JL Audio E6450 User Manual

JL AUDIO e6450 six-channel full-range amplifier

o w n e r ’ s m a n u a l

Thank you for purchasing a JL Audio amplifier for your automotive sound system.

Your amplifier has been designed and manufactured to exacting standards in order to ensure years of musical enjoyment in your vehicle. For maximum performance and extended warranty coverage, we highly recommend that you have your new amplifier installed by an authorized JL Audio dealer. Your authorized dealer has the training, expertise and installation equipment to ensure optimum performance from this product. Should you decide to install the amplifier yourself, please take the time

to read this manual thoroughly so as to familiarize yourself with its installation requirements and setup procedures.

If you have any questions regarding the instructions in this manual or any aspect of your amplifier’s operation, please contact your authorized JL Audio dealer for assistance. If you need further assistance, please call the JL Audio Technical Support Department at [phone] during business hours (Eastern Time Zone).

PROTECTYOUR HEARING!

We value you as a long-term customer. For that reason, we urge you to practice restraint in the operation of this product so as not to damage your hearing and that of others in your vehicle. Studies have shown that continuous exposure to high sound pressure levels can lead to permanent (irreparable) hearing loss.This and all other highpower amplifiers are capable of producing such high sound pressure levels when connected to a speaker system. Please limit your continuous exposure to high volume levels.

While driving, operate your audio system in a manner that still allows you to hear necessary noises to operate your vehicle safely (horns, sirens, etc.).

SERIAL NUMBER

In the event that your amplifier requires service or is ever stolen, you will need to have a record of the product’s serial number. Please take the time to enter that number in the space provided below.

The serial number can be found on the bottom panel of the amplifier and on the amplifier packaging.

Serial Number:

_______________________________

INSTALLATION APPLICATIONS

This amplifier is designed for operation in vehicles with 12V, negative-ground electrical systems. Use of this product in vehicles with positive ground and/or voltages other than 12V may result in damage to the product and will void the warranty.

This product is not certified or approved for use in aircraft.

Do not attempt to “bridge” the outputs of this amplifier with the outputs of a second amplifier, including an identical one.

	Chassis Ground
	Connector			Channels 1 & 2
	(pg. 5)
	+12 V Power	Remote Turn-On		Speaker Outputs
				(pg. 8)
	Connector		Connector
	(pg. 5)		(pg. 5)

Power

Ch. 1 & 2 Input

Ch. 1 & 2 Filter

Ch. 3 & 4

Left & Right

Status

Sensitivity

Frequency

Filter Mode

High Level Input Jacks

Indicator

Control

Selector

Selection

(pg. 6)

(pg. 9)

(pg. 7)

Ch. 1 & 2

(pg. 7)

Ch. 3 & 4

(pg. 7)

Ch. 3 & 4

Channels 3 & 4

Protection Status

Filter Mode

Input Sensitivity

Filter Frequency

Preamp

Input

Jacks

Indicator

Selection

Control

Selector

(pg. 6)

(pg. 9)

(pg. 7)

(pg. 7)

(pg. 7)

PLANNINGYOUR INSTALLATION

It is important that you take the time to read this manual and that you plan out your installation carefully.The following are some considerations that you must take into account when planning your installation.

Cooling Efficiency Considerations:

The outer shell of your JL Audio amplifier is designed to remove heat from the amplifier circuitry. For optimum cooling performance, this outer shell should be exposed to as large a volume of air as possible. Enclosing the amplifier in a small, poorly ventilated chamber can lead to excessive heat build-up and degraded performance. If an installation calls for an enclosure around the amplifier, we recommend that this enclosure be ventilated with the aid of a fan. In normal applications, fan-cooling is not necessary.

Channels 3 & 4				Channels 5 & 6
Speaker Outputs				Speaker Outputs
(pg. 8)				(pg. 8)

! IMPORTANT

Mounting the amplifier upside down is

strongly discouraged.

If mounting the amplifier under a seat, make sure there is at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space above the amplifier’s outer shell to permit proper cooling.

Safety Considerations:

Your amplifier needs to be installed in a dry, well-ventilated environment and in a manner which does not interfere with your vehicle’s safety equipment (air bags, seat belt systems, ABS brake systems, etc.).You should also take the time to securely mount the amplifier using the supplied screws so that it does not come loose in the event of a collision or a sudden jolt to the vehicle (12 lbs. of aluminum traveling at 60 MPH will hurt you).

