Jensen XA4300, XA4200 User Manual

XA4200
XA4300

®

Amplifier Installation and Operation

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Introduction

Thank you for purchasing a Jensen amplifier. The XA series
amplifiers offer extreme value and performance. Proper
installation is essential for optimal performance and long-term
reliability. Please read through this manual first to familiarize
yourself with your amplifier and its functions.

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.

Installation Assistance

M – F 8:00 am to 6:00 pm EST @ 1.800.323.0221
365 / 24 / 7 @ www.jensenaudio.com

®

Contents

Features ......................................... 3

Installation..................................... 3

Before You Begin ......................................... 3

Disconnect Battery ........................................ 3

Supplies and Tools Needed .......................... 3

Location and Mounting .................................. 4

Routing Wires................................................ 4

Wiring ............................................. 5

Power ............................................................5

Power Terminal (+12V) ................................. 5

Ground Terminal (GND) ................................ 5

Remote Terminal (REM) ............................... 5

Fuses ............................................................ 5

Inputs, RCA Output,

Remote Level Control ................................. 6

Input Wiring ................................................... 6

Remote Level Control (XA4300) ................... 7

Connecting Other Amps ................................ 7

Speaker Wiring Options .............................8

Indicators and Controls ............................ 10

Crossover (X-OVER) .................................. 10

Power/Protect Light ..................................... 10

2CH / 3CH / 4CH ........................................ 11

Level............................................................ 12

Bass ............................................................ 12

XA4200, XA4300

Testing ......................................... 12

Reconnect Battery ......................................12

Test Power Wiring ....................................... 12

Test Speaker Connections ..........................12

Troubleshooting........................... 13

Specifications .............................. 14

Warranty ...................................... 15

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5910 XA4CH_E.p65 01/23/01, 12:24 PM2

XA4200, XA4300

Features

XA Series 4-channel amplifiers include:

®

• Easy access top mounted controls

• Continuously variable high pass/low pass

crossover

• 40Hz – 400Hz crossover frequency range

• Crossover mode selector switch

• Continuously variable bass boost, centered

at 45Hz

• Input level control

• Remote level control (XA4300)

Installation

Before You Begin

Before you begin, you will need tools, supplies
and adapters. It is best to make sure you have
everything you need before you start.

• Traditional input circuitry – low and high level
inputs

• Pre-amp output for installation flexibility

• Dual status LED diagnostic indicator

• Thermal, short circuit and low impedance

protection circuitry

• PWM MOSFET power supply

• Discrete amplifier design with complementary

high current Bi-polar output stage

Supplies and Tools Needed

Supplies

• Black electrical tape

• Amplifier Installation Kit

Disconnect Battery

Before you begin, always
disconnect the battery
negative terminal.

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Tools

• Cordless drill with assortment of bits

• Flat and Phillips screwdrivers

+

–

• Wire cutters/strippers

• Crimping tool

• 12-volt test light or digital multimeter

• Wire brush, sandpaper or scraping tool

(ground connection to vehicle should be a
clean, unpainted metal surface)

3

®

XA4200, XA4300

Location and Mounting

The XA 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 amplifier 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.

Important

Allow air circulation around the amplifier.

Routing Wires

Battery

Battery

Connector

Fuse or

Circuit

Breaker

Receiver

RCA Cables

Amplifier

Power Antenna

Turn-on Wire

(18 gauge wire)

Speakers

Ground Screw

Drill 1/8" hole in

chassis sheet metal

Use the same ground if

using multiple amplifiers

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.

Grommet

To prevent
damage to

power wire

Power Wire

(8 gauge

wire or
larger)

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XA4200, XA4300

Wiring

Power

GND

REM

+ 12V

FUSE

Remote Terminal (REM)Power Terminal (+12V)

BRIDGE BRIDGE

RF RF LF LF

––

RR RR LR LR

++

®

Connect directly to the vehicle battery+
terminal with 8 gauge wire (minimum).

GND

REM

Terminal

+ 12V

Spade

Connector

8 Gauge

Wire

Fuse:

XA4200 50 AMP

XA4300 60 AMP

Battery

Terminal

Adapter

Fuse or

Circuit Breaker

Install as close

to the battery

as possible

To Battery+

Note:

This amplifier will only work with 12-volt systems.

