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Amplifiers

Automotive and Marine Audio Amplifiers.

Automotive, Power-Sport and Marine Grade Amplifiers

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.

3 products

  • JL Audio VX1000/1i : Mono Digital Amplifier with DSP, 1000W or 600W @ 2Ω or 4Ω JL Audio VX1000/1i : Mono Digital Amplifier with DSP, top.

    JL Audio VX1000/1i : Mono Digital Amplifier with DSP, 1000W or 600W @ 2Ω or 4Ω

    Pre-Order Today!

    Monoblock Class D Subwoofer Amplifier with Integrated DSP, 1000-Watt x 1 @ 2-Ohm / 600-Watt x 1 @ 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. The VX1000/1i monoblock subwoofer amplifier outputs up to 600 watts into 4 ohms, or a jaw-dropping 1000 watts into 2 ohms. A specialized, low-frequency version of JL's NexD2™ amplifier technology delivers rock-solid bass performance and fidelity, with outstanding efficiency. Compact dimensions with all connections placed on one side, via mating plugs, 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 2 AWG wire), Analog Input/Pre-Out Harness, Subwoofer Output Connector, 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 - 500 Hz (+0, -1dB) S/N Ratio, referred to highest rated power (Analog Inputs) 87 dB (A-weighted, 20 Hz - 20 kHz noise bandwidth) S/N Ratio, referred to 1 W (Analog Inputs) 60 dB (A-weighted, 20 Hz - 20 kHz noise bandwidth) S/N Ratio, referred to highest rated power (Digital Inputs) 87 dB (A-weighted, 20 Hz - 20 kHz noise bandwidth) S/N Ratio, referred to 1 W (Digital Inputs) 56 dB (A-weighted, 20 Hz - 20 kHz noise bandwidth) Damping Factor @ 4 Ω >400 / 50 Hz Damping Factor @ 2 Ω >300 / 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 80 A (AFS, AGU or MaxiFuse™) @ 4 Ω 600 W RMS x 1 @ 3 Ω 800 W RMS x 1 @ 2 Ω 1000 W RMS x 1 @ 1.5 Ω N/A JL Audio VX1000/1i Manual

    Pre-Order Today!

    $1,399.99

  • JL Audio RD1000/1 : 1000W Monoblock Amplifier @ 2Ω JL Audio RD1000/1 : 1000W Monoblock Amplifier, top side.

    JL Audio RD1000/1 : 1000W Monoblock Amplifier @ 2Ω

    Pre-Order Today!

    RD-Series 1000-Watt Monoblock Subwoofer Amplifier @ 2-Ohms Purpose-built for subwoofer applications, the RD1000/1 monoblock amplifier delivers 1000 watts of jaw-dropping bass output into 2 ohms (14.4V, 1% THD). At the heart of this ultra-sleek and compact power plant is JL Audio’s exclusive NexD™ Class D technology, permitting high power output with exceptional efficiency and low distortion. For your convenience, all of the RD1000/1’s controls are located on top of the amplifier, beneath a protective cover, with all connections found along one side of its chassis. Signal processing features include a 12 dB / octave low-pass filter, with continuously variable frequency selection from 50-500 Hz, and a variable bass boost EQ. Dual-range, differential-balance inputs are also onboard, capable of accepting most input voltage levels. Automatic turn-on capability (via signal sensing or DC-offset sensing) is standard, along with a set of preamp outputs so you can easily pass signals to another amplifier. The RD1000/1 is also equipped with an onboard LED-clipping indicator. This all-new, innovative feature lets you easily set your amplifier’s input sensitivity setting, quickly and accurately, with no special equipment needed. The RD1000/1 features a durable, black powder-coated finish and a top-mounted, dual-color LED light strip that reports the overall status and condition. Control of the subwoofer level from the driver’s seat is easily accomplished with the addition of the optional RBC-1 remote level control (sold separately). Specifications Frequency Response 7 Hz - 500 Hz (+0, -1dB) S/N Ratio, referred to highest rated power >80 dB below rated power (A-weighted, 20 Hz - 20 kHz noise bandwidth) S/N Ratio, referred to 1 W >50 dB (A-weighted, 20 Hz - 20 kHz noise bandwidth) Damping Factor @ 4 Ω >1000 / 50 Hz Damping Factor @ 2 Ω >500 / 50 Hz THD+N @ Rated Power <1% @ 2 Ω per Ch. Input Voltage Range @ RCA Inputs Switchable from 200 mV - 2 V RMS (Low) to 800 mV - 8 V RMS (High) Min.Copper Power / Ground Wire Gauge 4 AWG wire Fuse Rating 80 A (AFS, AGU or MaxiFuse™) @ 4 Ω 600 W RMS x 1 @ 3 Ω 800 W RMS x 1 @ 2 Ω 1000 W RMS x 1 @ 1.5 Ω N/A JL Audio RD1000/1 Manual

