JL Audio Fathom SA-600W Owner's Manual
Owner’s Ma nual
SA-600W Subwoofer Amplifier
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS PRODUCT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE
COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
1) Read the Instructions — All safety and operating instructions should be
read before the amplier is operated.
2) Retain the Instructions — e safety and operating instructions should be
retained for future reference.
3) Heed Warnings — All warnings on the amplier and in the operating
instructions should be followed.
e exclamation point within an
equilateral triangle is intended to alert the
user to the presence of important operating
and maintenance instructions in the
literature accompanying the product.
4) Follow Instructions — All operating and use instructions should
be followed.
5) Water and Moisture — e amplier should NOT be used near water – for
example, near a bathtub, washbowl, sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement,
near a swimming pool, etc.
6) Ventilation — e amplier should be situated so that its location or position
does not interfere with its proper ventilation. For example, the amplier
should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that may
block airow over the heatsink ns. If placing the amplier in a “built-in”
installation, ensure that airow to the heat sinks are not impeded. Do not
cover the amplier heatsink with tablecloths, curtains, etc.
9) Heat and Flames — e amplier should be situated away from heat sources
such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, replaces, or other devices which
produce heat. Do not place candles on top of or near the amplier.
10) Power sources — e amplier should only be connected to a power supply of
the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the product.
11) Power Cord Protection — Power-supply cords should be routed so that they
are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against
them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles
and the point where they exit the amplier.
| Fathom SA-600WPage 2
12) Cleaning — e amplier should be cleaned only as recommended in the
operating instructions.
13) Nonuse Periods — e power cord should be unplugged from the outlet
when the amplier is le unused for long periods of time.
14) Lightning and Power Surges — We recommend that you disconnect the
amplier from the electrical outlet during electrical storms and/or recurring
power interruptions to prevent damage due to power surges.
15) Object or Liquid Entry — Care should be taken so that objects do not fall
into and liquids are not spilled onto the amplier enclosure. Do not expose
the amplier to dripping or splashing from liquids. Do not place objects lled
with liquids on top of, or nearby the amplier. For example: ower vases,
beverages, liquid-fueled lamps, etc.
16) Damage Requiring Service — e amplier should be serviced by qualied
service personnel when:
a. the power-supply cord or plug has been damaged
b. objects have fallen or liquid has been spilled into the amplier
c. the amplier has been exposed to rain
d. the amplier does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked
change in performance
e. the amplier has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged
17) Servicing — e user should not attempt to service the amplier beyond
what is described in the operating instructions. All other servicing should be
referred to qualied service personnel.
18) Overloading — Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or outlet strips
as this can result in a risk of re or electric shock.
19) Grounding — is amplier is supplied with a three-prong, grounded
power cord. Precautions should be taken so that the grounding means of
the amplier are not defeated. Defeating the grounding prong on the power
cord could increase the risk of electric shock and could result in permanent
damage to the amplier’s electronics.
Page 3 | Fathom SA-600W
FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
NOTE: is equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits of Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. ese limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in
a residential installation. is equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment o and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit dierent from that to which the
receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Important Safety Instructions: ......................................... 2-3
Introduction:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Product Overview / Package Contents: .................................... 5
Placing your Subwoofer in Your Listening Room: ........................ 6-10
Front Control Panel Layout: ..............................................11
Rear Connector Panel Layout: ............................................11
Front Panel Controls in Detail: ........................................12-13
Connecting your SA-600W(s): .........................................14-17
User Interface Controls: ..............................................18-21
System Connection Diagrams: ........................................22-27
Recommended Setup Procedures: ......................................28-35
Troubleshooting: ...................................................... 36
Limited Warranty / Service Information: ................................. 37
Settings / Notes: .....................................................38-39
Specications: ......................................................... 40
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of a JL Audio SA-600W subwoofer amplier.
Your SA-600W has been critically engineered to deliver exceptional performance in
your home theater or home audio system for many years to come.