Stupid Mistakes to Avoid:

•Check before drilling any holes in your vehicle to make sure that you will not be drilling through a gas tank, brake line, wiring harness or other vital vehicle system.

•Do not run system wiring outside or underneath the vehicle.This is an extremely dangerous practice which can result in severe damage to your vehicle and person.

•Protect all system wires from sharp metal edges and wear by carefully routing them, tying them down and using grommets and loom where appropriate.

•Do not mount the amplifier in the engine compartment, under the vehicle, on the roof

or in any other area that will expose the amplifier circuitry to the elements.

Channels 1 & 2	Channels 5 & 6			Bass Boost				Ch. 5 & 6			Ch. 5 & 6
Preamp Input Jacks	Preamp Input Jacks			On/Off Switch				Input Sensitivity			Filter Frequency
(pg. 6)	(pg. 6)				(pg. 8)			Control			Selector
									Ch. 5 & 6
	Jack for				Input Mode			(pg. 7)			(pg. 7)
	Remote Bass				Switch				Filter Mode
	Control Knob				(pg. 6)				Selection
	(pg. 8)								(pg. 7)

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PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

The JL Audio e6450 is a six-channel full-range amplifier utilizing patented Absolute Symmetry™ Class AB technology for all channels.

The e6450 can be operated with a wide variety of source units and system configurations.

TYPICAL INSTALLATION SEQUENCE

The following represents the sequence for a typical amplifier installation, using an aftermarket source unit. Additional steps and different procedures may be required in some applications. If you have any questions, please contact your authorized JL Audio dealer for assistance.

1) Disconnect the negative battery post connection and secure the disconnected cable to prevent accidental re-connection during installation.

This step is not optional!

2)Run power wire (minimum 4 AWG) from the battery location to the amplifier mounting location, taking care to route it in such a way that it will not be damaged and will not interfere with vehicle operation. Use 2 AWG or 1/0 AWG power wire if additional amplifiers are being installed with the e6450.

3)Connect power wire to the positive battery post. Fuse the wire with an appropriate fuse block (and connectors) within 18 inches (45 cm) wire length of the positive battery post. This fuse is essential to protect the vehicle. Do not install the fuse until the power wire has been connected to the amplifier.

4)Run signal cables and remote turn-on wire from the source unit to the amplifier

mounting location.

5)Run speaker wire from the speaker systems to the amplifier mounting location.

6)Find a good, solid metal grounding point close to the amplifier and connect the negative power wire to it using appropriate hardware. Use the same

size power wire as the wire connected to the

“+12V” connection (minimum 4 AWG), no longer than 36 inches (90 cm) from the amplifier to the ground connection point. In some vehicles, it may be necessary to upgrade the battery ground wire. (See page 5 for important notice).

7)Securely mount the amplifier using the supplied screws.

8)Connect the positive and negative power wires to the amplifier. A fuse near the amplifier is not necessary.

9)Connect the remote turn-on wire

to the amplifier.

10)Connect the input cables to the amplifier.

11)Connect the speaker wires to the amplifier.

12)Carefully review the amplifier’s control settings to make sure that they are set according to the needs of the system.

13)Install the power wire fuse (60A for a single e6450) and reconnect the negative battery post terminal.

14)Turn on the source unit at a low level

to double-check that the amplifier is configured correctly. Resist the temptation to crank it up until you have verified the control settings.

15)Make necessary adjustments to the input sensitivity controls to obtain the right overall output and the desired balance in the system. See Appendix A (page 12) for the recommended input sensitivity setting method.

16)Enjoy the fruits of your labor with your favorite music.

POWER CONNECTIONS

Before installing the amplifier, disconnect the negative (ground) wire from the vehicle's battery. This will prevent accidental damage to the system, the vehicle and your body during installation.

The e6450's “+12 VDC” and “Ground”

connections are designed to accept 4 AWG

power wire. 4 AWG is a minimum power

wire size for this amplifier.

If you are installing the e6450 with other amplifiers and wish to use a single main power wire, use 2 AWG or 1/0 AWG main power wire (depending on the overall current demands of all the amplifiers in the system).This 2 AWG or

1/0 AWG power wire should terminate into a distribution block mounted as close to the amplifiers as possible and should connect to the e6450 with 4 AWG power wire.

