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Automotive Grade Amplifiers

Automotive Amplifier Collection

Amplifiers are the power plant of your car stereo system. They may be built to exist in the head unit and they are included on active speakers. Amplifiers are usually found externally as stand alone units between your head-unit and your speaker driver in the signal flow process. They come in various power output levels called watts. The amp essentially takes your media output from your receiver and boosts that signal to power a speaker driver. If your vehicle has an upgraded factory sound system like a Bose, Alpine or JBL then you most likely have a factory amplifier. Real Time Analyzation, or RTA tuning and time correction can make a dramatic difference in the final sound quality of your car stereo system and should be taken into consideration when updating the amplifier in your car.

Some amplifiers like the JL Audio VXi Series have built in time correction and tuning capabilities like a 9 band parametric equalizer per output channel. Amplifiers like the VXi amps have in depth tuning capability and are especially great for today’s newer cars with infotainment systems that are difficult to replace. RTA tuning is a process of time measuring the distance between the listening position and each speaker, and then measuring the frequency response of your speakers and your vehicles acoustic properties. After analyzing this information we can then begin to make real time adjustments with crossovers, parametric EQ’s and level balancing. When finished, the optimum tuned system will have the sound from each individual driver reach the listening position at the same time. Each speaker would be optimally level balanced to be the same volume and to reproduce all frequencies as flat as possible with adjustments to fight the acoustical imbalances of your vehicle.

Adding or replacing your amplifier?

Did your car stereo’s amplifier finally bite the dust? Do you want to level up on your car stereo game? Do you just require an upgrade in sound quality or do you just want some low end funk in your trunk? Whatever your reason may be Jackson Tint and Sound can help you pick out the right amplifier and provide you with simply the best professional installation within your budget.

Location: Finding a home for your car stereo amplifier can be a challenge. A great go to first spot is under a seat but, will the amplifier’s height allow clearance to be mounted there? Will you be able to raise it up off the floor a bit to keep it away from moister? Will all the wires be safe from moving parts? Will the rear passenger’s feet hit the amplifier? Finding a location to mount your car or truck amp is not always easy and is not something you want moving around or near water. A good amplifier location should be dry, secured, vented and protected.

RMS power: The RMS power rating of any car-amp is the continuous power rating that the amplifier is designed to output at a maximum volume rating. The RMS rating is one of two numbers to go by when pairing your speakers with a power-plant. As an example a speaker with a 100-Watt, or 100W for short, RMS rating should be paired with a 100W RMS amplifier. We usually recommend an amplifier to be over powered by 10 – 20% RMS so that the amplifier does not have to work at 100% capacity to get 100% efficiency from your speakers. This will keep your amp from overheating during long periods of continuous operation.

Ohms: The Ohm rating, or resistance rating, of an amplifier is the second most important when pairing drivers with power-plants. An amp that is 750W @ 2-ohms might only generally be 500W or less @ 4-ohms. When purchasing a car stereo amp, the correct pairing of a speaker’s RMS wattage and Ohm ratings with the correct power-plant output rating is absolutely essential.

Signal to Noise Ratio or S/N: The measurement of volume in any sound system is noted by the Decibel, or dB for short. 6dB is perceived by the human ear to be double the volume. 96dB is essentially twice as loud as 90dB. With that said, the S/N ratio of your car stereo amplifier is the measurement of dB’s between the inherent noise produced by the electronics within the amplifier and the level of amplified source volume. The S/N rating is by all means a measurement of how quiet that piece of audio gear is. It is a measurement of separation.

Every piece of audio electronics will have an induction of noise and should have a S/N ratio measurement in the specifications. Noise is usually introduced during the analog to digital, or A/D for short, and digital to analog, or D/A for short, conversions. Every time a piece of your car car stereo gear has to make this conversion noise is introduced into your sound system. Analog amplifiers can be noisy due to the analog electronics amplifying the input signal. Digital amplifiers eliminate this noise but still have some noise in the A/D and D/A converters.

