®

How to Install and Operate the XA4100 Amplifier

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POWER

HIGH INPUT

LEVEL

MAX

MIN

BASS

-BOOST

OFF

CH 1/2

ON

MIN

MAX HPF

X-OVER

LPF

H

PF

FULL

MODE

CH

1/2

50

2C

H

4CH

3CH

BASS

-BOOST

OFF

CH 3/4

ON

X-OVER

LPF

250

H PF FULL

50

CH

50

LPF

3/4

250

250

50

250

HIGH INPUT

PROTECT

Welcome!

What you're holding in your hands is no ordinary owner's manual. We've tried to make the instructions in this book clear and easy to follow.

For your Jensen amplifier to work right, it must be installed correctly. This manual will show you how to install your new amplifier like a pro. It's a good idea to read all of these instructions before you begin the installation. Most installations are straightforward and can be handled by a do-it-yourselfer with the right tools, patience, and the ability to follow instructions.

But, do-it-yourself installation isn't for everyone. If you still don't feel confident after reading this book, consider turning the installation job over to someone better suited to it.

Warranty Service

If your Jensen amplifier should ever require service, you will need to have the original dated receipt. If you ever need to return the unit for any reason, always include the receipt with the product.

Technical Assistance

For technical assistance with the operation or installation of the XA4100, call 1-800-323-0221.

Contents

Features ........................................

2

Installation ...................................

2

Before You Begin

Installation ..................................... 2

Amplifier Location .......................... 2

Disconnect Battery ........................ 2

• Amplifier Installation Kit ............. 2

Supplies and Tools

Needed .......................................... 3

Routing Wires ................................ 3

• Bigger is Better .......................... 3

Wiring .............................................

4

Power and Outputs ........................ 4

Power Terminal (BATT +12V) ........ 4

Ground Terminal (GND) ................. 4

Remote Terminal (RMT +12V) ....... 4

Fuses ............................................. 4

Inputs and Controls ....................... 5

Input Wiring .................................... 5

Pass Output ................................... 5

Power Light .................................... 5

Protect Light .................................. 5

Input Level Control ........................ 6

Bass Boost ..................................... 6

Crossover ...................................... 6

Speaker Wiring .............................. 7

Testing ..........................................

9

Reconnect Battery ......................... 9

Test Power Wiring .......................... 9

Test Speaker Connections ............ 9

• Dealing with Alternator

Noise .......................................... 9

• Installing in Trunk ..................... 10

• Crimp Connections .................. 10

• Securing Wires ........................ 10

• Speaker and

Power Wires ............................ 10

Troubleshooting .......................

11

Specifications and Warranty .............................

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XA4100

Features

The Jensen XA4100 power amplifier is a twochannel 400-watt total system power automotive amplifier. The XA4100 includes:

• RCA inputs

• High level inputs

• Continuously variable low pass or high pass crossover

• Bass boost feature

• Remote turn on/off

• Electronic protection circuitry to protect the amplifier from short circuit, DC offset and thermal overload

• Unique, super-efficient heat sink design

• 4 x 50 watts RMS per channel watts peak)

(4 x 100

• 2 x 150 watts RMS bridged into a 4 ohm load

• Bridgeable design to direct full power to two speakers

Audio Amplifiers

Amplification offers two advantages:

• The XA4100 amplifier can make the sound of your receiver fuller and richer, even at low volume levels.

• Many automotive receivers provide four to

10 watts at maximum power. At 50 watts

RMS per channel (150 watts bridged), the

XA4100 can be played substantially louder, permitting the use of more powerful speakers.

Installation

Before You Begin Installation

Before you begin, you will need tools, supplies and adapters. It is best to make sure you have everything you need before you start. There is a list of supplies and tools on the next page.

Amplifier Location

Important

Allow air circulation around the amplifier.

Disconnect Battery

Before you begin, always disconnect the battery negative terminal.

–

+

Important

If wiring connections are made wrong, the unit will not operate properly and it could be damaged. Follow the installation instructions carefully, or have the installation handled by an experienced technician.

The XA4100 amplifier’s compact design allows greater flexibility in mounting. It can be mounted under a seat or in the trunk.

When selecting a location, remember that amplifiers generate heat. Select a location where air can circulate around the amplifier.