Please note that smaller AWG numbers mean bigger wire and vice-versa (1/0 AWG is the largest, 2 AWG is smaller, then 4 AWG, then

8 AWG, etc.).

To connect the power wires to the amplifier, first back out the set screw on the top of the terminal block, using the supplied 2.5 mm hex wrench. Strip 1/2 inch (12 mm) of insulation from the end of each wire and insert the bare wire into the terminal block, seating it firmly so that no bare wire is exposed. While holding the wire in place, tighten the set screw firmly, taking care not to strip the head of the screw.

The ground connection should be made using the same gauge wire as the power connection and should be kept as short as possible, while

accessing a solid piece of sheet metal in the vehicle. The surface of the sheet metal should be sanded at the contact point to create a clean, metal-to-metal connection between the chassis and the termination of the ground wire.The use of a star washer to lock down the connection is advisable.

Any wires run through metal barriers (such as firewalls), must be protected with a high quality rubber grommet to prevent damage to the insulation of the wire. Failure to do so may result in a dangerous short circuit.

! IMPORTANT

Many vehicles employ small (10 AWG - 6 AWG) wire to ground the battery to the vehicle chassis and to connect the alternator's positive connection to the battery.To prevent voltage drops, these wires should be upgraded to 4 AWG when installing amplifier systems with main fuse ratings above 60A.

FUSE REQUIREMENTS

It is absolutely vital that the main power wire(s) to the amplifier(s) in the system be fused within 18 inches (45 cm) of the positive battery post connection.The fuse value at each power wire should be high enough for all of the equipment being run from that power wire. If only the

e6450 is being run from that power wire, we recommend a 60A fuse be used. AGU (big glass fuse) or MaxiFuse™ (big plastic-body fuse) types are recommended.

No fuse is required or recommended directly before the amplifier power connection. If one is desired, we recommend the use of a 60A AGU fuse or MaxiFuse™ type.

TURN-ON LEAD

The e6450 uses a conventional +12V remote turn-on lead, typically controlled by the source unit's remote turn-on output.The amplifier will turn on when +12V is present at its “Remote” input and turn off when +12V is switched off. If a source unit does not have a dedicated remote turn-on output, the amplifier’s turn-on lead can be connected to +12V via a switch that derives power from an ignition-switched circuit.

The e6450's “Remote” turn-on connector is designed to accept 18 AWG – 12 AWG wire.To connect the remote turn-on wire to the amplifier, first back out the set screw on the top of the terminal block, using the supplied 2.5mm hex wrench. Strip 1/2 inch (12mm) of wire and insert the bare wire into the terminal block, seating it firmly so that no bare wire is exposed.While holding the wire in the terminal, tighten the set screw firmly, taking care not to strip the head of the screw and making sure that the wire is firmly gripped by the set screw.

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INPUT SECTION

The e6450’s input section allows you to send signal to the amplifier section through the use of two, four or six inputs and offers two distinct input connection options.These are:

1)Three pairs of traditional RCA type connections designed to accept input from source units with line level outputs.

2)An eight-pin connector designed to accept input from amplified sources such as factory source units or source units not equipped with line level outputs. Channels 5 & 6 of the e6450 do not have discrete inputs on this connector. However, signal from channels 1 & 2 and channels 3 & 4 can be summed and sent to channels 5 & 6 when “SUM” is selected with the “Input Mode” switch in the Channel 5 & 6 Controls section.

If you wish to send six discrete channels into the e6450, simply use all six inputs and set the “Input Mode” switch in the “Channel 5 & 6 Controls” section to “Discrete”.This will most commonly be accomplished by using the six RCA type connections (it is possible to use the eight-pin connector with amplified signals for input into channels 1, 2, 3 & 4 and RCA type connections for input into channels 5 & 6, however, most source units with a dedicated subwoofer output will also have at least one pair of full range outputs).

If you wish to feed all six channels by using only four channels of full-range input, set the “Input

Mode” switch in the “Channel 5 & 6 Controls” section to “SUM” and use only the inputs to channels 1, 2, 3 & 4.