A car stereo amplifier with a S/N ratio of 90db will hiss twice as loud than an amplifier with a 96db S/N ratio when silent. Essentially this rating transmits to unwanted hum and hiss from your speakers and degradation in the quality of your car stereo speaker system's performance. Some amplifiers like the JL Audio VXi Series have Toslink optical inputs for connecting digitally to other Toslink devices. This keeps the incoming audio signal clean and reduces numerous analog to digital conversions. When comparing differences between multiple amplifiers of equal wattage, the S/N ratio should be taken into consideration when budgeting for an amplifier.

So Many Choices, Where Do I Begin?

Budget: With more affordable and moderately priced amplifier options from Kicker and Alpine to the high end audiophile quality of JL Audio’s VXi series amplifiers, the cost of installation is the same. Even if you are one of the do-it-your-self type, the effort required is still the same. Spending an extra $100 to $200 for an amp could very well last longer, will usually sound better, and will generally keep you satisfied with your car stereo purchase for years to come.

How many channels do you need? Are you going to amplify your door speakers or just your subwoofer? Maybe both? If so you need a 5ch amp. Maybe a 5ch amp won’t give you the power rating you desire for your subwoofer. If so you need a 4ch amplifier for your door speakers and a monoblock, single channel power plant for your sub.

RMS and Ohms: Is the power rating and resistance rating going to match the ratings of your door speakers and subwoofer? Will your amplifier produce at least the RMS level of your drivers? Balancing your amplifier power and resistance ratings with your speakers is critical to the design and budgeting of your car stereo for correct operation.

Functions and Capabilities: Why are you replacing or adding an amp and what kind of functionality do you want from it? Will it be exposed to water, dust or salt? Marine grade amplifiers for these applications one might find in a boat, convertible or an ATV are specially designed to be water resistant and host corrosive resistant components and added protection from salt water, dust and debris.

Essentially no matter what speakers, amplifiers or subwoofers you have in your car these devices only sound as good as the quality of the source media and the dedication to building them. Pairing a full set of JL Audio speakers and subwoofers for instance with a Pioneer amplifier is a waste of your JL Audio speaker system's potential. With that said, your amplifier will only sound as good as your media type. Compressed audio from an MP3 streaming over BT will never sound as good as a 16bit 48kHz audio file, like what you would find on a CD, or a 32bit 96kHz high quality audiophile format, like what you would generally find on a Blu-Ray disc or now FLAC files. Now you can even put everything onto a USB thumb drive as a media option.

2 products

  • JL Audio VX600/6i : 6ch Digital Amplifier with DSP, 100W or 75W @ 2Ω or 4Ω x 6 JL Audio VX600/6i : 6ch Digital Amplifier with DSP, top.

    JL Audio VX600/6i : 6ch Digital Amplifier with DSP, 100W or 75W @ 2Ω or 4Ω x 6

    Pre-Order Today!

