This document is an installation and operation manual for the Jensen A400HLX and A600HLX 4-channel amplifiers. It provides detailed instructions for installation, wiring, and troubleshooting, along with technical specifications and warranty information.
Function Description
The Jensen A400HLX and A600HLX are 4-channel car audio amplifiers designed to enhance the sound system in a vehicle. They feature a compact design, allowing for flexible mounting options such as under a seat or in the trunk. These amplifiers are equipped with a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) MOSFET power supply and discrete amplifier design with complementary high-current Bi-polar output stages, ensuring efficient power delivery and high-quality audio.
The amplifiers offer versatile input options, including traditional low-level RCA inputs and high-level inputs, making them compatible with a wide range of head units, even those without dedicated RCA outputs. They also include pre-amp outputs for connecting additional amplifiers, providing flexibility for system expansion.
Key controls are conveniently top-mounted for easy access and adjustment. These include continuously variable high-pass/low-pass crossovers with a frequency range of 40Hz to 400Hz, allowing users to tailor the audio output to specific speaker types (full-range, woofers, or subwoofers). A crossover mode selector switch further enhances this flexibility. Additionally, the amplifiers feature a continuously variable bass boost centered at 45Hz, providing up to 12dB of bass enhancement, and an input level control to match the amplifier's input sensitivity with the head unit's output. The A600HLX model also includes a remote level control, which can be mounted under-dash or in-dash, allowing for convenient adjustment of rear speaker levels or bass levels when driving subwoofers.
The amplifiers are designed with protection circuitry, including thermal, short circuit, and low impedance protection, indicated by a dual-status LED diagnostic indicator (green for power, red for protection mode). This ensures the longevity and reliability of the amplifier and connected speakers.
Important Technical Specifications
A400HLX/A600HLX 4-Channel Amplifiers (Common Specifications):
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz-20 kHz ± 0.5 dB
- Signal to Noise Ratio @ Rated Power: >100 dB
- Channel Separation @ Ref. Power: >65 dB, 1 kHz
- THD & IMD @ Ref. Power into 2 ohms: <0.8%
- Speaker Impedance: 2-8 ohms
- Input Impedance: 47 k ohms
- Bass Boost Center Frequency: 45Hz
- Crossover: 12 dB/octave, Butterworth
- Power Requirement: 14.4 VDC (10.8-15.6 VDC allowable)
A400HLX Specific Power Output @ 14.4 VDC, 20-20 kHz:
- (4 ohms): 50 Watts per channel RMS, < 0.5% THD
- (2 ohms): 75 Watts per channel RMS, < 0.8% THD
- (4 ohms) bridged: 150 Watts per channel RMS, < 0.8% THD
- Dimensions: 3" x 11.125" x 10" (76mm x 283mm x 254mm)
A600HLX Specific Power Output @ 14.4 VDC, 20-20 kHz:
- (4 ohms): Front: 50 Watts per channel RMS, < 0.5% THD; Rear: 100 Watts per channel RMS, < 0.5% THD
- (2 ohms): Front: 75 Watts per channel RMS, < 0.8% THD; Rear: 150 Watts per channel RMS, < 0.8% THD
- (4 ohms) bridged: Front: 150 Watts per channel RMS, < 0.8% THD; Rear: 300 Watts per channel RMS, < 0.8% THD
- Dimensions: 3" x 11.125" x 13" (76mm x 283mm x 330mm)
Usage Features
- Installation Flexibility: The compact design allows mounting under a seat or in the trunk. Proper air circulation around the amplifier is crucial to prevent overheating.
- Wiring Options: The manual provides detailed diagrams for power, ground, and remote turn-on connections, emphasizing the use of appropriate wire gauges (8 gauge minimum for power, 18 gauge for remote). It also illustrates various speaker wiring configurations:
- 4 Speakers: Standard 4-channel operation.
- 2 Speakers + Bridged Subwoofer: Combines stereo speakers with a bridged subwoofer.
- 2 Subwoofers/Bridged Mono (A400HLX): For driving two subwoofers in bridged mono mode.
- Tri-mode (A400HLX): Allows driving a pair of front speakers and subwoofer(s) from a single amplifier, requiring passive crossovers (not included) to prevent damage.
- Input Modes: The amplifiers can be configured for three different input modes:
- 4 Channel: Standard 4-channel operation with all RCA inputs connected.
- 3 Channel: Stereo/mono operation, with front channels in stereo and rear channels internally bridged for mono.
- 2 Channel (A400HLX): Bridged stereo operation, requiring a two-channel input.
- Controls:
- Crossover (X-OVER): Selectable between HPF (High Pass Filter) for full-range/separate speakers, LPF (Low Pass Filter) for woofers/subwoofers, or FULL (full range, crossover inactive).
- Level Control: Matches the amplifier's input sensitivity to the head unit's output, adjustable to prevent distortion.
- Bass Boost: Increases bass volume at 45Hz by up to 12dB, to be used carefully.
- Remote Level Control (A600HLX): Allows remote adjustment of rear speaker or bass levels.
- Diagnostic Indicator: A dual-status LED (green for power, red for protection) provides immediate feedback on the amplifier's operational status.
Maintenance Features
- Troubleshooting Guide: The manual includes a comprehensive troubleshooting table to diagnose common issues such as no power, distorted sound, blown fuses, engine noise, or protection circuit activation. It offers corrective actions for each problem, including checking wiring, fuses, input levels, and speaker connections.
- Fuse Replacement: Emphasizes the use of only blade-type fuses with specified amperage (A400HLX: 2 x 25 AMP; A600HLX: 2 x 35 AMP).
- Ground Connection: Stresses the importance of a clean, unpainted metal surface for the ground connection to ensure good electrical contact and prevent ground loops.
- Battery Disconnection: Advises disconnecting the battery negative terminal before starting any installation work for safety.
- Warranty Service: Provides information on warranty length (one year), persons protected (original owner with proof of purchase), what is covered (defects in material and workmanship), and how to obtain service (contact Jensen customer service or an authorized repair station). It also outlines what is not covered (damage from accident, misuse, improper installation, etc.) and clarifies payment responsibilities for labor and shipping.