Jensen XA4200 Car Amplifier User Manual

XA4200

Amplifier Installation and Operation

XA4300

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Introduction

Thank you for purchasing a Jensen amplifier. The XA series amplifiers offer extreme value and performance. Proper installation is essential for optimal performance and long-term reliability. Please read through this manual first to familiarize yourself with your amplifier and its functions.

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.

Installation Assistance

M – F 8:00 am to 6:00 pm EST @ 1.800.323.0221

365 / 24 / 7 @ www.jensenaudio.com

01/23/01, 12:24 PM

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Contents

Features ......................................... 3

Installation ..................................... 3

Before You Begin ......................................... 3

Disconnect Battery ........................................ 3

Supplies and Tools Needed .......................... 3

Location and Mounting .................................. 4

Routing Wires................................................ 4

Wiring ............................................. 5

Power ............................................................ 5

Power Terminal (+12V) ................................. 5

Ground Terminal (GND) ................................ 5

Remote Terminal (REM) ............................... 5

Fuses ............................................................ 5

Inputs, RCA Output,

Remote Level Control ................................. 6

Input Wiring ................................................... 6

Remote Level Control (XA4300) ................... 7

Connecting Other Amps ................................ 7

Speaker Wiring Options ............................. 8

Indicators and Controls ............................ 10

Crossover (X-OVER) .................................. 10

Power/Protect Light ..................................... 10

2CH / 3CH / 4CH ........................................ 11

Level ............................................................ 12

Bass ............................................................ 12

Testing ......................................... 12

Reconnect Battery ...................................... 12

Test Power Wiring ....................................... 12

Test Speaker Connections .......................... 12

Troubleshooting ........................... 13

Specifications .............................. 14

Warranty ...................................... 15

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XA4200, XA4300

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XA4200, XA4300

Features

XA Series 4-channel amplifiers include:

• Easy access top mounted controls

• Continuously variable high pass/low pass crossover

• 40Hz – 400Hz crossover frequency range

• Crossover mode selector switch

• Continuously variable bass boost, centered at 45Hz

• Input level control

• Remote level control (XA4300)

• Traditional input circuitry – low and high level inputs

• Pre-amp output for installation flexibility

• Dual status LED diagnostic indicator

• Thermal, short circuit and low impedance protection circuitry

• PWM MOSFET power supply

• Discrete amplifier design with complementary high current Bi-polar output stage

®

Installation

Before You Begin

Before you begin, you will need tools, supplies and adapters. It is best to make sure you have everything you need before you start.

Disconnect Battery

Before you begin, always disconnect the battery negative terminal.

–

+

Supplies and Tools Needed

Supplies

• Black electrical tape

• Amplifier Installation Kit

Tools

• Cordless drill with assortment of bits

• Flat and Phillips screwdrivers

• Wire cutters/strippers

• Crimping tool

• 12-volt test light or digital multimeter

• Wire brush, sandpaper or scraping tool

(ground connection to vehicle should be a clean, unpainted metal surface)

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Location and Mounting

The XA 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 amplifier 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.

Important

Allow air circulation around the amplifier.

Routing Wires

Battery

XA4200, XA4300

Battery

Connector

Fuse or

Circuit

Breaker

Grommet

To prevent damage to power wire

Receiver

RCA Cables Power Antenna

Turn-on Wire

(18 gauge wire)

Power Wire

(8 gauge wire or larger)

Speakers

Amplifier

Ground Screw

Drill 1/8" hole in chassis sheet metal

Use the same ground if using multiple amplifiers

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.

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XA4200, XA4300

Wiring

Power

RF

BRIDGE

RF

–

LF LF

+

RR

BRIDGE

RR

–

LR LR

+

GND REM + 12V

FUSE

Power Terminal (+12V)

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

GND REM + 12V

Fuse:

XA4200 50 AMP

XA4300 60 AMP

Spade

Connector

Fuse or

Circuit Breaker

8 Gauge

Wire

Battery

Terminal

Adapter

Install as close to the battery as possible

To Battery+

Terminal

Note:

This amplifier will only work with 12-volt systems.

Remote Terminal (REM)

Connect the power antenna/amplifier turn-on lead from the receiver to the AMPLIFIER

REMOTE terminal.

GND REM + 12V

Spade

Connector

To Receiver

Power

Antenna Lead

18 Gauge

Wire

Fuses

Ground Terminal (GND)

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

GND REM + 12V

FUSE

Use only blade-type fuses.

