owner’s manual
500W Monoblock Subwoofer 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 our Technical Support Department at (954) 443-1100 during business hours.
J2_500_1_MAN_CH.indd 1 |
4/22/09 11:24:38 AM |
Protect Your Hearing! |
Installation Applications |
Planning Your Installation |
We value you as a long-term customer. For |
This amplifier is designed for operation in |
It is important that you take the time to read |
that reason, we urge you to practice restraint in |
vehicles with 12V, negative-ground electrical |
this manual and that you plan out your |
the operation of this product so as not to damage |
systems. Use of this product in vehicles with |
installation carefully. The following are some |
your hearing and that of others in your vehicle. |
positive ground and/or voltages other than 12V |
considerations that you must take into account |
Studies have shown that continuous exposure to |
may result in damage to the product and will void |
when planning your installation. |
high sound pressure levels can lead to permanent |
the warranty. |
|
(irreparable) hearing loss. This and all other |
This product is not certified or approved for |
Cooling Efficiency Considerations: |
high-power amplifiers are capable of producing |
use in aircraft. |
The outer shell of your JL Audio amplifier is |
such high sound pressure levels when connected |
Do not attempt to “bridge” the outputs of this |
designed to remove heat from the amplifier |
to a speaker system. Please limit your continuous |
amplifier with the outputs of a second amplifier, |
circuitry. For optimum cooling performance, |
exposure to high volume levels. |
including an identical one. |
this outer shell should be exposed to as |
While driving, operate your audio system in |
|
large a volume of air as possible. Enclosing |
a manner that still allows you to hear necessary |
|
the amplifier in a small, poorly ventilated |
noises to operate your vehicle safely (horns, |
|
chamber can lead to excessive heat build-up |
sirens, etc.). |
|
and degraded performance. If an installation |
|
|
calls for an enclosure around the amplifier, |
Serial Number |
|
we recommend that this enclosure be |
In the event that your amplifier requires |
|
ventilated with the aid of a fan. In normal |
service or is ever stolen, you will need to |
|
applications, fan-cooling is not necessary. |
have a record of the product’s serial number. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Remote Turn-On |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Please take the time to enter that number in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Connector |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(pg. 6) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
the space provided below. The serial number |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
+12 V Power |
|
Chassis Ground |
Speaker Outputs |
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||
can be found on the bottom panel of the |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fuses |
|
|
Connector |
|
|
Connector |
|
(pg. 9) |
||||||||||||||||
amplifier and on the amplifier packaging. |
|
|
|
|
|
(pg. 5) |
|
|
(pg. 5) |
|
|
(pg. 5) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Serial Number: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Left & Right |
Output Polarity |
Input Sensitivity |
Bass Boost |
|
Preamp Output Jacks |
Switch |
Control |
Control |
||
|
(pg. 8) Left & Right |
(pg. 7)Power/Protection |
(pg. 6) |
(pg. 8) |
|
Remote |
Filter |
|
|||
Level Port |
Preamp Input Jacks |
Status Indicator |
Frequency Selector |
|
|
(pg. 8) |
|
(pg. 6) |
(pg. 9) |
(pg. 7) |
|
|
Preamp |
Amplifier |
|
|
|
Remote |
Outputs |
Inputs |
|
|
|
Level |
LEFT |
LEFT |
|
|
|
Port |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Power |
|
|
|
|
Reversed | Normal |
|
|
40 |
130 |
Off +12dB |
Output Polarity |
min |
max |
|||
|
Input Sens. |
LP Filter Frequency (Hz) |
Bass Boost |
||
RIGHT RIGHT
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 appropriate hardware so that it does not come loose in the event of a collision or a sudden jolt to the vehicle.
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.
2 |
JL Audio® |
3 |
J2_500_1_MAN_CH.indd |
2-3 |
4/22/09 11:24:40 AM |
Product Description
The JL Audio J2-500.1 is a monoblock subwoofer amplifier utilizing Class B technology. Its frequency response is limited to the range below 125 Hz. It is not designed for driving midrange speakers or tweeters. It has been optimized for low-frequency amplification. For detailed specifications, please refer to Appendix B (page 11).
Typical Installation Sequence
The following represents the sequence for a typical amplifier installation, using an aftermarket source unit or OEM Interface product. 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 J2-500.1.
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 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 minimum 4 AWG power wire, 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 appropriate hardware.
8)Connect the positive and negative power wires to the amplifier.
9) Connect the remote turn-on wire
to the amplifier.
10)Connect the RCA 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 power wire fuse (60A for a single J2-500.1) 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 10) for the recommended input sensitivity setting method.
16)Enjoy the fruits of your labor with your favorite music.
4 |
JL Audio® |
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 person during installation.
+ VDC |
Remote |
Ground |
5A
The J2-500.1’s “+12 VDC” (positive) and “Ground” (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 J2-500.1 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 J2-500.1 with 4 AWG power wire.
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 and ground wires to the amplifier, strip 1/2-inch (12 mm) of insulation from each wire and insert the bare wire into the the appropriate terminal block positions on the
J2-500.1. Use a Phillips screwdriver to secure the wire via the screw on the top of each terminal.
The “Ground” connection should be made using 4 AWG 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. 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 insulating grommet to prevent damage to the insulation of the wire. Failure to do so may result in a dangerous short circuit.
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 (or larger) when installing a J2-500.1.
Fuse Requirements
While the J2-500.1 has four 15A ATC fuses on its power connection panel, these do nothing to protect the vehicle from a dangerous short circuit in the power wire. They only protect the amplifier. It is absolutely vital that the main power lead 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 J2-500.1 is being run from that power wire, we recommend a 60A fuse be used. AFS or MAXI-type fuses are recommended.
FUSES
15A |
15A |
15A |
15A |
5
J2_500_1_MAN_CH.indd 4-5 |
4/22/09 11:24:41 AM |
Loading...