Do not cover the XA4100 with carpets or enclose it behind interior trim panels. Do not mount the amplifier in an inverted or upside down configuration. Every installation will be a bit different based upon vehicle design.

Check all locations and placements carefully before making any cuts or connections.

Professional Tip

Amplifier Installation Kit

Your installation job will be much easier if you purchase an amplifier installation kit. These kits often include low-level RCA cables, extra large power and ground wires, a fuse or circuit breaker and connector for the battery.

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XA4100

Supplies and Tools Needed

Supplies:

• Speaker wire (12 gauge for subwoofers, 16-18 gauge for other speakers)

• Sheet metal type screws for mounting amplifier

• Electrical tape

• Solderless crimp connectors

• 1/2" thick plywood or particle board to mount amplifier on

Tools:

• Flat and Phillips screwdrivers

• Wire cutters

• Wire strippers

• Cordless or standard electric drill and drill bit set

• Crimping tool (if using solderless crimp connectors)

• 12-volt test light or digital multimeter

• Wire brush or scraper (to remove paint for a good ground connection to vehicle)

• Soldering iron and rosin core solder (if you're going to solder your connections)

Amplifier Installation Kit:

You will need an amplifier installation kit to install your amp properly because it contains all the wire and connectors that you will need to hook up your new amp right the first time. If you want to purchase these items separately you will need the following:

• 20-25 feet of 8 gauge wire

• 50 amp fuse or circuit breaker (to be hooked up at the battery)

• 20 feet of 18 gauge wire for the remote turn-on/ power antenna lead

• RCA cable (for signal input from radio)

– 20 feet for trunk installation

– 12 feet for under-seat installation

• Two 8 gauge ring terminals (one for the battery connection and the other for the ground connection at the amp). You may need two additional ring terminals if you are using a circuit breaker at the battery.

• Two 8 gauge barrel connectors (you may need these depending on what type of fuse holder you have)

• Two 8 gauge spade terminals (to hook up power at the amp)

• Eight 12 gauge spade terminals for subwoofers or 16-18 gauge spade terminals for other speaker connections to amp

• One 18 gauge spade terminal for remote turn-on/ power antenna lead

Routing Wires

RCA Cables

Battery

Fuse or

Circuit

Breaker

Receiver

Power Antenna

Turn-on Wire

(18 gauge wire)

Speakers

Battery

Connector

Amplifier

Ground Screw

Drill 1/8" hole in chassis sheet metal

Use the same ground if using multiple amplifiers

Grommet

To prevent damage to power wire

Power Wire

(8 gauge wire or larger)

Professional Tip

Bigger is better

Stereo installation dealers sell extra thick power and speaker wires to ensure best sound. Look for 8 gauge power wire, especially if you have several amplifiers.

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Wiring

Power and Outputs

XA4100

FUSE

+ 12V RMT GND

+

A-CH

– –

POWER SPEAKER

+

C-CH

– –

D-CH

+

4

Power Terminal (BATT +12V)

Connect directly to the vehicle battery+ terminal with 8 gauge wire (minimum).

+ 12V RMT GND

Remote Terminal (RMT +12V)

Connect the radio power antenna lead from the receiver to the amplifier remote (RMT) terminal. This turns the amplifier on whenever the receiver is turned on. If a power antenna lead is not available, connect this wire to the radio or accessory fuse.

+ 12V RMT GND

Battery

Terminal

Adapter

Not Supplied

50 amp Fuse or Circuit Breaker

Spade

Connector

Install as close to the battery as possible

To Battery+

Terminal

8 Gauge

Wire Butt

Connector

(not supplied)

Spade

Connector

To Receiver

Power

Antenna Lead

8 Gauge

Wire

Ground Terminal (GND)

Connect to a good chassis ground. The ground connection should be to clean, unpainted metal to provide a good electrical connection.

+ 12V RMT GND

Fuses

FUSE

Use only one 40 amp blade-type fuse.

Spade

Connector

Ring

Connector

Sheet Metal

Screw

(supplied)

8 Gauge

Wire

Drill 1/8" hole in chassis sheet metal

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XA4100

Inputs and Controls

POWER

HIGH INPUT

A

B

INPUT PASS

C

D

INPUT PASS

HIGH INPUT protect

Input Wiring

Inputs may be high level (from the receiver's speaker) or low level (from special low level outputs). Low level input is preferred for best performance.

Important

Use only the low level or high level input, do not use both at one time.