As a company, we are intensely committed to core research into
high-performance audio and amplier technologies. JL Audio’s long excursion
subwoofer driver designs are widely considered as reference standards for
linear behavior and high output. We have also focused our eorts to create powerful
amplier and signal-processing technologies specically aimed at delivering
exceptional low-frequency performance. e SA-600W combines these core
disciplines within a compact package to deliver an unparalleled
listening experience.
We sincerely thank you for your purchase and invite you to read this
manual thoroughly in order to achieve the highest level of performance with
your SA-60 0W subwoofer amplier. Enjoy.
| Fathom SA-600WPage 4
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Engineered with powerful features and versatile functionality, the Fathom
SA-600W is a state-of-the-art amplier designed to power a top-ight subwoofer
system in home theater and home audio systems.
Utilizing a precisely-engineered switching power supply, the SA-600W is
capable of eciently generating unclipped output voltages equivalent to 600 watts
of RMS power, while remaining calm and stable. Managing all of the SA-600W’s
on-board features is an intuitively designed interface for adjusting all settings
and controls with ease.
e SA-600W includes the following features:
• Intuitive interface with LCD display provides detailed control of on-board
settings and functions
• Pristine, stereo audio circuit pathways used throughout
• On-board, 2-way active crossover (12/24 dB per octave), capable of supporting
a conventional 2-channel audio system with a low-pass ltered subwoofer
output and high-pass ltered outputs to feed the main speakers’ amplier
• Built-in, optimized equalizer curves for use with JL Audio subwoofers systems
• Fixed or variable level control options
• Selectable polarity control (0 or 180 degrees) to optimize subwoofer integration
• Programmable time delay control added to the SA-600W’s subwoofer
outputs and auxiliary outputs.
• E.L.F. (Extreme Low Frequency) trim applies equalizer cut or boost at 25
hertz (-12 to + 3 dB) to tailor a subwoofer’s response for a particular room.
• Innovative D.A.R.O. (Digital Automatic Room Optimization) technology
designed to oset poor room acoustics (requires optional JL Audio
calibration microphone – sold separately)
• ree on-board equalizer bands with congurable frequency range, gain
range and Q range to optimize in-room response
• Grounded or Isolated input mode options for quiet, noise-free performance
• Stereo, high-level inputs accept direct connection from receivers equipped
with speaker level outputs only
• Automatic turn-on options via signal sensing or 12V trigger
• 12V input and output triggers to control additional SA-600Ws or
peripheral equipment
• Front-mounted USB port and DFU button provides easy access to
update rmware
• Versatile mounting options for table-top setups or rack-mount installations
• Wireless input capability when used with a JLINK™ TRX System (sold separately)
If you require assistance, we urge you to contact your authorized
JL Audio retailer for expert setup advice and service.
PACKAGE CONTENTS
e SA-600W Subwoofer Amplier is shipped from the factory with:
• Owner’s Manual
• High Level Input Plug
• (2) Neutrik speakOn® Speaker Connectors (NL2FX)
• (2) Rack Mounting Ears (pre-installed)
• (4) Rubber Feet (with mounting hardware)
• (2) Alligator Clips
• IEC Power Cord (3-prong)
Page 5 | Fathom SA-600W
PLACING YOUR SUBWOOFER IN YOUR LISTENING ROOM:
Your listening room or theater is an integral part of your sound reproduction
system. e physical dimensions of the room and its furnishings, materials, doors
and windows play an important role in dening how your system sounds.
When you place a sound source in an enclosed rectangular space, “standing
waves” are created, resulting from the relationship between the sound’s
wavelength and your room’s dimensions. In other words, standing waves result
from sound energy that is trapped in the room as it bounces back and forth
between opposing walls. Standing waves in the room create acoustic peaks and
dips where the sound is either louder or soer, based solely on your physical
position in the room. Energy also “builds up” at the room’s boundaries, creating
exaggerated bass response at certain frequencies. ese fundamental room
resonances are called room “modes”.
e moral of this mode story is to try and avoid seating positions in standing
wave peak or dip regions. It is highly recommended that you place your listening
chairs in areas where modal peaks and dips are moderate and do not reinforce
one another. e two most obvious areas to avoid are those near the exact center
of the room and those close to any of the room’s walls.
