The Jensen A1000 is a 2-channel, 250-watt peak automotive power amplifier designed to enhance the sound reproduction in a car audio system. It offers flexibility in input options and robust protection features, making it suitable for powering upgraded speakers.
Function Description:
The primary function of the A1000 is to amplify audio signals from a car's receiver, delivering a more powerful and richer sound experience. It can significantly increase the volume and improve the sound quality, especially at lower volume levels, compared to typical automotive radios that provide only 4 to 10 watts of power. The amplifier is bridgeable, allowing for increased power output to a single channel.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Power Output:
- 2x50 Watts RMS per channel (into 4 ohms)
- 125 Watts RMS when bridged (into 4 ohms)
- 250 Watts Peak Power
- Channels: 2-channel design
- Input Sensitivity Control: Allows adjustment of the input level to match various receiver outputs.
- Input Types:
- High-level inputs (speaker level)
- Low-level inputs (RCA phono)
- Speaker Impedance: 2-8 Ohm operation
- Protection Circuitry: Electronic protection against short circuit, DC offset, and thermal overload.
- Remote Turn On/Off: Integrates with the car's ignition or receiver's power antenna lead for automatic power control.
- Fuse: Requires a 20 amp fast blow AGC fuse.
Usage Features:
- Enhanced Sound Quality: Provides optimum sound at low volume levels, making the receiver's sound fuller and richer.
- Increased Volume: With 50 watts RMS per channel (or 125 watts bridged), the A1000 can drive more powerful speakers to substantially louder levels.
- Flexible Input Options: Users can choose between low-level RCA inputs for the least harmonic distortion (recommended) or high-level speaker inputs, accommodating receivers with or without dedicated RCA outputs. It is crucial not to connect both high-level and low-level inputs simultaneously.
- Input Sensitivity Adjustment: The "Input Sense" control allows users to fine-tune the amplifier's sensitivity to match the output level of their receiver, ensuring optimal performance and preventing distortion. This should be adjusted to the lowest possible levels for the best desired balance between front and rear speakers.
- Bridgeable Design: The amplifier can be configured to operate in a bridged mode, combining the power of both channels into a single, more powerful output, ideal for driving a subwoofer or a single high-power speaker.
- Compact Design: The A1000's compact size allows for greater flexibility in mounting locations, such as under a seat, in the trunk, or under the dashboard.
- Power Light Indicator: A red light indicates when 12-volt DC power is available at both the battery +12 volt and sensing wires, confirming the amplifier is receiving power.
Maintenance Features:
- Electronic Protection Circuitry: Built-in safeguards protect the amplifier from common issues like short circuits, DC offset, and thermal overload, enhancing its longevity and reliability.
- Fuse Protection: The amplifier is protected by a 20 amp fast blow AGC fuse. If the fuse needs replacement, it is critical to use the correct type and amperage to prevent damage to the unit.
- Troubleshooting Guide: The manual includes a comprehensive troubleshooting section that helps users diagnose and resolve common operational issues, such as no power, distorted sound, or blown fuses, by suggesting causes and corresponding corrections.
- Technical Assistance: Jensen provides a dedicated technical assistance hotline (1-800-323-0221) for support with operation or installation, ensuring users can get expert help when needed.
- Installation Guidelines: The manual emphasizes proper installation, including disconnecting the car battery, selecting appropriate mounting locations (considering heat dissipation), and correctly wiring power, ground, speaker, and sensing wires. It also advises on using appropriate wire gauges (e.g., 12 AWG or larger for battery and ground, 18 AWG or larger for sensing wire) and shielded audio cables for low-level inputs to minimize interference.
- Warranty: The product comes with a warranty, and users are advised to keep their original, dated bill of sale for service purposes.