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
1.800.323.0221
365 / 24 / 7 @ www.jensen.com
®
Contents
Features ......................................... 3
• 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
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.
Disconnect Battery
Before you begin, always
disconnect the battery
negative terminal.
+
–
Supplies and Tools Needed
Supplies
• Black electrical tape
• Amplifier Installation Kit
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)
6236 XA2CH_E.p655/7/01, 2:07 PM3
3
®
XA2125, XA275, XA250
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
Fuse or
Breaker
Receiver
RCA Cables
Speakers
Amplifier
Ground Screw
Drill 1/8" hole in
chassis sheet metal
Use the same ground if
using multiple amplifiers
Circuit
Power Antenna
Turn-on Wire
(18 gauge wire)
Battery
Connector
Grommet
To prevent
damage to
power wire
Power Wire
(8 gauge
wire or
larger)
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.
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XA2125, XA275, XA250
Wiring
Power
®
REM
GND
+ 12V
Power Terminal (+12V)
Connect directly to the vehicle battery+
terminal with 8 gauge wire (minimum).
GND
REM
Terminal
+ 12V
Spade
Connector
8 Gauge
Wire
Fuse
XA2125 60 AMP
XA27530 AMP
XA25025 AMP
Circuit Breaker
Battery
Terminal
Adapter
Fuse or
Install as close
to the battery
as possible
To Battery+
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
Spade
Sheet Metal
Screw
Connector
BRIDGE
RR –LL
FUSE
Remote Terminal (REM)
Connect the power antenna/amplifier turn-on
lead from the receiver to the AMPLIFIER
REMOTE terminal.
GND
REM
To Receiver
Power
Antenna Lead
Fuses
Use only blade-type fuses.
Fuse
XA2125 30 AMP x 2
FUSE
XA27530 AMP x 1
XA25025 AMP x 1
+ 12V
Spade
Connector
18 Gauge
Wire
Drill 1/8" hole
in chassis
sheet metal
6236 XA2CH_E.p655/7/01, 2:07 PM5
8 Gauge
Wire
5
®
XA2125, XA275, XA250
Inputs, RCA Output, Remote Level Control
XA2125
INPUT
LR
XA275
LOW INPUT
L
XA250
Input Wiring
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.
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.
Connect an RCA cable
White = Left (+)
White/Black = Left (–)
Gray = Right (+)
Gray/Black = Right (–)
Black (ground)
REMOTE
BASS
R
L
HI LEVEL
HI INPUT
R
INPUT
LR
Low Level
OUTPUT
LR
OUTPUT
L
Radio
Splice
(as necessary)
REMOTE
BASS
or
R
Hi Level
LR
HI LEVEL
+––+
Important
Only connect the low (RCA) or high level input.
Do not use both at the same time.
Connecting other Amps
OUTPUT
LR
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6236 XA2CH_E.p655/7/01, 2:07 PM6
RCA Output
The “output” signal allows you to
conveniently connect other
amplifiers to each other.
XA2125, XA275, XA250
Remote Level Control (XA2125)
®
PWR
Remote level control allows the input level to
be adjusted from an alternate location. It can
be mounted under-dash or in-dash.
MINMAX
REMOTE
BASS
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.
Speaker Wiring Options
2 Subwoofers2 Speakers
X-OVER
LPF
FULL
HPF
BRIDGE
RR –LL
or
X-OVER
LPF
FULL
HPF
X-OVER
LPF
FULL
HPF
BRIDGE
RR –LL
minimum
6236 XA2CH_E.p655/7/01, 2:07 PM7
2Ω
2Ω
minimum
7
®
4Ω
minimum
X-OVER
LPF
HPF
FULL
RR –LL
BRIDGE
XA2125, XA275, XA250
2 Speakers + Subwoofer
X-OVER
LPF
FULL
HPF
BRIDGE
RR –LL
2Ω
2Ω
4Ω
4Ω
=
2Ω minimum
=
4Ω minimum
2Ω
Important
When running a subwoofer and two full-range
speakers together (Tri-mode operation), high
and low pass filters must be used. Failure to
install these filters may damage your amp and/
or speakers.
Bridged Subwoofer
Freq.Speaker Impedance
Hz2 OHMS4 OHMS8 OHMS
1000.31mH78µF.62mH39µF1.2mH20µF
1200.25mH66µF.51mH33µF1.0mH16µF
1800.16mH44µF.33mH22µF.68mH10µF
4000.08mH20µF.16mH10µF.33mH5µF
8
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LCL CL C
804.1mH 1000µF8.2mH500µF15mH250µF
1003.1mH800µF6.2mH400µF12mH200µF
1302.4mH600µF4.7mH300µF10mH150µF
2001.6mH400µF3.3mH200µF6.8mH100µF
2501.2mH300µF2.4mH150µF4.7mH75µF
400.8mH200µF1.6mH100µF3.3mH50µF
600.5mH136µF1.0mH68µF2.0mH33µF
800.41mH100µF.82mH50µF1.6mH26µF
L
Inductor
C
Capacitor
XA2125, XA275, XA250
X
Indicators and Controls
L-CH X R-CH X
BASS
®
LEVEL
0dB 12dB 40Hz 400Hz 40Hz 400Hz
X-OVER
Crossover (X-OVER)
Adjust the crossover to accommodate your
chosen installation method.
•LPF–(low pass filter) Select
this filter when the amplifier will
be driving woofers or
X-OVER
LPF
FULL
HPF
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
to 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.
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.
LPF
FULL
HPF
MIN MAX
POWER/PROTECT
Power / Protect Light
POWER/PROTECT
Green – Power applied, ON
Red– Protection circuit activated, STANDBY
A dual status LED indicator
illuminates red or green to
indicate the status of the
amplifier.
Level
LEVEL
MIN MA
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.
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
Bass
BASS
0dB 12dB
XA2125
BASS
0dB 6dB
XA275
XA250
BASS increases the
volume of the bass at
45Hz by up to 6–12 db.
Use very carefully!
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6236 XA2CH_E.p655/7/01, 2:07 PM9
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XA2125, XA275, XA250
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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6236 XA2CH_E.p655/7/01, 2:07 PM10
XA2125, XA275, XA250
Troubleshooting
ProblemPossible CauseCorrective 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 – 8 for proper installation.
®
6236 XA2CH_E.p655/7/01, 2:07 PM11
11
®
XA2125, XA275, XA250
Specifications
XA Series 2-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%
Dimensions ........................................................... 3" x 11.125" x 8.375" (76mm x 283mm x 213mm)
Specifications subject to change without notice.
12
6236 XA2CH_E.p655/7/01, 2:07 PM12
XA2125, XA275, XA250
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 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.