Just as your listening seat can be in a peak or dip region, so can your
subwoofer. When placed in a room corner, a subwoofer maximally excites the
room’s mode structure, creating the strongest output with the fewest dips. When
the subwoofer is pulled away from a corner or wall, the room modes are excited
less, which can alter the sound at your listening seat.
Be sure to experiment with both your listening seat position and subwoofer
position to nd the best solution. Careful experimentation usually leads to a
superior sounding system. Use our setup suggestions (illustrated on the opposing
page and the following pages) to get you started.
If you cannot avoid placing your sofa against the back wall or your
subwoofer in a less than optimal position, all is not lost. Your SA-600W’s Digital
Automatic Room Optimization (D.A.R.O.) System can dramatically improve
these less-than-ideal situations.
We recommend that you begin by placing your subwoofer in the front
of the room, on the oor, near the front le or right speaker. Placing the
subwoofer near solid walls will reinforce bass response and pulling it away from
solid walls will decrease bass. Increasing the distance between the subwoofer and
the walls may help to smooth upper bass response in some rooms.
We recommend that you avoid placing a subwoofer near windows to prevent
rattling and sound transmission to the outside world.
If you are planning to install your SA600W inside a cabinet, please refer to the
guidelines on page 10.
| Fathom SA-600WPage 6
Recommended Subwoofer Placement Options for One Subwoofer
MORE INTENSE
SMOOTHER
SMOOTHER
SMOOTHER
RECOMMENDED
SUBWOOFER
PLACEMENT
ZONES
(For Single Subwoofer)
MORE INTENSE
SMOOTHER
SMOOTHER
SMOOTHER
COMPROMISED SEATING POSITIONS
(Results in weaker, uneven bass performance)
BEST SEATING POSITIONS
(Most accurate bass performance)
COMPROMISED SEATING POSITIONS
(More intense, but less accurate bass performance)
CENTERLINE OF ROOM
APPROX. 1/3 OF TOTAL ROOM
LENGTH AWAY FROM BACK WALL
CLOSE TO BACK WALL OF ROOM
WORST
SEAT
Page 7 | Fathom SA-600W
Recommended Subwoofer Placement Options for Two Subwoofers
Using Two Subwoofers
When using two subwoofers, try
placement near the front corners of the
room, at diagonally-opposite corners
of the room, or at the center points of
opposing walls as shown at right.
Experimentation with subwoofer
and listener placement is recommended
to achieve the best results – the benets
can be substantial.
High-resolution measurements
and professional system calibration
are recommended for the best possible
results & system performance.
| Fathom SA-600WPage 8
Using Three or Four Subwoofers
Research indicates that the
smoothest bass response for a large
listening area can be achieved using
four subwoofers, placing one at
the midpoint of each of the four
walls (although using two or three
subwoofers can be almost as good).
Experimentation with
subwoofer and listener placement
is recommended to achieve the
best results – the benets can be
substantial.
High-resolution measurements
and professional system calibration
are recommended for the best possible
results & system performance.
Recommended Subwoofer Placement Options for Three Subwoofers
Recommended Subwoofer Placement Options for Four Subwoofers
Page 9 | Fathom SA-600W
PLACEMENT CONSIDERATIONS
e SA-600W is designed to be “built-in” friendly. All typically needed
controls are located on the front panel. An SA-600W can be easily integrated into
an equipment rack or custom cabinetry by following a few simple guidelines.
1) Allow adequate open space around the SA-600W’s side-mounted heatsinks for
adequate cooling. Also allow space behind the amp for connector clearance.
2) While the SA-600W generally runs only warm during spirited operation, we do
recommend that adequate heat vents are included in any custom cabinet which
encloses the SA-600W. A pair of 3 inch (7.5 cm) diameter vents near the bottom
of the cabinet and near the top of the cabinet, will allow cool air to circulate over
the heatsinks of your SA-600W keeping it cool and happy.
Rack Mount: e SA-600W ships with rack ears pre-attached for installation in a
standard 19-inch equipment rack.