Fuse:

XA4200 25 AMP

XA4300 30 AMP

Drill 1/8" hole in chassis sheet metal

Sheet Metal

Screw

Spade

Connector

8 Gauge

Wire

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XA4200, XA4300

Inputs, RCA Output, Remote Level Control

XA4200

REAR

HI-LEVEL

LR

INPUT OUTPUT

LR

RR RR

LF

INPUT OUTPUT

LF

RF RF

FRONT

HI-LEVEL

XA4300

REMOTE

BASS

REAR

HI-LEVEL

LR

INPUT OUTPUT

LR

RR RR

LF

INPUT OUTPUT

LF

RF RF

FRONT

HI-LEVEL

Input Wiring

Low Level Input (RCA Input)

Low level (RCA) input is preferred for best performance. Most trunk/hatchback installations will require a 15-20 foot RCA cable. While pickup trucks and under-seat mounting will require a 6-10 foot RCA cable. Connect an RCA cable from your receiver to the RCA input on your amplifier.

High Level Input

High level input should be used when an RCA output is not available from the receiver.

Connect the speaker outputs from the receiver to the high level input connector.

White = Left (+)

White/Black = Left (–)

Gray = Right (+)

Gray/Black = Right (–)

Black (ground)

REAR

HI-LEVEL

Splice

(as necessary)

Hi Level

LR

INPUT OUTPUT

LR

RR RR

Radio

LF

INPUT OUTPUT

LF

RF RF

Low Level

FRONT

HI-LEVEL

Hi Level

Important

Only connect the low (RCA) or high level input.

Do not use both at the same time.

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XA4200, XA4300

Remote Level Control – Rear

Speakers (XA4300)

PWR

MIN MAX

REMOTE

BASS

Remote level control allows the input level to be adjusted for the rear speakers from an alternate location. It can be mounted under-dash or indash.

When the amplifier is used to drive subwoofers, and the low pass crossover is activated, the remote level control can be used as a “remote bass level control”. This enables you to control the bass level, independent from the rest of the system. This is convenient for system tuning and/or when playing many different types of music.

Connecting other Amps

LR

INPUT OUTPUT

LR

RR RR

LF

INPUT OUTPUT

LF

RF RF

RCA Output

The “output” signal allows you to conveniently connect other amplifiers to each other.

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XA4200, XA4300

Speaker Wiring Options

4 Speakers

RF

BRIDGE

RF

–

LF

LPF

FULL

HPF

X-OVER

FRONT

REAR

LPF

FULL

HPF

X-OVER

LF

+

RR

BRIDGE

RR

–

LR LR

+

2 Speakers + Bridged Subwoofer

LPF

FULL

HPF

X-OVER

FRONT

REAR

LPF

FULL

HPF

X-OVER

RF

BRIDGE

RF

–

LF LF

+

RR

BRIDGE

RR

–

LR LR

+

2

Ω

minimum

2

Ω

minimum

2 Subwoofers/Bridged Mono (XA4200)

LPF

FULL

HPF

X-OVER

FRONT

REAR

LPF

FULL

HPF

X-OVER

RF

BRIDGE

RF – LF LF

+

RR

BRIDGE

RR – LR LR

+

4

Ω

minimum

2

Ω

minimum

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Ω

minimum

8

4

Ω

minimum

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XA4200, XA4300

4 Speakers + 2 Subwoofers

RF

BRIDGE

RF

–

LF

LPF

FULL

HPF

X-OVER

FRONT

REAR

LPF

FULL

HPF

X-OVER

LF

+

RR

BRIDGE

RR

–

LR LR

+

2

Ω

4

Ω

2

Ω

4

Ω

=

2

Ω minimum

=

4

Ω minimum

2

Ω

2

Ω

Important

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

2

Ω

800

1000

1200

1800

4000

80

100

130

200

250

400

600

Freq.

Hz 2 OHMS

L C

4.1mH

1000

µF

3.1mH

800

µF

2.4mH

600

µF

1.6mH

400

µF

1.2mH

300

µF

.8mH

200

µF

.5mH

136

µF

.41mH

100

µF

.31mH

78

µF

.25mH

.16mH

66

µF

44

µF

.08mH

20

µF

4

Ω

Speaker Impedance

4 OHMS

L C

8.2mH

500

µF

6.2mH

400

µF

4.7mH

300

µF

3.3mH

200

µF

2.4mH

150

µF

1.6mH

100

µF

1.0mH

68

µF

.82mH

.62mH

.51mH

.33mH

.16mH

50

µF

39

µF

33

µF

22

µF

10

µF

8 OHMS

L C

15mH 250

µF

12mH 200

µF

10mH 150

µF

6.8mH

100

µF

4.7mH

3.3mH

2.0mH

75

µF

50

µF

33

µF

1.6mH

1.2mH

1.0mH

.68mH

.33mH

26

µF

20

µF

16

µF

10

µF

5

µF

L

Inductor

C

Capacitor

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Indicators and Controls

XA4200, XA4300

LPF

FULL

HPF

X-OVER

FRONT

REAR

LPF

FULL

HPF

X-OVER

BASS L-CH X R-CH X

LEVEL

0dB 12dB

BASS

40Hz 400Hz

L-CH X

40Hz 400Hz

R-CH X

MIN MAX

LEVEL

POWER/

PROTECT

2CH

3CH

4CH

0dB 12dB 40Hz 400Hz 40Hz 400Hz MIN MAX

Crossover (X-OVER)

Adjust the crossover to accommodate your chosen installation method.

