Low Stereo In
Main speakers are driven by head unit or additional amplifier.
Preamp or
Speaker-Level
Input
L
R
Treble) may be connected to the preamp-level inputs at the same time as a
powered radio/tape unit is connected to
the speaker-level inputs. This provides
a higher performance alternative to an
FM Modulator connection when you
wish to add CD capability to a factory
installed cassette radio. Switching from
one source to the other is as simple as
Other Components
The system options of the GTS100
are numerous. All JBL amplifiers are
designed with sufficient adjustment
range to match with the accepted “normal” voltages and impedances used by
virtually all car audio components. With
very few exceptions, the GTS100 will
match correctly to any equipment you
already have.
turning the desired source on and turning the undesired one off — no additional switches or relay connections are
needed.
Typical Applications
The following diagrams show the most common basic system configurations using the
GTS100. More elaborate systems are formed by using a combination of these “building
blocks.” For additional ideas, refer to the “Add On and Upgrade Section” near the end
of this manual.
7
L– L+
– +
L– R+
– +
R– R+
– +
R– R+
– +
L– R+
– +
L– L+
– +
L
R
LRR
L– R+
– +
GTS100
GTS100
4-Ohm
Full-Range
Speaker or
Subwoofer
4-Ohm
Full-Range
Speaker or
Subwoofer
Application 2
Bridge-Mode Operation
Single Amplifier:
Subwoofer-Operation (Mono)
Main speakers are driven by head unit or
additional amplifier.
Preamp or
Speaker-Level
Input
L
R
2 or 4-Ohm
Full-Range
Speakers
L
R
Front Rear
4-Ohm
Subwoofer
GTS100
A
GTS100
B
Application 3
Bi-amplified, Three-channel
Subwoofer/Satellite System.
Amp Crossover Input Mode Line
Switch Switch Switch
A High Stereo In
B Low L + R In
Stereo Subwoofers may be used by configuring
GTS100-B as shown in Application #1
GTS100
B
GTS100
Speaker-
Level
Input
L R
R L
2 or 4-Ohm
Full-Range
Speakers
L R
Preamp
Output
Preamp
Input
4-Ohm
Subwoofer
GTS100
B
GTS100
A
Application 4
Bi-amplified, System Using
Preamp Output Capability
Stereo Subwoofers may be used by configuring
GTS100-B as shown in Application #1 or
by using dual GTS100s as shown in
Application #2
Amp Crossover Input Mode Line
Switch Switch Switch
A High Stereo Out
B Low L + R In
GTS100
GTS100
L– R+
– +
GTS100
A
GTS100
For Single Amplifier
Subwoofer Use
For Dual-Amplifier
Full-Range or Subwoofer Use
Preamp or
Speaker Level
Crossover
Switch
Low
Amp
B
Input Mode
Switch
L + R
Line
Switch
In
Dual Amplifier:
Subwoofer-operation (Stereo)
Full-Range Operation (Stereo)
Crossover
Switch
Low
Amp
A + B
Input Mode
Switch
R
Line
Switch
In
Crossover
Switch
Off
Amp
A + B
Input Mode
Switch
R
Line
Switch
In
8
Installation Precautions
Before beginning the installation of the
amplifier, read the following precautions
carefully. Failure to heed these warnings could result in
damage to property
• The GTS 100 should be installed
only in vehicles that have 12-volt
negative ground electrical systems.
Connection to other types of electrical systems may damage the amplifier and/or the vehicle’s electrical
system.
•
Before beginning the installation, disconnect the negative (ground) cable
from the vehicle’s battery. This will
prevent accidental short circuits while
working on the installation. Reconnect
the cable only after the installation is
complete and the wiring has been
carefully checked to be sure there
are no exposed wires or short circuits
and everything is properly and
securely connected.
cle’s radio features a code type security system, make certain you know
the code before disconnecting the
battery!
• Work in an area that is well ventilated.
• Wear eye protection whenever cutting, drilling or filing any parts of the
vehicle.
• Wear ear protection when using high
speed drills, saws, sanders, or
grinders. We want you to be able to
enjoy the system once it is installed.
• Before cutting or drilling any holes in
the vehicle, inspect the area carefully
to be sure there are no electrical
personal injury or
.
Note: If the vehi-
wires, hydraulic brake lines, fuel
lines, or fuel tanks that may be damaged while doing so. Such components may be hidden within double
walled panels or structural members of the vehicle, so be extremely
cautious.
• Do not bypass or modify the fuse on
the chassis of the amplifier. Do not
replace the fuse with one rated for
higher current levels. Doing so could
result in damage to the amplifier
and the vehicle’s electrical system.
Repeated blowing of the power
supply fuse indicates a fault within
the amplifier or problems in the
installation.
• An additional power supply fuse (not
included) should be located as close
as possible to the battery on the
+12V wire to minimize the chance of
electrical system damage or fire in
the event of a short circuit in the
power supply wire.
Physical Installation
There are several factors to consider
when selecting a mounting location for
the GTS100.
• It must be solidly mounted in a place
where it will not be subjected to
excessive shock and vibration.
• Under no circumstances should the
amplifier be mounted where it will be
exposed to moisture or extreme heat.
• Try to mount the amplifier where the
main +12 volt power supply wire,
which must be connected directly to
the battery, can be kept relatively
short.
9
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