owner’s manual
4-Channel Class-D Full-Range Amplifier
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, 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 (954) 443-1100 during business hours.
Protect Your 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 high-power 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 |
Cooling Efficiency Considerations: |
Safety Considerations: |
This amplifier is designed for operation in |
Your JL Audio amplifier employs an |
Your amplifier needs to be installed in a dry, |
vehicles with 12V, negative-ground electrical |
advanced type of heat management, called |
well-ventilated environment and in a manner |
systems. Use of this product in vehicles with |
RealSink™. This feature takes advantage of |
which does not interfere with your vehicle’s safety |
positive ground and/or voltages other than 12V |
convection and radiation effects to remove |
equipment (air bags, seat belt systems, ABS brake |
may result in damage to the product and will void |
heat from the amplifier circuitry. For optimum |
systems, etc.). You should also take the time to |
the warranty. |
cooling performance, the vertical heat sinks |
securely mount the amplifier using appropriate |
This product is not certified or approved for |
located at the sides of the amplifier should be |
hardware so that it does not come loose in the |
use in aircraft. |
exposed to as large a volume of air as possible. |
event of a collision or a sudden jolt to the vehicle. |
Do not attempt to “bridge” the outputs of this |
Enclosing the amplifier in a small, poorly |
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amplifier with the outputs of a second amplifier, |
ventilated chamber can lead to excessive heat |
Stupid Mistakes to Avoid: |
including an identical one. |
build-up and degraded performance. If an |
•Check before drilling any holes in your vehicle |
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installation calls for an enclosure around the |
to make sure that you will not be drilling |
Planning Your Installation |
amplifier, we recommend that this enclosure |
through a gas tank, brake line, wiring harness or |
It is important that you take the time to read |
be ventilated with the aid of a fan. In normal |
other vital vehicle system. |
this manual and that you plan out your |
applications, fan-cooling is not necessary. |
• Do not run system wiring outside or underneath |
installation carefully. The following are some |
If mounting the amplifier under a seat, |
the vehicle. This is an extremely dangerous |
considerations that you must take into account |
make sure there is at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of |
practice which can result in severe damage to |
when planning your installation. |
space above the amplifier’s outer shell to permit |
your vehicle and person. |
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proper cooling. |
• Protect all system wires from sharp metal |
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edges and wear by carefully routing them, |
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tying them down and using grommets and |
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loom where appropriate. |
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• Do not mount the amplifier in the engine |
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compartment, under the vehicle, on the roof |
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or in any other area that will expose the |
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amplifier circuitry to the elements. |
Power Status |
Filter Slope |
Input Sensitivity |
Input Mode |
Preouts From |
Input Sensitivity |
Filter Slope |
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Indicator |
Selection |
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Control |
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Selection |
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Selection |
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Control |
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Selection |
(pg. 16) |
(pg. 11) |
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(pg. 10) |
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(pg. 9) |
Remote Level |
(pg. 13) |
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(pg. 10) |
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(pg. 11) |
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Filter Mode |
Filter Frequency |
Input Voltage |
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Control |
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Input Voltage |
Filter Frequency |
Filter Mode |
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Selection |
Selector |
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Selection |
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Selection |
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Selection |
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Selector |
Selection |
(pg. 11) |
(pg. 11) |
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(pg. 10) |
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(pg. 13) |
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(pg. 10) |
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(pg. 11) |
(pg. 11) |
Chassis Ground |
Front Left & Right |
Left & Right Preamp |
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Front |
Rear |
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Connector |
Channel Input Jacks |
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Output Jacks |
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Speaker Outputs |
Speaker Outputs |
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(pgs. 6-7) |
(pg. 9) |
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(pg. 13) |
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Jack for |
(pgs. 14-15) |
(pgs. 14-15) |
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+12 V Power |
Remote Turn-On |
Rear Left & Right |
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Remote Level |
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Connector |
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Connector |
Channel Input Jacks |
Control Knob |
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(pgs. 6-7) |
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(pgs. 6-7) |
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(pg. 9) |
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(pg. 13) |
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+12 VDC Ground |
Remote |
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L |
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L |
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Front |
Inputs |
Rear |
Preouts |
Remote |
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Level |
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R |
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R |
Control |
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2 | JL Audio - HD600/4 Owner’s Manual |
3 |
Product Description
The JL Audio HD600/4 is a very powerful and compact four-channel, full-range amplifier utilizing patented Single Cycle Control™
Class D technology for all channels. This groundbreaking technology delivers referencegrade sonic performance while requiring
far less current from the vehicle’s electrical system than a conventional amplifier.