Ground Terminal (GND)

Connect to a good chassis ground. The ground
connection should be to clean, unpainted metal
to provide a good electrical connection.

GND

REM

+ 12V

Connect the power antenna/amplifier turn-on
lead from the receiver to the AMPLIFIER
REMOTE terminal.

GND

REM

+ 12V

Spade

Connector

18 Gauge

To Receiver

Power

Antenna Lead

Wire

Fuses

Use only blade-type fuses.

Fuse:

XA4200 25 AMP

FUSE

XA4300 30 AMP

Sheet Metal

Screw

Drill 1/8" hole

in chassis

sheet metal

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Spade

Connector

8 Gauge

Wire

5

®

XA4200, XA4300

Inputs, RCA Output, Remote Level Control

INPUT

OUTPUT

LF

RF

INPUT

LF

RF

LF

RF

OUTPUT

LF

RF

FRONT

HI-LEVEL

FRONT

HI-LEVEL

XA4200

XA4300

Input Wiring

REMOTE

BASS

REAR

HI-LEVEL

REAR

HI-LEVEL

INPUT

OUTPUT

LR

RR

INPUT

LR

RR

LR

RR

OUTPUT

LR

RR

Low Level Input (RCA Input)

Low level (RCA) input is preferred for best
performance. Most trunk/hatchback installations
will require a 15-20 foot RCA cable. While pick­up trucks and under-seat mounting will require
a 6-10 foot RCA cable.

Connect an RCA cable
from your receiver to the RCA input on your
amplifier.

High Level Input

High level input should be used when an RCA
output is not available from the receiver.
Connect the speaker outputs from the receiver
to the high level input connector.

White = Left (+)
White/Black = Left (–)
Gray = Right (+)
Gray/Black = Right (–)
Black (ground)

Radio

Splice

(as necessary)

INPUT

REAR

HI-LEVEL

Hi Level

INPUT

OUTPUT

LR

RR

LR

RR

Low Level

OUTPUT

LF

RF

LF

RF

FRONT

HI-LEVEL

Hi Level

Important

Only connect the low (RCA) or high level input.
Do not use both at the same time.

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XA4200, XA4300

®

Remote Level Control – Rear
Speakers (XA4300)

PWR

MIN MAX

Remote level control allows
the input level to be adjusted
for the rear speakers from an
alternate location. It can be
mounted under-dash or in­dash.

When the amplifier is used to
drive subwoofers, and the low
pass crossover is activated,
the remote level control can be
used as a “remote bass level
control”. This enables you to control the
bass level, independent from the rest of the
system. This is convenient for system
tuning and/or when playing many different
types of music.

REMOTE

BASS

Connecting other Amps

INPUT

INPUT

OUTPUT

LR

RR

LR

RR

RCA Output

The “output” signal allows you to conveniently
connect other amplifiers to each other.

OUTPUT

LF

RF

LF

RF

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7

®

Speaker Wiring Options

XA4200, XA4300

4 Speakers

LPF
FULL
HPF

X-OVER

FRONT

REAR

LPF
FULL
HPF

X-OVER

BRIDGE BRIDGE

RF RF LF LF

––

2Ω

minimum

RR RR LR LR

++

2Ω

minimum

2 Subwoofers/Bridged Mono (XA4200)

LPF
FULL
HPF

X-OVER

FRONT

REAR

LPF
FULL
HPF

X-OVER

BRIDGE BRIDGE

RF RF LF LF

––

RR RR LR LR

++

2 Speakers + Bridged Subwoofer

LPF
FULL
HPF

X-OVER

FRONT

REAR

LPF
FULL
HPF

X-OVER

BRIDGE BRIDGE

RF RF LF LF

––

4Ω

minimum

RR RR LR LR

++

2Ω

minimum

4Ω

minimum

8

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4Ω

minimum

XA4200, XA4300

4 Speakers + 2 Subwoofers

LPF
FULL
HPF

X-OVER

FRONT

REAR

LPF
FULL
HPF

X-OVER

2Ω
4Ω

=

2Ω minimum

=

4Ω minimum

BRIDGE BRIDGE

RF RF LF LF

––

2Ω

4Ω

RR RR LR LR

++

Important

When running a subwoofer and two
full-range speakers together (Tri­mode operation), high and low pass

2Ω

filters must be used. Failure to install
these filters may damage your amp
and/or speakers.

