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.
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ProteCt Your Hearing!
installation aPPliCations
Planning Your installation
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
ventilated with the aid of a fan. In normal
applications, fan-cooling is not necessary.
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.
Remote Turn-On
Connector
(pg. 6)
+12 V Power Chassis Ground
Speaker Outputs
(pg. 9)
Fuses
(pg. 5)
Connector
(pg. 5)
Connector
(pg. 5)
• 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.
Serial Number:
• Protect all system wires from sharp metal
edges and wear by carefully routing them,
tying them down and using grommets and
loom where appropriate.
Input Sensitivity
Control
Bass Boost
Control
(pg. 8)
Left & Right
Preamp Output Jacks
(pg. 8)
Output Polarity
Switch
(pg. 7)
(pg. 6)
Filter
Frequency Selector
(pg. 7)
Remote
Level Port
(pg. 8)
Left & Right
Preamp Input Jacks
(pg. 6)
Power/Protection
• 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.
Status Indicator
(pg. 9)
Preamp
Amplifier
Inputs
Outputs
Remote
Level
LEFT
LEFT
Port
Power
|
Reversed Normal
Output Polarity
40
130
Off +12dB
Bass Boost
min max
Input Sens.
LP Filter Frequency (Hz)
RIGHT
RIGHT
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ProduCt desCriPtion
Power ConneCtions
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).
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.
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.
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.
+ 12VDC
Remote
Ground
5A
Many vehicles employ small (10 AWG -
tYPiCal installation sequenCe
The following represents the sequence
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.
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.
8) Connect the positive and negative power
wires to the amplifier.
9) Connect the remote turn-on wire
to the amplifier.
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.
Fuse requirements
10) Connect the RCA input cables
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.
to the amplifier.
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
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.
AWG power wire if additional amplifiers
are being installed with the J2-500.1.
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.).
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.
FUSES
16) Enjoy the fruits of your labor with your
favorite music.
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.
15A
15A
15A
15A
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“remote” turn-on
“amPliFier inPuts”
“inPut sensitiVitY” (gain) adJustment
Located next to the input connectors is a rotary
control labeled “Input Sens.”. This rotary control
can be used to match the source unit’s output
voltage to the input stage of the amplifier for
maximum clean output.
“lP Filter” (CrossoVer) Control
The J2-500.1 is turned on and off
using a conventional +12V remote turn-
on lead, typically controlled by the
source unit’s remote turn-on output.
The J2-500.1 only offers low-level (preamp
level) input connections via a single pair of RCA-
type jacks that are compatible with a wide range
of aftermarket source units and processors. If you
wish to use speaker level signals, you will need to
employ a line-output converter (not included).
The J2-500.1 employs a 12dB/octave low-pass
(LP) active filter for its internal channel. This
feature is designed to attenuate frequencies above
its filter frequency, so that the system’s subwoofers
do not reproduce any audible midrange content.
The low-pass filter in the J2-500.1 is fully
variable between 40 Hz and 130 Hz via the “LP
Filter Frequency” control knob. The 12 o’clock
position corresponds to 80 Hz, and is a good
starting point for system tuning.
+ 12VDC
Remote
Ground
mp
uts
Amplifier
Inputs
ower
T
LEFT
40
min max
Input Sens.
LP Filter Fr
Rev
Ou
T
RIGHT
40
130
LP Filter Frequency (Hz)
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.
18 AWG wire is more than adequate for the
remote turn-on connection. To connect the
remote turn-on wire to the amplifier, strip 1/2-
inch (12 mm) of insulation from the wire and
insert it into the “Remote” receptacle on the
power connector. Tighten the connector down
using a Phillips screwdriver.
Rotating the control clockwise will result
in higher sensitivity (louder for a given input
voltage). Rotating the 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 the level of the
amplifier by adjusting the input sensitivity
downward, if the amplifier requires attenuation to
achieve the desired system balance.
Do not increase the “Input Sens.” setting for
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.
You may run a stereo or a mono signal into
the inputs of the amplifier. The amplifier’s input
section automatically sums stereo signals to mono
for the internal amplifier section.
The amplifier will operate with only one
“outPut PolaritY” Control
input connection (left or right), but will require
an increase in input sensitivity to overcome the
loss of signal. If a mono input signal is to be run
into the RCA jacks, we recommend that you use
a “Y-adaptor” to split the mono signal into both
the Left and Right inputs of the amplifier.
The J2-500.1 includes a switch to quickly reverse
the polarity of its audio output. This is very useful
for establishing a smooth transition between the
subwoofers and main speaker systems. Choose
the position that results in the strongest midbass
and the best “up-front” bass presence.
If you plan to use the preamp outputs to feed a
stereo amplifier, you must connect a stereo
signal to the input of the amplifier. A mono
signal into the amplifier will result in a mono
signal out of the preamp output.
er
Pow
|
Reversed Normal
Output Polarity
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“PreamP outPuts”
remote leVel Control
sPeaKer outPut
“Power” indiCator led /
The J2-500.1 incorporates a preamp output
section, designed to make multiple amplifier
systems easy to set up. This section consists
of a pair of RCA-type jacks marked
“Preamp Outputs”.
