®
How to Install and Operate
the LXA300 Amplifier
®
POWER
HI INPUT
L
LOW INPUT
LEVEL
MIN MAX
LPF
BASS
-BOOST
OFF
ON
50 250
HPF
50 250
X-OVER
LPF
FULL
R
HPF
L
PASS
R
PROTECT
Welcome!
What you're holding in your hands is no ordinary
owner's manual. We've tried to make the instructions
in this book clear and easy to follow.
For your Jensen amplifier to work right, it must be
installed correctly. This manual will show you how to
install your new amplifier like a pro. It's a good idea to
read all of these instructions before you begin the
installation. Most installations are straightforward and
can be handled by a do-it-yourselfer with the right
tools, patience, and the ability to follow instructions.
But, do-it-yourself installation isn't for everyone. If you
still don't feel confident after reading this book,
consider turning the installation job over to someone
better suited to it.
Warranty Service
If your Jensen amplifier should ever require service,
you will need to have the original dated receipt. If you
ever need to return the unit for any reason, always
include the receipt with the product.
Technical Assistance
Contents
Features........................................ 2
Installation................................... 2
Before You Begin
Installation .....................................2
Amplifier Location ..........................2
Disconnect Battery ........................2
• Amplifier Installation Kit .............2
Supplies and Tools
Needed ..........................................3
Routing Wires ................................3
• Bigger is Better ..........................3
Wiring............................................. 4
Power and Outputs........................4
Power Terminal (BATT +12V) ........4
Ground Terminal (GND).................4
Remote Terminal (RMT +12V).......4
Fuses .............................................4
Inputs and Controls .......................5
Input Wiring....................................5
Pass Output ...................................5
Power Light....................................5
Protect Light ..................................5
Input Level Control ........................6
Bass Boost.....................................6
Crossover ......................................6
Speaker Wiring ..............................7
Testing .......................................... 9
Reconnect Battery .........................9
Test Power Wiring..........................9
Test Speaker Connections ............9
• Dealing with Alternator
Noise..........................................9
• Installing in Trunk.....................10
• Crimp Connections ..................10
• Securing Wires ........................ 10
• Speaker and
Power Wires ............................10
Troubleshooting....................... 11
Specifications
and Warranty............................. 12
For technical assistance with the operation or installation
of the LXA300, call 1-800-323-0221.
®
Features
LXA300
The Jensen LXA300 power amplifier is a twochannel 300-watt total system power automotive
amplifier. The LXA300 includes:
• RCA inputs
• High level inputs
• Continuously variable low pass or high
pass crossover
• Bass boost feature
• Remote turn on/off
• Electronic protection circuitry to protect the
amplifier from short circuit, DC offset and
thermal overload
• Unique, super-efficient heat sink design
• 2 x 75 watts RMS per channel (2 x 150
watts peak)
• Pass through connectors for adding other
amps
Installation
Before You Begin Installation
Before you begin, you will need tools, supplies
and adapters. It is best to make sure you have
everything you need before you start. There is a
list of supplies and tools on the next page.
• 150 watts RMS bridged into a 4 ohm load
• Bridgeable design to direct full power to one
speaker
Audio Amplifiers
Amplification offers two advantages:
• The LXA300 amplifier can make the sound
of your receiver fuller and richer, even at low
volume levels.
• Many automotive receivers provide four to
10 watts at maximum power. At 75 watts
RMS per channel (200 watts bridged), the
LXA300 can be played substantially louder,
permitting the use of more powerful
speakers.
Disconnect Battery
Before you begin, always
disconnect the battery
negative terminal.
–
+
Amplifier Location
Important
Allow air circulation around the amplifier.
The LXA300 amplifier’s compact design
allows greater flexibility in mounting. It can be
mounted under a seat or in the trunk.
When selecting a location, remember that
amplifiers generate heat. Select a location
where air can circulate around the amplifier.
Do not cover the LXA300 with carpets or
enclose it behind interior trim panels. Do not
mount the amplifier in an inverted or upside
down configuration. Every installation will be
a bit different based upon vehicle design.
Check all locations and placements carefully
before making any cuts or connections.
