Jbl GTS100X User Manual
GRAND TOURING SERIES
2/1 Channel
Automotive Power Amplifier
GTS100x Owner’s Manual
GENUINE JBL
02
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
About Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Quick Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
System Design Using the GTS100x . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Signal Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Other Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Typical Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Installation and Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Installation Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Physical Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Controls and Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Mounting Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Power Supply Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
+12V Battery Wire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Ground Wire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Remote Turn-On Wire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Audio Input Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Line-Level Input Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Input-Mode Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Speaker-Level Input Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Simultaneous Speaker-Level and Line-Level Inputs . 19
Speaker Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Gain Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Other Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Solving Noise Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Additional System Configurations for Add-On or Upgrade . . . 30
In Case of Difficulty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Warranty Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Owner’s Warranty Information
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 preamplevel 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 highpass 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.
03
04
Features
• Bridgeable 2/1 Channel
Operation
• Simultaneous Stereo
Operation
• Built-in Staggered 18dB/Octave
100Hz High-Pass and 80Hz LowPass 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, DirectCoupled, Discrete Power
Amplifier Circuitry
+ Mono
• Gold-Plated RCA Input
Connectors
• Preamp Output Capability
• Convenient Easy-Disconnect
Power and Speaker Connections
• Third Order (18dB per Octave),
Capacitive/Inductive PowerSupply Filtering
• Input Mode Switching
• Made in USA
About Installation
Although the GTS100x 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 this
amplifier. If you feel you do not
have the necessary knowledge
and skills, we strongly recommend that the installation be
done by your authorized JBL
dealer. If the GTS100x is
installed by a qualified JBL
dealer, we will double the length
of your warranty to two years
from date of purchase.
If you choose to install the
GTS100x yourself, read all of
the information in this manual
before you start the installation.
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.
Quick Start
Recommended for experienced professional
installers only!
1. Disconnect the negative cable
from the battery. Note: If the
vehicle’s 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 crimptype insulated connectors
installed with a good crimping
tool. Soldering crimp connections
is recommended to further
enhance connection reliability.
Never use wire-nuts, insulationdisplacement 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.
4. Connect power wiring as
shown in the Wiring Diagram
on page 14, using the supplied
power harness.
5. Connect the outputs from the
signal source to the appropriate inputs of the amplifier
according to the Wiring
Diagram (page 14) 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 14.
7. Turn the input sensitivity
adjustment to the 1/4 position.
8. Set the input level switch to
“line” if you are using the linelevel (preamp) inputs.
9. Set the crossover switch as
desired.
10. Set the input mode switch to
stereo, left
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
Adjustments section on
page 23.
14. Read the rest of the manual to
get maximum use and enjoyment from your amplifier.
+ right or right
05
System Design Using the GTS100x
(+)
(-)
(+)
(-)
Parallel Wiring
Series Wiring
2 Ohms
Nominal
Impedance
8 Ohms
Nominal
Impedance
4 Ohms
4 Ohms
4 Ohms 4 Ohms
06
Speakers
When used in the non-bridged
mode, the GTS100x 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 GTS100x 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 just mentioned,
sustained operation of the
GTS100x 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
input-mode switch to provide
monaural operation.
The GTS100x 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.
+R” mode on the
Signal Sources
The low-level preamp outputs of
any radio/tape deck, CD player
or preamp/ equalizer so equipped
can drive the GTS100x. The Gain
control of the GTS100x 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 23).
Thanks to Universal Interface
circuitry, the GTS100x 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 GTS100x,
the speaker-level and preamplevel 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 controls
(Volume, Balance, Bass, Treble)
may be connected to the preamplevel 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 turning the
desired source on and turning the
undesired one off — no additional
switches or relay connections
are needed.
Other Components
The system options of the
GTS100x 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 GTS100x will match correctly to any equipment you
already have.
07
08
L
R
LRR
L– R+
– +
2 or 4-Ohm
Full-Range
Speakers or
Subwoofers
L– L+
– +
R– R+
– +
GTS100x
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
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.
GTS100x
B
L– R+
– +
GTS100x
A
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
GTS
10 0 x
CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER
GENUINE JBL
HIGH CURRENT 2/1
MADE IN USA
GTS
10 0 x
CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER
GENUINE JBL
HIGH CURRENT 2/1
MADE IN USA
GTS
10 0 x
CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER
GENUINE JBL
HIGH CURRENT 2/1
MADE IN USA
Typical Applications
The following diagrams show the
most common basic system configurations using the GTS100x.
More elaborate systems are
formed by using a combination
of these “building blocks.” For
additional ideas, refer to the
“Additional System Configurations for Add-On or Upgrade”
section on page 30.
09
Application 3
Biamplified, 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
GTS100x-B as shown in Application #1
GTS100x
A
L
R– R+
– +
GENUINE JBL
GTS
10 0 x
MADE IN USA
L– L+
2- or 4-Ohm
Full-Range
Speakers
– +
HIGH CURRENT 2/1
CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER
Front Rear
Preamp or
Input
GTS100x
L
B
R
Speaker-Level
Subwoofer
4-Ohm
– +
L– R+
GENUINE JBL
GTS
HIGH CURRENT 2/1
10 0 x
CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER
MADE IN USA
Application 4
Biamplified System Using
R
Preamp Output Capability
Amp Crossover Input Mode Line
Switch Switch Switch
A High Stereo Out
B Low L + R In
Stereo Subwoofers may be used by configuring
GTS100x-B as shown in Application #1 or
by using dual GTS100xs as shown in
Application #2
Speaker-
Level
Input
GTS100x
L R
A
L– L+
– +
Preamp
Output
GENUINE JBL
GTS
10 0 x
MADE IN USA
2- or 4-Ohm
Full-Range
Speakers
– +
R L
HIGH CURRENT 2/1
CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER
R– R+
GTS100x
B
Preamp
L R
L– R+
4-Ohm
Subwoofer
– +
Input
GENUINE JBL
GTS
HIGH CURRENT 2/1
10 0 x
CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER
MADE IN USA
Installation and Use
10
Installation Precautions
Before beginning the installation
of the amplifier, read the following precautions carefully. Failure
to heed these warnings could
result in personal injury or dam-
age to property.
• The GTS100x 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. Note: If
the vehicle’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 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
minimize the chance of electrical system damage or fire in
the event of a short circuit in
the power supply wire.
+12V wire to
Physical Installation
AIR FLOW
BEST-Vertical Mounting
AIR FLOW
GOOD-Horizontal Mounting
NEVER-Mount Upside Down
GTS
10 0 x
CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER
GENUINE JBL
HIGH CURRENT 2/1
MADE IN USA
There are several factors to consider when selecting a mounting
location for the GTS100x.
• 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
supply wire, which must be connected directly to the battery,
can be kept relatively short.
+12 volt power
• The GTS100x must be mounted
in a place where air can circulate around the fins on the chassis. Good air circulation around
the amplifier will make it operate at lower temperatures and
reduce the chance of the thermal protection circuits being
triggered. The installation positions that provide the most efficient air circulation around the
amplifier are shown at right.
• Use a mounting location that
allows access to the wiring connections and level adjustments.
This allows the unit to be
mounted before these connections and adjustments are
made. If the amplifier must be
mounted in an inaccessible
location, it may be easier to
mount it after the wiring connections and level adjustments
are complete.
11
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