The J2-500.1 includes a remote level control
that can be mounted in the front of the vehicle.
This control allows the owner to adjust the overall
subwoofer level to taste. To connect the remote
bass control knob, insert its plug into the jack
labeled “Remote Level Port” on the amplifier
and route the cable and control to the desired
location in the front of the vehicle.
Speaker connection to the J2-500.1 is
straightforward and takes place at the far right
of the power/speaker connection panel. A
single positive (“+”) connection and a single
negative (“–”) connection are available via a
connector labeled “Speaker Output (Mono)”.
ProteCtion CirCuitrY
The multi-color “Power” LED on the J2-500.1
also serves as a status indicator for certain fault
conditions. Its operation is as follows:
1) Red: Amplifer is turning on.
2) Green: Amplifier is on / operating normally.
Preamp
Outputs
3) Yellow: Protection mode activated due to one
of the following: Shorted outputs, too low of a
load impedance or thermal overload (too hot).
LEFT
P
O
Remote
Level
Port
40
130
Off +12dB
Bass Boost
Once the fault condition is corrected, the
amplifier will return to normal operating
mode and the LED will turn green again. For
information on troubleshooting this amplifier,
refer to Appendix C (pages 12, 13).
LP Filter Frequency (Hz)
RIGHT
The Preamp outputs deliver the same signal that
is being fed to the inputs. (If the input signal are
full-range, the preamp outputs will be full-range).
This signal is not affected by the bass boost or LP
FIlter processing selected for the amplifier.
Power
Speaker loads below 2Ω nominal are not
recommended and will cause the amplifier to
enter into a protection mode.
Care should be taken to securely mount this
control in a manner that does not interfere with
vehicle operation.
When setting the amplifier’s input sensitivity,
the Remote Level Control should be unplugged or
at full clockwise rotation (maximum level).
Do not chassis ground any speakers connected
to this or any other JL Audio amplifier. Doing so
will cause the amplifier to go into protection.
To connect the speaker wires to the amplifier,
strip 1/2-inch (12 mm) of insulation from
each speaker wire and insert them into their
appropriate connector (observing correct
polarity). Then, tighten each connector using a
Phillips screwdriver.
“bass boost” Control
serViCing Your Jl audio amPliFier
If your amplifier fails or malfunctions, please
return it to your authorized JL Audio dealer so
that it may be sent in to JL Audio for service.
There are no user serviceable parts or fuses inside
the amplifier. The unique nature of the circuitry
in the JL Audio amplifiers requires specifically
trained service personnel. Do not attempt
to service the amplifier yourself or through
unauthorized repair facilities. This will not only
void the warranty, but may result in the creation
of more problems within the amplifier.
The J2-500.1 includes a single band, boost-
only bass equalizer controlled by a rotary knob
marked “Bass Boost”. This control has a boost
range of 0dB (full-counterclockwise) to +12dB
(full-clockwise) and is centered at 45 Hz.
Do NOT attempt to “bridge” two J2-500.1’s
together or combine their output to a single
load in any manner. Doing so will damage the
amplifier(s).
If you have any questions about the installation
or setup of the amplifier not covered in this
manual, please contact your dealer or technical
support.
Off +12dB
Bass Boost
Before reconnecting the battery ground and
turning the system on, verify that all control
settings on the amplifier are set according to
the needs of the system.
Jl audio technical support:
(954) 443-1100
9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Eastern Time Zone)
Monday - Friday
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aPPendix a:
aPPendix b:
input sensitivity level setting
8) Increase the “Input Sens.” control until the
target voltage is observed with the voltmeter.
9) Once you have adjusted the amplifier to
its maximum low-distortion output level,
reconnect the speaker(s). The “Input Sens.”
controls can now be adjusted downward if the
amplifier requires attenuation to achieve the
desired system balance.
J2-500.1 specifications
Following the directions below will allow the
installer to adjust the input sensitivity of each
amplifier channel pair simply and easily in just a
few minutes using equipment which is commonly
available in installation bays.
general specifications:
Recommended Fuse Value: 60A
Recommended Fuse Type: ANL at battery, 4x 15A ATC
fuses on amplifier chassis.
necessary equipment
input section:
• Digital AC Voltmeter
Low-Level Input: Single-ended with RCA jacks
• CD with a sine-wave test tone recorded at
0 dB reference level in the frequency range
to be amplified for that set of channels
(50 Hz for subwoofer channels, 1 kHz for a
midrange application). Do not use attenuated
test tones (-10 dB, -20 dB, etc.).
Low-Level Input Range: 200mV - 4V RMS
Do not increase any “Input Sens.” setting for
any amplifier channel or channel pair in the
system beyond the maximum level established
during this procedure. Doing so will result in
audible distortion and possible speaker damage.
amplifier section:
Amplifier Topology: Class B Monaural with
complementary bi-polar outputs
Power Supply: PWM switching type, unregulated
Rated Power with less than 1% THD (14.4V supply):
340W RMS x 1 @ 4Ω
the nine-step Procedure
1) Disconnect the speaker(s) from the
amplifier’s speaker output connectors.