    6-Channel Class-D Full-Range Amplifier with Integrated DSP, 100-Watt x 6 @ 2-Ohm / 75-Watt x 6 @ 4-Ohm Designed to simplify great audio, every VXi amplifier combines JL's advanced NexD2™ switching amplifier technology with an integrated, full-featured digital signal processor. With JL's second-generation NexD2™ technology, the VX600/6i full-range amplifier outputs up to 75 watts per channel into 4 ohms, or 100 watts into 2 ohms. It can also be bridged into 4 ohms, producing up a rock-solid 200 W x 3. The NexD2™ full-range technology in this amplifier is DSP-controlled and features a reduced loop area design utilizing DirectFET™ outputs for outstanding fidelity, very low noise and exceptional efficiency. The amplifier chassis is ultra-compact, with all connections on one side, to greatly simplify installation into tight spaces. Instead of traditional control knobs and switches, all amplifier adjustments and DSP functionality are configured via a compatible external device (PC, Tablet or Smartphone), with the appropriate JL Audio TüN™ Software application installed. Amplifier includes: Power Connector (for 4 AWG wire), Analog Input/Pre-Out Harness, Speaker Output Harness, 6 ft A/B USB Cable TüN™ Software Applications Intuitive setup and tuning, all at your fingertips. Automatically recognizes connected amplifier and displays appropriate interface. TüN™ is available for download for free in a variety of applications, for computers and most handheld devices. Unprecedented, Onboard DSP Tuning Power Premium, triple-core AKM® DSP with an optimized configuration, developed in collaboration with AKM® Hi-Res audio processing at 24 bit/96 kHz High-performance AKM® A/D and D/A converters 10 Bands of fully parametric EQ, per output channel, including pre-outs Shelving EQ option for Band 1 and Band 10 High-Pass & Low-Pass Filters for each output channel, with selectable alignments and slopes: Linkwitz-Riley: 12, 24, 48 dB/octaveButterworth: 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48 dB/octave Signal Delay in 0.01 millisecond steps (equivalent to 1/8-inch, 3 mm) All-Pass Filter (Phase EQ), with variable "Q" and corner frequency Polarity Reversal (0 or 180 deg.) Output Level Trim in 0.1 dB steps NexD2™ Switching Amplifier Technology JL's latest generation of high-speed switching technology delivers superb low frequency power and efficiency. Specially optimized for subwoofer applications Ultra-Versatile Analog and Digital Inputs High-performance, differential-balanced analog inputs for outstanding noise rejection Accepts speaker level signals from 200 mV, up to 16V RMS, including those from many factory systems Optical Digital (Toslink) input permits direct connection of S/PDIF digital sources, bypassing A/D converter. Accepts up to 24 bit/192 kHz input. Independently configurable RCA analog and digital pre-outs (24 bit/96 kHz) Automatic turn-on options via Signal-Sensing or DC-Offset sensing Functional Compact Chassis Design Solid cast alloy main unibody and bottom plate deliver superb EMI performance and shielding All connections utilize compact mating connectors for maximum integrity and fitment into tight spaces. Configurable LED logo ring displays status and can display audio preset color code or user-defined color Logo badge can be oriented in 90 degree increments Corner caps engineered to conceal mounting holes and hardware JLid™ System Command and Control with Networking Capabilities JL Audio's digital protocol provides control interface and communication between VXi amplifiers and optional JLid™ accessories, including: DRC-100/DRC-200/DRC-205 Digital Remote Controllers: Offers convenient level and DSP preset control from the driver's seat. VXi-BTC Bluetooth® Communicator: Permits wireless configuration of VXi amplifiers using your compatible Apple® or Android® device. VXi-HUB Optical Network Hub: Provides network connectivity for up to five slave VXi amplifiers, allowing synchronization of DRC controllers and DSP presets. Up to two VXi-HUBs can be daisy-chained to network up to ten VXi amplifiers. Specifications Frequency Response 12 Hz - 24 kHz (+0, -1dB) S/N Ratio, referred to highest rated power (Analog Inputs) 99 dB (A-weighted, 20 Hz - 20 kHz noise bandwidth) S/N Ratio, referred to 1 W (Analog Inputs) 80 dB (A-weighted, 20 Hz - 20 kHz noise bandwidth) S/N Ratio, referred to highest rated power (Digital Inputs) 99 dB (A-weighted, 20 Hz - 20 kHz noise bandwidth) S/N Ratio, referred to 1 W (Digital Inputs) 80 dB (A-weighted, 20 Hz - 20 kHz noise bandwidth) Damping Factor @ 4 Ω >100 / 50 Hz Damping Factor @ 2 Ω >50 / 50 Hz THD+N @ Rated Power <1% @ 2 Ω per Ch. Input Voltage Range @ RCA Inputs 200 mV - 16 V RMS Min.Copper Power / Ground Wire Gauge 4 AWG wire Fuse Rating 50 A (AFS, AGU or MaxiFuse™) @ 4 Ω 75 W RMS x 6 @ 2 Ω 100 W RMS x 6 Bridged @ 4Ω 200 W RMS x 3 JL Audio VX600/6i Manual

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    $1,499.99

  • JL Audio XDM600/6 : 6ch Marine Amplifier, 100W/75W x 6ch @ 2Ω/4Ω JL Audio XDM600/6 : 6ch Marine Amplifier, settings section.