Low Level Input

Use a pair of shielded stereo audio cables with

RCA type jacks. Most trunk-mount amplifier installations require 20-foot RCA cables. Most under-seat and pickup truck installations use

12-foot cables.

Connect RCA cables from your receiver to the

RCA input jacks on the amplifier.

High Level Input

Connect left and right speaker wires coming from radio to high level input plug as shown.

+

L R

– – +

White-Left (+)

White/Black-Left (–)

Gray-Right (+)

Gray/Black-Right (–)

Black (ground)

Radio

L R

Splice (as necessary) or

Pass Output

PASS

Use pass through (PASS OUTPUT) connectors for adding other amplifiers.

Power Light

POWER

The power light comes on when 12 volt power is available at both the battery +12 volt and RMT wires.

Protect Light

PROTECT

The red protect light comes on when the amplifier shuts down from overheating or a short circuit

(speaker failure).

POWER

HIGH INPUT

A

B

INPUT PASS

Hi level input plug on amp

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BASS-BOOST

LEVEL

OFF ON

CH 1/2

X-OVER

LPF HPF

FULL

MODE

4CH

3CH

2CH

X-OVER

CH

3/4

MIN MAX

LPF

MIN MAX

CH

1/2

50 250 50 250

HPF

LPF HPF

FULL CH 3/4

BASS-BOOST

OFF ON

50 250 50 250

Input Level Control

LEVEL

The input level control matches the output of your radio to the input of the amplifier. After the installa-

MIN MAX MIN MAX tion is complete, make sure the input level control on the amp is turned down all the way (counterclockwise or all the way to the left). Play a tape or CD

(make sure bass and treble settings or EQ are flat too) and turn the volume up slowly until you just start to hear distortion. Now back the volume down just a bit. On the amp, slowly turn up the input level control (clockwise or to the right) until you just start to hear distortion and back it down a bit. Now your radio and amplifier levels are matched.

XA4100

Crossover

Adjust the crossover to accommodate your chosen installation method.

X-OVER

LPF HPF

FULL

• LPF –(low pass filter) only bass tones go to speakers. Use with woofers or subwoofer.

• FULL –all tones go to speakers.

Use with full-range speakers.

• HPF –(high pass filter) blocks very low tones from the speakers. Use with 6" or smaller speakers.

LPF

Use LPF and HPF to adjust from 50 to 250Hz.

50 250

HPF

50 250

When using your Jensen amplifier to run a subwoofer and two fullrange speakers (known

50 250 50 250 as Tri-mode or three channel operation) you will need to purchase separate high and low pass crossovers from your local retailer. A pair of high pass crossovers for your full range speakers and a low pass filter for the subwoofer. This will allow the amplifier to work properly when installing it in Tri-mode.

Failure to install these filters may damage your amplifier and/or your speakers.

Bass Boost

BASS-BOOST BASS BOOST increases the volume of bass by up to 6 dB at

45Hz.

OFF ON

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XA4100

Speaker Wiring

The XA4100 amplifier has inputs and outputs for four channels

4 Speakers 2 Subwoofers/Bridged Mono

®

2/4

Ω

RCA Cables

2/4

Ω

2/4

Ω

2/4

Ω

RCA Cables

+

A-CH

– –

B-CH

+ +

C-CH

– –

D-CH

+

+

A-CH

–

4

Ω

–

B-CH

+

4

Ω

+

C-CH

– –

D-CH

+

BASS-BOOST

OFF ON

CH 1/2

X-OVER

LPF HPF

FULL

X-OVER

LPF HPF

FULL CH 3/4

BASS-BOOST

OFF ON

BASS-BOOST

4 Ω minimum

OFF ON

CH 1/2

X-OVER

LPF HPF

FULL

4

Ω minimum

X-OVER

LPF HPF

FULL CH 3/4

BASS-BOOST

OFF ON

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2 Speakers + Bridged Subwoofer 4 Speakers + 2 Subwoofers

XA4100

4

Ω

RCA Cables

4

Ω

4

Ω

4

Ω

RCA Cables

2/4

Ω

2/4

Ω

8

5313Eamp.p65

+

A-CH

– –

4

Ω

+

C-CH

– –

D-CH

+

4

Ω minimum

BASS-BOOST

OFF ON

CH 1/2

X-OVER

LPF HPF

FULL

+

A-CH

– –

4

Ω

4

Ω

+

C-CH

– –

D-CH

+

High

Pass

Filter

X-OVER

LPF HPF

FULL CH 3/4

BASS-BOOST

OFF ON

4 Ω minimum

BASS-BOOST

Low Pass

Filter

(available at most car stereo installation stores)