It will be necessary to re-adjust the
“Input Sens.” for the affected channels if any
equalizer boost is activated after setting the
“Input Sens.” with this procedure. This applies
to any EQ boost circuit, including source unit
tone controls or EQ circuits. EQ cuts will not
require re-adjustment.
420W RMS x 1 @ 3Ω
500W RMS x 1 @ 2Ω
2) Turn off all processing (bass/treble, loudness,
EQ, etc.) on the source unit, processors (if used)
and amplifier. Set fader control to center position
and subwoofer level control to 3/4 of maximum.
If connected, set the amplifier’s Remote Bass
Control at maximum (full clockwise).
Frequency Response: 10 - 100 Hz (+/– 1 dB)
Crossover section:
Low-Pass Filter: 12 dB/octave with continuously variable
cutoff frequency selection from 40 - 130 Hz. Non-defeatable.
3) Turn the “Input Sens.” control all the
way down.
Preamp outputs:
2-Channel, pass-through with unity gain, RCA-type jacks.
nom. impedance
target aC Voltage
4Ω
3Ω
2Ω
37 V
4) Set the source unit volume to 3/4 of full
volume. This will allow for reasonable gain
overlap with moderate clipping at full volume.
5) Using the chart on this page, determine the target
voltage for input sensitivity adjustment according
to the nominal impedance of the speaker system
connected to the amplifier outputs.
35.5 V
31.5 V
bass boost:
Single-band with 45 Hz center frequency, adjustable from
0 to +12dB.
remote level Control:
Via included, wired remote control knob. Full mute to
0 dB range.
6) Verify that you have disconnected the speakers
before proceeding. Play a track with an
appropriate sine wave (within the frequency
range to be amplified) at 3/4 source unit volume.
7) Connect the AC voltmeter to the speaker output
connectors of the amplifier. Make sure you test
the voltage at the correct connectors (+ and –).
dimensions (lxwxH):
13.20" x 9.60" x 2.15" (335 mm x 244 mm x 55 mm)
Due to ongoing product development, all specifications are subject to
change without notice.
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aPPendix C: troublesHooting
“How do i properly set the input sensitivity on my amplifier”
“my amplifier turns on, but there is no output”
Check the input signal using an AC voltmeter to measure the
Please refer to Appendix A (page 10) to set the input sensitivity for
maximum, low-distortion output.
voltage from the source unit while an appropriate test tone is
played through the source unit (disconnect the input cables
from the amplifier prior to this test). The frequency used
should be in the range that is to be amplified by the amplifier
(example: 50 Hz for a sub bass application or 1 kHz for a full
range / high-pass application). A steady, sufficient voltage
(between 0.2 and 8.0-volts) should be present at the output of
the signal cables.
“my amplifier doesn’t turn on”
Check the fuse, not just visually, but with a continuity meter. It is
possible for a fuse to have poor internal connections that
cannot be found by visual inspection. It is best to take the
fuse out of the holder for testing. If no problem is found with
the fuse, inspect the fuse-holder.
Check the integrity of the connections made to each of the
“+12VDC”, “Ground”, and “Remote” terminals. Ensure
that no wire insulation is pinched by the terminal set screw
and that each connection is tight.
Check to make sure there is +12V at the “Remote” connection of the
amplifier. In some cases, the turn-on lead from the source unit
is insufficient to turn on multiple devices and the use of a relay
is required. To test for this problem, jump the “+12VDC” wire
to the “Remote” terminal to see if the amplifier turns on. If this
does not work, proceed to the next step.
Check the output of the amplifier. Using the procedure explained in
the previous check item (after plugging the input cables back
into the amplifier) test for output at the speaker outputs of
the amplifier. Unless you enjoy test tones at high levels, it is
a good idea to remove the speaker wires from the amplifier
while doing this. Turn the volume up approximately half
way. 5V or more should be measured at the speaker outputs.
This output level can vary greatly between amplifiers but it
should not be in the millivolt range with the source unit at
half volume. If you are reading sufficient voltage, check your
speaker connections as explained below.
“my amplifier’s output fluctuates when i tap on it or hit a bump”
Check the connections to the amplifier. Make sure that the
Check to ensure that the speaker wires are making a good
connection with the metal inside the terminal block. The
speaker wire connectors are designed to accept up to 8 AWG
wire. Make sure to strip the wire to allow for a sufficient
connection with the metal inside the terminal block.
insulation for all wires has been stripped back far enough to
allow a good contact area inside the terminal block.
Check the input connectors to ensure that they all are making good
contact with the input jacks on the amplifier.
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installation notes:
Use this diagram to document your amplifier’s switch and control positions.
Preamp
Amplifier
Inputs
Outputs
Remote
LEFT
LEFT
Level
Port
Power
|
Reversed Normal
Output Polarity
40
130
Oꢀ +12dB
Bass Boost
min max
Input Sens.
LP Filter Frequency (Hz)
RIGHT
RIGHT
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|