2Ω

2Ω

®

4Ω

Freq. Speaker Impedance

Hz 2 OHMS 4 OHMS 8 OHMS

LC L C L C

80 4.1mH 1000µF 8.2mH 500µF 15mH 250µF

100 3.1mH 800µF 6.2mH 400µF 12mH 200µF

130 2.4mH 600µF 4.7mH 300µF 10mH 150µF

200 1.6mH 400µF 3.3mH 200µF 6.8mH 100µF

250 1.2mH 300µF 2.4mH 150µF 4.7mH 75µF

400 .8mH 200µF 1.6mH 100µF 3.3mH 50µF

600 .5mH 136µF 1.0mH 68µF 2.0mH 33µF

800 .41mH 100µF .82mH 50µF 1.6mH 26µF

1000 .31mH 78µF .62mH 39µF 1.2mH 20µF

1200 .25mH 66µF .51mH 33µF 1.0mH 16µF

1800 .16mH 44µF .33mH 22µF .68mH 10µF

4000 .08mH 20µF .16mH 10µF .33mH 5µF

L

Inductor

C

Capacitor

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9

®

Indicators and Controls

LPF

BASS

BASS

12dB

L-CH X R-CH X

400Hz

40Hz

40Hz

L-CH X R-CH X

-O

X

FRONT

REAR

X

FULL
HPF

V

-O

E

LPF

FULL

HPF

R

0dB

R

E

V

400Hz

MIN

LEVEL

LEVEL

XA4200, XA4300

POWER/

PROTECT

2CH

MAX

3CH
4CH

Crossover (X-OVER)

Adjust the crossover to accommodate your
chosen installation method.

• LPF–(low pass filter) Select

LPF
FULL
HPF

X-OVER

FRONT

REAR

LPF
FULL
HPF

X-OVER

this filter when the amplifier will
be driving woofers or
subwoofers.

• FULL–Crossover is not active,
amplifier is in “full range”
mode.

• HPF–(high pass filter) Select
this filter when the amplifier will
be driving full range/separate
speakers, and you want to limit
the “bass” going to these
speakers.

12dB

0dB

400Hz 400Hz

40Hz

40Hz

MAX

MIN

Tri-mode/Three channel operation

An amplifier is usually configured for tri-mode
operation when you want to use one amplifier to
drive a pair of front speakers and subwoofer(s).
In other words, when you want drive a complete
system with one amp. Your Jensen amplifier is
capable of tri-mode operation.

Important

Tri-mode operation requires using “passive
crossovers”. These crossovers are available at
your local retailer or install shop. Failure to
install these filters may damage your amplifier
and/or your speakers.

Power / Protect Light

POWER/

PROTECT

Green – Power applied, ON

Red – Protection circuit activated, STANDBY

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5910 XA4CH_E.p65 01/23/01, 12:24 PM10

A dual status LED indicator illuminates
red or green to indicate the status of
the amplifier.

XA4200, XA4300

2CH

4CH

3CH

®

2CH/3CH/4CH

The XA4200/XA4300 can be configured for three
different input modes: 4 channel, 3 channel or
2 channel.

4 Channel

When the input selector is set to

2CH
3CH

4 CH, the amplifier will operate as

4CH

a standard 4 channel amp with all
RCA inputs connected.

INPUT

REAR

HI-LEVEL

INPUT

OUTPUT

LR

RR

OUTPUT

FRONT

LF

HI-LEVEL

RF

3 Channel

When the input selector is set to

2CH
3CH

3 CH, the amplifier is configured for

4CH

stereo/mono operation. The front
channels of the amplifier operate in
stereo mode. The rear channels of
the amplifier are internally bridged
for mono operation. In 3 CH the
following RCA inputs will be used:

2 Channel

When the input selector is set to
2 CH, the amplifier is configured for
bridged stereo operation. The
amplifier will need a two channel
input even though there are four
inputs. In the 2 CH the following
inputs will be used:

INPUT

INPUT

REAR

HI-LEVEL

OUTPUT

RR

Note

Although the above illustrations indicate the
low level input being used, the same
connections would apply to the high level
input.