JL Audio’s exclusive R.I.P.S. power supply design optimizes the output of each channel pair for any impedance between 1.5 and 4 ohms per channel (3-8 ohms bridged) allowing you to get full use of the HD600/4’s performance capabilities with a wide range of speaker systems.
The tightly regulated power supply design also means that the HD600/4’s clean power output capability remains stable over a wide range of vehicle voltages, resulting in enhanced fidelity.
The HD600/4 flexible, studio-grade signal processing allows it to be deployed in a wide range of system applications:
1)As a four-channel (150W x 4) full-range amplifier, delivering full-range signals to two separate stereo speaker systems (front and rear, for example).
2)As a powerful (150W x 4) four-channel satellite amplifier in a bi-amplified system, delivering high-passed signals to front and rear speaker systems. Preamp outputs permit connection of a separate amplifier to drive the subwoofer system.
3)As a 600W full-system amplifier in bi-amplified mode with one channel pair driving subwoofers in low-pass mode (150W x 2 or 300W x 1) and the other channel pair driving main speakers in high-pass mode (150W x 2).
4)As a very powerful (300W x 2) full-range amplifier, delivering full-range signals to a stereo speaker system.
5)As a very powerful (300W x 2) two-channel satellite amplifier in a bi-amplified system, delivering high-passed signals to a stereo speaker system. Preamp outputs permit connection of a separate amplifier to drive the subwoofer system.
6)As a powerful (300W x 2) two-channel subwoofer amplifier in a bi-amplified system, delivering low-passed signals to a dual subwoofer system. Preamp outputs permit connection of a separate amplifier to drive the satellite speakers.
The HD600/4’s flexible input and crossover sections permit operation with a wide variety of source units and system configurations. It can be operated with a single pair of stereo inputs or with separate inputs for its front and rear channels.
The HD600/4’s preamp output can send pass- through signals from the Front Inputs only or it can sum all four input channels to feed a nonfading signal to a separate subwoofer amplifier.
As we said, it’s very flexible.
Typical Installation Sequence
The following represents the sequence for a typical amplifier installation, using an aftermarket source unit or OEM Interface processor (like the CleanSweep® CL441dsp).
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 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. 4 AWG is recommended for wire runs greater than 72 inches (180 cm) in length. Use of 8 AWG power wire is acceptable for shorter runs, such as from a power distribution block to the amplifier or
from a trunk-mounted battery. Use a 2 AWG or 1/0 AWG main power wire with a power distribution block when additional amplifiers are being installed with the HD600/4 and powered from the same main power wire.
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 (RCA cables) and remote turn-on wire from the source unit or interface processor to the amplifier mounting location.
5) Run speaker wire from the speaker systems to the amplifier mounting location.
6) Find a good, solid, bare metal grounding point close to the amplifier and connect the negative power wire to it using appropriate hardware. Use minimum 8 AWG power wire, no longer than 36 inches (90 cm) or 4 AWG wire up to 60 inches (150 cm) long from the amplifier to the ground connection point. In some vehicles, it may be necessary to upgrade the battery’s ground wire as well. (See page 7 for important notice).
7) Securely mount the amplifier using appropriate hardware. (See page 8 for detailed mounting instructions).
8)Connect the remote turn-on wire and the positive and negative power wires to the amplifier’s power connector plug. Then insert the power connector plug into the amplifier’s power connector receptacle, pushing firmly.
9) Connect the RCA input cables
to the amplifier.
10)Connect the speaker wires to the speaker connector plugs and insert the plugs firmly into the speaker connector receptacles.
11)Carefully review the amplifier’s control settings to make sure that they are set according to the needs of the system.
12)Install power wire fuse (50A for a
single HD600/4) and reconnect the negative battery post terminal.
13)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.
14)Make necessary adjustments to the input sensitivity controls to obtain the right overall output and the desired balance
in the system. See Appendix C (pages 18, 19) for the recommended input sensitivity setting method.
15)Enjoy the fruits of your labor with your favorite music.
4 | JL Audio - HD600/4 Owner’s Manual |
5 |
Power and Turn-on 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.
+12 VDC Ground Remote
Front
+12V Battery Connection
You will need to connect a power wire to the vehicle’s positive battery terminal, using an appropriate power ring or specialized battery terminal connector, such as the JL Audio XB-BTU. This connection must be tight and
corrosion-free to ensure proper connectivity. This wire MUST be fused appropriately for safety. Any positive power wires run through metal barriers (such as firewalls), must be protected with a high quality insulating grommet to prevent damage to the insulation of the wire. Failure to do so may result in a dangerous short circuit.