2
Important
If wiring connections are made wrong, the unit
will not operate properly and it could be
damaged. Follow the installation instructions
carefully, or have the installation handled by
an experienced technician.
Professional Tip
Amplifier Installation Kit
Your installation job will be much easier if you
purchase an amplifier installation kit. These
kits often include low-level RCA cables, extra
large power and ground wires, a fuse or circuit
breaker and connector for the battery.
LXA300
®
Supplies and Tools Needed
Supplies:
• Speaker wire (12 gauge for subwoofers, 16-18
gauge for other speakers)
• Sheet metal type screws for mounting amplifier
• Electrical tape
• Solderless crimp connectors
• 1/2" thick plywood or particle board to mount
amplifier on
Tools:
• Flat and Phillips screwdrivers
• Wire cutters
• Wire strippers
• Cordless or standard electric drill and drill bit set
• Crimping tool (if using solderless crimp connectors)
• 12-volt test light or digital multimeter
• Wire brush or scraper (to remove paint for a
good ground connection to vehicle)
• Soldering iron and rosin core solder (if you're
going to solder your connections)
Amplifier Installation Kit:
You will need an amplifier installation kit to install
your amp properly because it contains all the
wire and connectors that you will need to hook
up your new amp right the first time. If you want
to purchase these items separately you will need
the following:
• 20-25 feet of 8 gauge wire
• 30 amp fuse or circuit breaker (to be hooked up
at the battery)
• 20 feet of 18 gauge wire for the remote turn-on/
power antenna lead
• RCA cable (for signal input from radio)
– 20 feet for trunk installation
– 12 feet for under-seat installation
• Two 8 gauge ring terminals (one for the battery
connection and the other for the ground connection at the amp). You may need two additional
ring terminals if you are using a circuit breaker at
the battery.
• Two 8 gauge barrel connectors (you may need
these depending on what type of fuse holder you
have)
• Two 8 gauge spade terminals (to hook up power
at the amp)
• Four 12 gauge spade terminals for subwoofers or
16-18 gauge spade terminals for other speaker
connections to amp
• One 18 gauge spade terminal for remote turn-on/
power antenna lead
Routing Wires
Battery
Fuse or
Circuit
Breaker
Receiver
Power Antenna
Turn-on Wire
(18 gauge wire)
RCA Cables
Speakers
Ground Screw
Drill 1/8" hole in
chassis sheet metal
Amplifier
Professional Tip
Bigger is better
Stereo installation dealers sell extra thick
power and speaker wires to ensure best
sound. Look for 8 gauge power wire, especially if you have several amplifiers.
Use the same ground if
using multiple amplifiers
Battery
Connector
Grommet
To prevent
damage to
power wire
Power Wire
(8 gauge
wire or
larger)
3
®
Wiring
Power and Outputs
LXA300
FUSE
30A
Connect directly to the vehicle battery+
terminal with 8 gauge wire (minimum).
Not Supplied
30 amp Fuse
or Circuit Breaker
Battery
Terminal
Adapter
Install as close
to the battery
as possible
To Battery+
Terminal
Ground Terminal (GND)
POWER
RMT GND+ 12V
Spade
Connector
8 Gauge
Wire
RMT GND+ 12V
L + L – R – R +
SPEAKER
Remote Terminal (RMT +12V)Power Terminal (BATT +12V)
Connect the radio power antenna lead from
the receiver to the amplifier REMOTE terminal.
This turns the amplifier on whenever the receiver is turned on. If a power antenna lead is
not available, connect this wire to the radio or
accessory fuse.
Butt
Connector
(not supplied)
To Receiver
Power
Antenna Lead
RMT GND+ 12V
18 Gauge
Spade
Connector
Wire
Connect to a good chassis ground. The ground
connection should be to clean, unpainted metal
to provide a good electrical connection.
RMT GND+ 12V
Spade
Sheet Metal
Ring
Connector
Drill 1/8" hole
in chassis
sheet metal
Screw
(supplied)
4
Connector
8 Gauge
Wire
Fuses
30A
FUSE
Use only one 30 amp
blade-type fuse.