If you wish to feed all six channels by using two channels of full-range input and two channels of lowfrequency input (subwoofer output from the source unit), set the “Input Mode” switch in the “Channel 5 & 6 Controls” section to “Discrete”. It will be necessary to split the full-range signals with

y-adaptors and feed these signals into the inputs to channels 1, 2, 3 & 4.The dedicated subwoofer signal should be sent to channels 5 & 6.

If you wish to use only two channels of input to deliver signal to all six amplifier channels, it will be necessary to split the two signals with y-adaptors and feed these signals into the inputs to channels 1, 2, 3 & 4. Set the “Input Mode” switch in the

“Channel 5 & 6 Controls” section to “SUM” and use only the inputs to channels 1, 2, 3 & 4.

The same input connection option does not need to be used for each channel pair.The “Input Sens.” adjustment is independent for each channel pair and must be adjusted based on input level and the impedance of the load on that pair of channels. Specific “Input Sens.” adjustment information is given in Appendix A (page 12).

AMPLIFIER CONTROLS

Input Sensitivity

These controls, labeled “Input Sens.”,can be used to match the source unit's output voltage(s) to each input stage of the e6450 for maximum clean output. Rotating an “Input Sens.” control clockwise will result in higher sensitivity (louder for a given input voltage). Rotating an “Input Sens.” control counter-clockwise will result in lower sensitivity (quieter for a given input voltage.)

To properly set the amplifier for maximum clean output, please refer to Appendix A (page 12) in this manual. After using this procedure, you can then adjust any or all “Input Sens.” levels downward if this is required to achieve the desired system balance.

Do not increase any “Input Sens.” setting for any channel(s) of any amplifier in the system beyond the maximum level established during the procedure outlined in Appendix A (page 12). Doing so will result in audible distortion and possible speaker damage.

Filter Controls

Most speakers are not designed to reproduce the full range of frequencies audible by the human ear. For this reason, most speaker systems are comprised of multiple speakers, each dedicated to reproducing a specific frequency range. Filters are used to select which frequency range is sent to each section of a speaker system.The division of frequency ranges to different speakers can be done with passive filters (coils and/or capacitors between the amplifier outputs and the speakers), which are acceptable and commonly used for filtering between mids and tweeters. Filtering between subwoofer systems and satellite speaker systems is best done with active filters, which cut off frequency content at the input to the amplifier. Active filters are more stable than passive filters and do not introduce extraneous resistance, which can degrade subwoofer performance.

The active filter built into each channel of the e6450 can be used to eliminate potentially harmful and/or undesired frequencies from making their way through the amplifier sections to the speaker(s).This serves to improve tonal balance and to avoid distortion and possible speaker failure. Correct use of these filters can substantially increase the longevity and fidelity of your audio system.

1) “Filter Mode” Control: The e6450 employs a 12dB per octave filter for each pair of channels (one filter for channels 1&2, another filter for channels 3&4 and another filter for channels 5&6). Each of these filters can be configured independently into one of two filter types or defeated completely by way of the three-position “Filter Mode” switches:

“Off”: Defeats the filter completely, allowing the full range of frequencies present at the inputs to feed the amplifier.This is useful for systems utilizing outboard crossovers or requiring full-range reproduction from one, two or all of the e6450’s channel pairs.

“LP” (Low-Pass): Configures the filter to attenuate frequencies above the selected filter frequency at a rate of 12dB per octave.This is useful for connection of subwoofer(s) to one, two or all of the e6450’s channel pairs in a bi-amplified system.

“HP” (High-Pass): Configures the filter to attenuate frequencies below the selected filter frequency at a rate of 12dB per octave.This is useful for connection of component speakers to one, two or all of the e6450’s channel pairs in a bi-amplified system.

2) “Filter Freq. (Hz)” The filter frequency markings surrounding this rotary control are for reference purposes and are generally accurate to within 1/3 octave or better. If you would like to select the filter cutoff frequency with a higher level of precision, consult the chart in Appendix B (page 13).

Tuning Hint: If you are using the e6450 to drive a subwoofer system (“LP” mode), a component satellite speaker system (“HP” mode) or both,

100 Hz is a good baseline “Filter Freq. (Hz)” setting. After properly adjusting the “Input Sens.”, as outlined in Appendix A (page 12), you can fine tune the “Filter Freq. (Hz)” control to achieve the desired system frequency response.

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