X-OVER

4 Ω minimum

OFF ON

CH 1/2

X-OVER

LPF HPF

FULL CH 3/4

BASS-BOOST

LPF HPF

FULL

OFF ON

Important

When running a subwoofer and two full-range speakers together (Tri-mode operation), high and low pass filters must be used. Failure to install these filters will damage your amp and/ or speakers.

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XA4100

✓

Testing

Before you finish the installation, you should do the following tests to make sure the wiring is correct and everything is operating properly.

Reconnect Battery

Professional Tip

When wiring is complete, reconnect the battery negative terminal.

Test Power Wiring

–

+

1. Turn on the receiver but do not turn up the volume. The amplifier power light should come on. If not, check the

RMT and +12V wires.

2. Turn up the receiver volume slightly. All speakers should operate. If not, check wiring connections at amplifier and speakers.

Dealing with Alternator Noise

The vehicle alternator can cause a “siren” sound in the speakers that changes with engine speed. To prevent alternator noise:

• Do not bundle RCA cables with speaker or power wires

• Do not run speaker wires parallel to power wires

• If you have more than one amplifier, connect all ground wires to the same screw

• Make sure all wires are as short as possible

• Make sure the receiver black wire has a good connection to the vehicle chassis ground

®

Test Speaker Connections

These tests make sure the speakers are connected right. If speakers don’t play at all, one (or both) speaker wires may be disconnected. If the wrong speaker plays (you hear left speaker when you expect right speaker) make sure you connected the wires correctly.

Once everything is operating correctly, reassemble vehicle trim and dashboard.

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Professional Tip

Installing in Trunk

When installing the amplifier in the trunk, run the power wires along the same path as the other vehicle wiring. Many cars have insulated channels for wiring. You will have to remove the door sill trim and the carpet.

Professional Tip

Crimp Connections

Purchase crimp connectors and crimping tool. Connectors are color coded.

1. Strip 1/4 inch (6mm) of insulation from both wires.

2. Insert into connector.

3. Crimp tightly.

You can make permanent splices (using butt connectors) or select connectors that can be removed and reinstalled.

2 3 1

Strip wire

1/4" (6mm)

Professional Tip

XA4100

Securing Wires

Be proud of your installation! Use wire ties to bundle wires together when possible. (But never bundle speaker wires and power wires together!)

Secure loose wires to the vehicle to make sure they don’t rub or rattle.

Professional Tip

Speaker and Power Wires

Do not run speaker and power wires next to each other. Power wires can generate a

“siren” sound in the speakers. Run speaker and power wires on opposite sides of the car.

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XA4100

Troubleshooting

Problem

Amplifier does not operate

(power LED not on) when vehicle and radio are on

Possible Cause

No power to +12V terminal

No power to remote wire with radio on

Fuse blown

Input level control (gain control) adjusted too low

Corrective Action

Repair wire or connections

Check connections to radio with test light

Check fuse

Adjust input level control (gain control) Radio volume needs to be turned up too high for amp to work

Radio volume is too sensitive

Sound from only one speaker

Sound distorted

Blows fuses

Alternator whine in outputs

(vehicle ignition noise)

Loud pop in speakers when power is turned on or off

Protect light comes on/ amplifier shuts down

No output on channels

Can’t find cause of problem

Input level control adjusted too high

Defective speaker

Poor connections to speaker (wire)

Speaker wires shorting together

RCA input cable defective

Input level control adjusted too high

Speaker wires shorting together

Power wires hooked up incorrectly

Speakers blown or defective

Radio has poor noise immunity

Improper ground connections

Remote wire (blue) not properly connected

Amp is in thermal protection

Adjust input level control to lower setting

Replace speaker

Check connections

Separate speaker wires and insulate

Replace cable

Adjust input level control

Separate speaker wires and insulate

Check power wire connections

Check speakers

Disconnect audio inputs to amplifier – if noise disappears then the radio is at fault

Make sure radio and amplifier are grounded to the same point

Refer to page 4 for proper installation. If radio does not have a power antenna lead and you have connected the remote lead to an ignition source then you may get a “pop” in your speakers.