OUTPUT

FRONT

LF

HI-LEVEL

INPUT

REAR

HI-LEVEL

5910 XA4CH_E.p65 01/23/01, 12:24 PM11

OUTPUT

RR

INPUT

OUTPUT

INPUT

INPUT

REAR

HI-LEVEL

FRONT

LF

HI-LEVEL

RF

OUTPUT

High Inputs

OUTPUT

FRONT

HI-LEVEL

11

®

XA4200, XA4300

Level

BASS

L-CH X

R-CH X

LEVEL

FRONT

REAR

The input level control matches the output of
your radio to the input of the amplifier. After
the installation is complete, make sure the
input level control on the amp is turned down
all the way (counterclockwise or all the way to
the left). Play a tape or CD (make sure bass
and treble settings or EQ are flat too) and
turn the volume up slowly until you just start
to hear distortion. Now back the volume down
just a bit. On the amp, slowly turn up the input
level control (clockwise or to the right) until
you just start to hear distortion and back it
down a bit. Now your radio and amplifier
levels are matched.

12dB

0dB

BASS

0dB

12dB

400Hz

40Hz

L-CH X

400Hz 400Hz

40Hz

40Hz

40Hz

R-CH X

400Hz

MIN

MIN

LEVEL

MAX

MAX

Bass

BASS

L-CH X

R-CH X

LEVEL

FRONT

REAR

BASS increases the volume of the bass at
45Hz by up to 12 db.

Use very carefully!

12dB

0dB

BASS

0dB

12dB

400Hz

40Hz

L-CH X

400Hz 400Hz

40Hz

40Hz

40Hz

R-CH X

400Hz

MIN

MIN

LEVEL

MAX

MAX

Testing

Before you finish the installation, you should do the following tests to make sure the wiring is correct
and everything is operating properly.

Reconnect Battery

When wiring is complete,
reconnect the battery
negative terminal.

–

Test Power Wiring

1. Turn on the receiver but do not turn up
the volume. The amplifier power light
should come on. If not, check the
REM and +12V wires.

2. Turn up the receiver volume slightly. All
speakers should operate. If not, check
wiring connections at amplifier and
speakers.

+

Test Speaker Connections

These tests make sure the speakers are
connected right. If speakers don’t play at all,
one (or both) speaker wires may be
disconnected. If the wrong speaker plays (you
hear left speaker when you expect right
speaker) make sure you connected the wires
correctly.

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XA4200, XA4300

Troubleshooting

Problem Possible Cause Corrective Action

Amplifier does not operate
(power LED not on) when
vehicle and radio are on

Radio volume needs to be
turned up too high for amp
to work

Radio volume is too sensitive

Sound from only one speaker

Sound distorted

Blows fuses

Engine noise
(Ignition noise/static or
Alternator whine)

Protect light comes on/
amplifier shuts down

No output on channels

No power to +12V terminal

No power to remote wire with radio on

Fuse blown

Input level control adjusted too low

Input level control adjusted too high

Defective speaker

Poor connections to speaker (wire)

RCA input cable defective

Input level control adjusted too high

Speaker wires shorting together

Power wires hooked up incorrectly

Speakers blown or defective

Improper ground connections
Ground loop(s)

Amp is in thermal protection

Faulty speaker connection and/or
crossover

Low battery voltage

Speaker impedance less than 2 ohms
per channel

Speaker wires not connected to
speakers properly

Input hooked up incorrectly

Repair wire or connections.

Check connections to radio with test light.

Check fuse.

Adjust input level control.

Adjust input level control to lower setting.

Replace speaker.

Check connections.

Replace cable.

Adjust input level control.

Separate speaker wires and insulate.

Check power wire connections.

Check speakers.

Reroute RCA away from main power wires.

Reroute RCA cable.

Make sure amp is grounded to a clean, solid part of the chassis/frame.

Let amp cool down before attempting to turn back on (some installations may
require a fan to keep the amp cool, especially if you are driving subwoofers with
the amp).

Check speakers and/or crossovers for loose or bad connections.

Make sure you are getting between 10.8-15.6 volts to the amplifier with a digital
multimeter measured at the amplifier.

If you are using 4 ohm speakers you cannot have more than two speakers wired
in parallel per channel. Amp will not operate into 2 ohms bridged.

Refer to pages 6 – 9 for proper installation.