Power Wire Requirements
The HD600/4’s “+12 VDC” and “Ground” connections are designed to accept 4 AWG power wire. 4 AWG pure copper wire is recommended for any power wire run longer than 72 inches (180 cm). For runs shorter than 72 inches, 8 AWG pure copper power wire is acceptable.
If you are installing the HD600/4 with other amplifiers and wish to use a single main power wire, use 2 AWG or 1/0 AWG pure copper wire as a main power wire. 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 HD600/4 with
4 AWG or 8 AWG pure copper power wire.
Please note that lower 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.).
We do not recommend the use of “copperclad aluminum wire” or “CCA” wire because this wire is significantly less conductive than pure copper wire. Only use pure copper power wire, such as JL Audio’s MetaWire™. Tinned copper wire (silver color) is acceptable as the tin-plating is only a very minor component of the wire.
Fuse Requirements
The installation of a fuse on the main power wire, within 18 wire inches (45 cm) of the positive battery terminal is vital to protect the wire and the vehicle from fire in the event of a collision
or short-circuit. The fuse value at each power wire should be just high enough for all of the equipment being run from that power wire. Do not use a fuse with a value that far exceeds the total fuse rating of the electronics connected to the wire.
If only the HD600/4 is being run from that power wire, we recommend a 50A fuse be used. AGU (big glass fuse). AFS (small blade fuse)
or MaxiFuse™ (big plastic-body fuse) types are recommended. If other amplifiers are also being powered from the wire and exceed 80 amps in total fuse rating, we recommend the use of an
ANL (large-blade) fuse and holder. Please consult with your JL Audio dealer to make sure that the wire, fuse holder and fuse rating you have selected are appropriate for your system’s needs.
If other amplifiers are also being powered from a main power wire and exceed 80 amps in total fuse rating, we recommend the use of an ANL (large-blade) fuse and holder. Each amplifier can then be fused independently at the outputs of
the power distribution block. Use JL Audio part
XC-FOA-2PAK and appropriate MaxiFuse™ type fuses with JL Audio distribution blocks.
Please consult with your JL Audio dealer to make sure that the wire, fuse holder and fuse ratings are appropriate for your system’s needs. The safety of your installation depends on appropriate power connections and fuse protection.
6 | JL Audio - HD600/4 Owner’s Manual
Ground Connection
The chassis ground connection must be made using 4 AWG or 8 AWG pure copper wire 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 with a brass or copper power ring. For optimal grounding, we recommend the
use of a JL Audio ECS master ground lug (XB-MGLU). Alternatively, a sheet metal screw or bolt can be used with a star washer.
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 pure copper wire when installing amplifier systems with main fuse ratings above 60A.
Turn-On Wire
The HD600/4 uses a conventional +12V remote turn-on wire, 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 HD600/4’s “Remote” turn-on connector is designed to accept 18 AWG – 12 AWG wire. 18 AWG is more than adequate for this purpose.
To connect the remote turn-on wire to the amplifier, first back out the set screw on the bottom of the Power Connector Plug, using the supplied hex wrench. Strip 1/2 inch (12mm) of wire and insert the bare wire into the receptacle, seating it firmly so that no bare wire is exposed. When using smaller wire, it may be necessary to strip 1 inch of insulation from the wire and fold the bare wire in half prior to insertion. While holding the wire in the terminal, tighten the
set screw firmly using the supplied 2.5 mm hex wrench, taking care not to strip the head of the screw and making sure that the wire is firmly gripped by the set screw.
Amplifier Power Connector Plug
To connect the power wires and the remote turn-on wire to the amplifier, unplug the power connector plug from the amplifier chassis (pull back firmly) and back out the set screws on
the connector plug, using the supplied 4 mm hex wrench for the +12 VDC” and “Ground”
connections and the supplied 2.5 mm hex wrench for the “Remote” connection. Strip 3/8 inch (10 mm) of insulation from the end of each wire and insert the bare wire into the receptacle on power connector plug, seating it firmly so that no bare wire is exposed. While holding each wire in place, tighten each set screw firmly, taking care not to strip the head of the screw.
Never make power connections with a “live” wire. Always disconnect the negative battery post before making any connections or adjustments to a 12V power connection!
7
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