This is not uncommon. You may have to put a switch in line with the remote lead to turn the amp on/off manually.

Let amp cool down before attempting to turn back on (some installations may require a fan to keep the amp cool, especially if you are driving subwoofers with the amp)

Check speakers and/or crossovers for loose or bad connections Faulty speaker connection and/or crossover

Low battery voltage

Speaker impedance less than 2 ohms per channel

Make sure you are getting between 10.8-15.6 volts to the amplifier with a digital multimeter measured at the amplifier

If you are using 4 ohm speakers you cannot have more than two speakers wired in parallel per channel Amp will not operate into 2 ohms bridged

Refer to pages 5, 6 and 7 for proper installation Speaker wires not connected to speakers properly

Input hooked up incorrectly

Contact Jensen Technical Assistance (1-800-323-0221)

®

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Specifications

XA4100 Amplifier

Power output @ 14.4 VDC, 20-20 kHz ............ (4 ohms) 50 Watts per channel RMS, < 00.08% THD

(2 ohms) 83 Watts per channel RMS, < 00.1% THD

(4 ohms) bridged 150 Watts per channel RMS, < 00.1% THD

Frequency Response .......................................................................................... 20 Hz-20 kHz

±

3 dB

Signal to Noise Ratio @ Rated Power .................................................................................... >100 dB

Channel Separation @ Ref. Power ............................................................................... >65 dB, 1 kHz

THD & IMD @ Ref. Power into 2 ohms ..................................................................................... <0.1%

Speaker Impedance .............................................................................................................. 2-8 ohms

Input Impedance ............................................................................................................... 20 k ohms

Crossover Frequencies ...................................................................................... Low-High: 50-250 Hz

Power Requirement .................................................................. 14.4 VDC (10.8-15.6 VDC allowable)

Fuse Requirements ........................................................................................ 40 amp blade-type fuse

Dimensions ................................................... 2.25" x 11.125" x 10.75" (56.5mm x 282mm x 273mm)

Specifications subject to change without notice.

Limited One Year Warranty–USA and Canada

Length of Warranty. This warranty from Recoton Mobile

Electronics shall be in effect for a period of one year from the date of the first consumer purchase.

Persons Protected . This warranty will be enforceable by the original owner and any subsequent owners during the warranty period so long as proof of date of purchase from an authorized Jensen dealer is presented whenever warranty service is required.

What is Covered . Except as otherwise specified below, this warranty covers all defects in material and workmanship in this product. The following are not covered: damage resulting from accident, misuse, abuse, neglect, product modification, improper installation, incorrect line voltage, unauthorized repair or failure to follow instructions supplied with the product; damage occurring during shipment (claims must be presented to the carrier); elimination of car static or other electrical interferences; any product purchased outside USA or Canada, or on which the serial number has been defaced, modified or removed.

How You Can Get Service.

U.S. Purchasers . Please telephone Jensen at

1-800-323-4815. We will either inform you of the name and address of an authorized Jensen repair station which will service the product or will advise you to send the product to a factory service center.

Canadian Purchasers . The product should be returned to the Jensen dealer from whom it was purchased and such dealer either will service or arrange for service of the product.

If shipment of the product is required, it should be packed securely. The original dated bill of sale must always be included with the product as proof of warranty coverage.

What W e Will Pay For. We will pay for all labor and material expenses required to repair the product, but you must pay any labor costs for the removal and/or installation of the product. If the product is shipped for warranty service, you must prepay the initial shipping charges, but

Jensen will pay the return shipping charges if the product is returned to an address inside the USA or Canada.

Limitation of Implied or Statutory W arranties and

Conditions. All implied or statutory warranties and conditions, including warranties or conditions of merchantability, fitness for particular purposes and non-infringement, are limited in duration to the length of this warranty.

Exclusion of Certain Damages . Jensen’s liability is limited to the repair or replacement, at our option, of any defective product and shall not include incidental or consequential economic damages of any kind.

Some states and/or provinces do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts and/or do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations and exclusions may not apply to you.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state and province to province.

®

Recoton Mobile Electronics

A Division of Recoton Audio Corporation

A RECOTON ® COMPANY

1090 Emma Oaks Trail

Lake Mary, Florida 32746

©1998 Recoton Audio Corporation

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