®

5910 XA4CH_E.p65 01/23/01, 12:24 PM13

13

®

XA4200, XA4300

Specifications

XA Series 4-Channel Amplifiers

Frequency Response ....................................................................................... 20 Hz-20 kHz ± 0.5 dB

Signal to Noise Ratio @ Rated Power ....................................................................................>100 dB

Channel Separation @ Ref. Power ............................................................................... >65 dB, 1 kHz

THD & IMD @ Ref. Power into 2 ohms ...................................................................................... <0.8%

Speaker Impedance .............................................................................................................. 2-8 ohms

Input Impedance ................................................................................................................. 47 k ohms

Bass Boost Center Frequency ..................................................................................................... 45Hz

Crossover .................................................................................................... 12 dB/octave, Butterworth

Power Requirement ...................................................................14.4 VDC (10.8-15.6 VDC allowable)

XA4200

Power output @ 14.4 VDC, 20-20 kHz

(4 ohms) ........................................................................ 50 Watts per channel RMS, < 0.5% THD

(2 ohms) ........................................................................ 75 Watts per channel RMS, < 0.8% THD

(4 ohms) bridged ......................................................... 150 Watts per channel RMS, < 0.8% THD

Dimensions ................................................................ 3" x 11.125" x 10" (76mm x 283mm x 254mm)

XA4300

Power output @ 14.4 VDC, 20-20 kHz

(4 ohms) .............................................................. Front: 50 Watts per channel RMS, < 0.5% THD

Rear: 100 Watts per channel RMS, < 0.5% THD

(2 ohms) .............................................................. Front: 75 Watts per channel RMS, < 0.8% THD

Rear: 150 Watts per channel RMS, < 0.8% THD

(4 ohms) bridged ............................................... Front: 150 Watts per channel RMS, < 0.8% THD

Rear: 300 Watts per channel RMS, < 0.8% THD

Dimensions ................................................................ 3" x 11.125" x 13" (76mm x 283mm x 330mm)

Specifications subject to change without notice.

14

5910 XA4CH_E.p65 01/23/01, 12:24 PM14

XA4200, XA4300

Limited One Year Warranty–
USA and Canada

®

Length of Warranty. This warranty from Recoton Mobile
Electronics shall be in effect for a period of one year from
the date of the first consumer purchase.

Persons Protected. This warranty will be enforceable by
the original owner and any subsequent owners during the
warranty period so long as proof of date of purchase from
an authorized Jensen dealer is presented whenever
warranty service is required.

What is Covered. Except as otherwise specified below,
this warranty covers all defects in material and
workmanship in this product. The following are not covered:
damage resulting from accident, misuse, abuse, neglect,
product modification, improper installation, incorrect line
voltage, unauthorized repair or failure to follow instructions
supplied with the product; damage occurring during
shipment (claims must be presented to the carrier);
elimination of car static
or other electrical interferences; any product purchased
outside USA or Canada, or on which the serial number
has been defaced, modified or removed.

How You Can Get Service.

U.S. Purchasers. Please telephone Jensen at

1-800-323-4815. We will either inform you of the name
and address of an authorized Jensen repair station which
will service the product or will advise you to send the
product to a factory service center.

Canadian Purchasers. The product should be returned
to the Jensen dealer from whom it was purchased and
such dealer either will service or arrange for service of
the product.

If shipment of the product is required, it should be packed
securely. The original dated bill of sale must always be
included with the product as proof of warranty coverage.

What We Will Pay For. We will pay for all labor and
material expenses required to repair the product, but you
must pay any labor costs for the removal and/or installation
of the product. If the product is shipped for warranty
service, you must prepay the initial shipping charges, but
Jensen will pay the return shipping charges if the product is
returned to an address inside the USA or Canada.

Exclusion of Certain Damages. Jensen’s liability is
limited to the repair or replacement, at our option, of any
defective product and shall not include incidental or
consequential economic damages of any kind.

Some states and/or provinces do not allow limitations on
how long an implied warranty lasts and/or do not allow the
exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential
damages, so the above limitations and 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 and
province to province.

®

5910 XA4CH_E.p65 01/23/01, 12:24 PM15

Recoton Mobile Electronics

A Division of Recoton Audio Corporation

A RECOTON

®

COMPANY

1090 Emma Oaks Trail

Lake Mary, Florida 32746

©2001 Recoton Audio Corporation

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