Tabl e -Top: e SA-600W includes rubber feet for table-top installations.
Simply remove the hex screws that attach the rack ears to the SA-600W
and screw the rubber feet into threaded holes in the bottom of the amplier
case. WARNING: e rubber feet attach using M6-1.0 x 10mm screws. If
lost or misplaced, only replace with the same type and length of screws.
Using longer screws will cause damage to the internal circuit board.
Rack Mount
Tabl e -Top
| Fathom SA-600WPage 10
Front Control Panel
Rear Connector Panel
Power
page 12
High Pass
Outputs
page 14
LED Status
Indicator
page 12
Wireless
JLINK
page 15
™
Port
Home
Button
page 13
LCD Display
page 13
Subwoofer
Outputs
page 16
5-Way
Control Pad
page 13
DFU
Button
page 13
USB
page 13
MIC
page 13
IEC-Style AC
Connector
page 17
Line Inputs
page 14
High Level
Inputs
page 15
Input Mode
Switch
page 16
12V Tr igger
page 17
Warranty void if serial number is removed, altered or defaced.
Main Fuse
page 17
S
E
U
F
F
U
E
S
120 V ~ 60 HzF 6A H 250V
Page 11 | Fathom SA-600W
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS IN DETAIL
Power Switch
e “Power” switch determines the operational readiness of the SA-600W and
should be the only method used to turn the amplier on and o. Do not use a power
strip switch, switched outlet or any other external switch as these may result in
undesirable and potentially damaging transient pops. Do not unplug the SA-600W’s
AC power cord while the unit is turned on.
The Power switch has three positions:
“o ”: e SA-600W is powered down. In this state, a negligible current draw
will exist for operating the main power relays. e front panel LED is RED and
the LCD Display is dim with the message “In Standby. Power switch is OFF.”
displayed.
“on”: e SA-600W is fully powered at all times. e front panel LED is GREEN
and the Home Screen menu options are listed on the LCD Display.
“auto”: In this position, the SA-600W can be activated by the following methods:
Signal Sensing: In this default mode, the SA-600W will power up when an audio
signal is present at any of its inputs and will power down its internal amplier
when no signal has been detected at its inputs for sixty (60) minutes. When
dormant, the SA-600W will draw a minimal amount of current (< 1 watt) to
power its Signal-Sensing circuitry. e front panel LED turns YELLOW when the
SA-600W powers down to indicate Standby mode and the LCD Display will show
“In Standby. Waiting for audio input.” e front panel LED will turn GREEN
when the SA-600W powers up.
Note: In the unlikely event that the auto Signal-Sensing feature is not sensitive
enough for a particular system, use a Y-adaptor cable (one female to two male
RCA-type connectors) to split the incoming signal into both RCA line inputs on
the SA-600W. is will increase the input sensitivity by 6 dB. Please be aware
that if there is signicant noise entering the inputs, the SA-600W may not turn
o as desired. If this happens, remove the Y-adaptor cable and/or look for the
noise source in the upstream components.
IMP ORTANT
LED Status Indicator
Color Mode
Red O
Green On
Yellow Standby
12V Trigger: Optionally, the SA-600W can be activated using a 12V DC signal.
To enable this mode, select “SYSTEM” on the Home Screen screen (see page 18
for more info) and select “12V ON”. is setting overrides audio Signal-Sensing
and will only turn on the SA-600W when a 12V DC signal is present at its
“12V Trigger - In” connection. When the 12V DC signal is removed from
the “12V Trigger - In” connection, the SA-600W will enter Standby mode
immediately, the front panel LED turns YELLOW and “In standby. Waiting for
12V trigger.” will be shown on the LCD Display.
Note: Whenever the SA-600W is ON, its “12V Trigger - Out” output will be
active, regardless of the “SYSTEM” setting. is allows you to control multiple
SA-600Ws using a single 12V trigger lead by daisy-chaining them together (“12V
Trigger - Out” activates the “12V Trigger - In” of the next amp, etc.).
| Fathom SA-600WPage 12
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