    Pre-Order Today!

    $599.99

  • JL Audio JD1000/1 : 1000W or 600W Mono Amplifier @ 2Ω or 4Ω JL Audio JD1000/1 : 1000W or 600W Mono Amplifier @ 2Ω or 4Ω, top side.

    JL Audio JD1000/1 : 1000W or 600W Mono Amplifier @ 2Ω or 4Ω

    2 Available for pickup

    JD-Series Monoblock Amplifier, 1000-Watt @ 2-Ohm or 600-Watt @ 4-Ohm Designed to produce a serious 1000 watts into 2 ohms (14.4V, 1% THD), the JD1000/1 amplifier is a great solution for powering subwoofers in a cost-conscious system. JL Audio's proprietary NexD™ switching technology delivers large amounts of real-world power output with excellent efficiency and ultra-low distortion. The JD1000/1’s controls are located on the input panel. while the power and speaker connections can be found along the opposite end of its extruded aluminum chassis. Signal processing features include a 12 dB / octave low-pass filter, with continuously variable frequency selection from 50-500 Hz, and a variable bass boost EQ. Dual-range, differential-balanced inputs are also on-hand, capable of accepting line-level and speaker-level signals. Automatic turn-on capability (via signal sensing or DC-offset sensing) is standard, along with a set of preamp outputs so you can easily pass signals to another amplifier.  The JD1000/1 is also equipped with an onboard LED-clipping indicator ring, surrounding the input sensitivity control. This useful feature lets you set your amplifier’s input sensitivity, quickly and accurately, without special equipment. With the addition of an RBC-1 remote level control (sold separately), you can control the subwoofer level from the driver’s seat. General Specifications @ 4 Ω 600 W RMS x 1 @ 3 Ω 800 W RMS x 1 @ 2 Ω 1000 W RMS x 1 Frequency Response 7 Hz - 500 Hz (+0, -1dB) S/N Ratio, referred to highest rated power >80 dB below rated power (A-weighted, 20 Hz - 20 kHz noise bandwidth) S/N Ratio, referred to 1 W >50 dB (A-weighted, 20 Hz - 20 kHz noise bandwidth) Damping Factor @ 4 Ω >1000 / 50 Hz Damping Factor @ 2 Ω >500 / 50 Hz THD+N @ Rated Power <1% @ 2 Ω per Ch. Input Voltage Range @ RCA Inputs Switchable from 200 mV - 2 V RMS (Low) to 800 mV - 8 V RMS (High) Min.Copper Power / Ground Wire Gauge 4 AWG wire Fuse Rating 80 A (AFS, AGU or MaxiFuse™) Filter Mode(s) Low-Pass only Filter Slope(s) 12 dB/octave Filter Frequency Range 50 Hz - 500 Hz Detented, Calibrated Filter Freq. Potentiometer No Filter Defeat Function No Infrasonic Filter No Bass Boost EQ Yes Output Polarity Switch No Remote Subwoofer Level Control Optional (RBC-1) Remote Bass EQ Boost Control No Pass-Through Preamp Output Buffered JL Audio JD1000/1 Manual

    2 Available for pickup

    $399.99

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