    JL Audio XDM600/6 : 6ch Marine Amplifier, 100W/75W x 6ch @ 2Ω/4Ω

    Pre-Order Today!

    XDM-Series Six-Channel Class-D Marine-Grade Amplifier, 100-Watts x Six-Channels @ 2-Ohm or 75-Watts x 6-Channels @ Four-Ohm The incredibly flexible XDM600/6 packs a serious full-range wallop and delivers a stunning 100-watts to each of its six channels into 2-ohms (14.4V, 1% THD). The technology that makes this much power possible in such a compact chassis is Jl's advanced NexD high-speed switching design, which permits full bandwidth Class D operation with extremely low distortion and remarkable efficiency. Suitable for car or boat installations, the XDM600/6 is built with marine-grade materials and features an exclusive, dual-mode input filter for noise-free performance in boats or cars. Automatic turn-on capability (via signal sensing or DC-offset sensing) is also onboard for easy factory system upgrades. With the XDM600/6, you have plenty of great use options. Configure it as a six-channel satellite amplifier with 75W x 6 @ 4Ω, or bridge four of its channels to create a staggered power four-channel amplifier with 200W x 2 @ 4Ω for your front satellites and 75W x 2 @ 4Ω for your rear satellites. You can also drive two subwoofers with 200W each, plus a pair of satellites with 75W x 2. The XDM600/6 includes a 12dB / octave filter for each channel bank, which can be configured as a low-pass or high-pass filter and offers continuously variable cutoff frequency selection from 50-500 Hz. With the addition of an optional HD-RLC or MHD-RLC (water-resistant) remote level controller (each sold separately), you have the ability to adjust the level of two, four, or all six amplifier channels directly from the driver's seat or cockpit. Finished in a sleek, black powder-coat, all controls are protected beneath a gasketed, removable top cover for easy access. Specifications @ 4 Ω 75 W RMS x 6 @ 14.4V @ 2 Ω 100 W RMS x 6 @ 14.4V Bridged @ 4Ω 200 W RMS x 3 @ 14.4V @ 4 Ω 60 W RMS x 6 @ 12.5V @ 2 Ω 90 W RMS x 6 @ 12.5V Bridged @ 4Ω 180 W RMS x 3 @ 12.5V Frequency Response 12 Hz - 22 kHz (+0, -1dB) S/N Ratio, referred to highest rated power >104 dB below rated power (A-weighted, 20 Hz - 20 kHz noise bandwidth) S/N Ratio, referred to 1 W >84 dB (A-weighted, 20 Hz - 20 kHz noise bandwidth) Damping Factor @ 4 Ω >150 / 50 Hz Damping Factor @ 2 Ω >75 / 50 Hz THD+N @ Rated Power <1% @ 2 Ω per Ch. Input Voltage Range @ RCA Inputs 200 mV - 4 V RMS Min.Copper Power / Ground Wire Gauge 4 AWG wire Fuse Rating 50 A (AFS, AGU or MaxiFuse™) Filter Mode(s) Low-Pass or High-Pass Filter Slope(s) 12 dB/octave Filter Frequency Range 50 Hz - 500 Hz Detented, Calibrated Filter Freq. Potentiometers Yes Filter Defeat Function Yes Remote Level Control Optional HD-RLC or MHD-RLC (water-resistant) Remote Level Modes 2 or 4 or All Channels Channel Input Mode Switch Yes (2/4/6 ch.) Pass-Through Preamp Output None Source Channel Selection for PreOuts N/A Height (H) 2.05 in / 52 mm Width (W) 10.23 in / 260 mm Depth (D) 7.09 in / 180 mm Net Weight 5.8 lb / 2.63 kg JL Audio XDM600/6v2 Manual

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    $799.99

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