LPF

FULL

HPF

X-OVER

FRONT

REAR

LPF

FULL

HPF

X-OVER

• LPF–(low pass filter) Select this filter when the amplifier will be driving woofers or subwoofers.

• FULL–Crossover is not active, amplifier is in “full range” mode.

• HPF–(high pass filter) Select this filter when the amplifier will be driving full range/separate speakers, and you want to limit the “bass” going to these speakers.

Tri-mode/Three channel operation

An amplifier is usually configured for tri-mode operation when you want to use one amplifier to drive a pair of front speakers and subwoofer(s).

In other words, when you want drive a complete system with one amp. Your Jensen amplifier is capable of tri-mode operation.

Important

Tri-mode operation requires using “passive crossovers”. These crossovers are available at your local retailer or install shop. Failure to install these filters may damage your amplifier and/or your speakers.

Power / Protect Light

POWER/

PROTECT

A dual status LED indicator illuminates red or green to indicate the status of the amplifier.

Green – Power applied, ON

Red – Protection circuit activated, STANDBY

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XA4200, XA4300

2CH/3CH/4CH

The XA4200/XA4300 can be configured for three different input modes: 4 channel, 3 channel or

2 channel.

4 Channel

2CH

3CH

4CH

When the input selector is set to

4 CH, the amplifier will operate as a standard 4 channel amp with all

RCA inputs connected.

2 Channel

2CH

3CH

4CH

When the input selector is set to

2 CH, the amplifier is configured for bridged stereo operation. The amplifier will need a two channel input even though there are four inputs. In the 2 CH the following inputs will be used:

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REAR

HI-LEVEL

INPUT OUTPUT

RR

INPUT OUTPUT

LF FRONT

HI-LEVEL

REAR

HI-LEVEL

INPUT OUTPUT

LR

RR

INPUT OUTPUT

LF

RF

FRONT

HI-LEVEL

3 Channel

2CH

3CH

4CH

When the input selector is set to

3 CH, the amplifier is configured for stereo/mono operation. The front channels of the amplifier operate in stereo mode. The rear channels of the amplifier are internally bridged for mono operation. In 3 CH the following RCA inputs will be used:

Note

Although the above illustrations indicate the low level input being used, the same connections would apply to the high level input.

REAR

HI-LEVEL

INPUT OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT

FRONT

HI-LEVEL

REAR

HI-LEVEL

INPUT OUTPUT

RR

INPUT OUTPUT

LF

RF

FRONT

HI-LEVEL

High Inputs

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Level

BASS

FRONT

REAR

®

L-CH X R-CH X LEVEL

0dB 12dB

BASS

40Hz 400Hz

L-CH X

40Hz 400Hz

R-CH X

MIN MAX

LEVEL

0dB 12dB 40Hz 400Hz 40Hz 400Hz MIN MAX

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

XA4200, XA4300

Bass

BASS

L-CH X R-CH X LEVEL

FRONT

REAR

0dB 12dB

BASS

40Hz 400Hz

L-CH X

40Hz 400Hz

R-CH X

MIN MAX

LEVEL

0dB 12dB 40Hz 400Hz 40Hz 400Hz MIN MAX

BASS increases the volume of the bass at

45Hz by up to 12 db.

Use very carefully!

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

Test Speaker Connections

When wiring is complete, reconnect the battery negative terminal.

–

+

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.

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

REM and +12V wires.

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

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XA4200, XA4300

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 adjusted too low

Corrective Action

Repair wire or connections.

Check connections to radio with test light.

Check fuse.

Adjust input level 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

Engine noise

(Ignition noise/static or

Alternator whine)

Protect light comes on/ amplifier shuts down

No output on channels

Input level control adjusted too high

Defective speaker

Poor connections to speaker (wire)

RCA input cable defective

Input level control adjusted too high

Speaker wires shorting together

Power wires hooked up incorrectly

Speakers blown or defective

Improper ground connections

Ground loop(s)

Amp is in thermal protection

Adjust input level control to lower setting.

Replace speaker.

Check connections.

Replace cable.

Adjust input level control.

Separate speaker wires and insulate.

Check power wire connections.

Check speakers.

Reroute RCA away from main power wires.

Reroute RCA cable.

Make sure amp is grounded to a clean, solid part of the chassis/frame.

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

Speaker wires not connected to speakers properly

Input hooked up incorrectly

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 6 – 9 for proper installation.

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XA4200, XA4300

Specifications

XA Series 4-Channel Amplifiers

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)

XA4200

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)

XA4300

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)

Specifications subject to change without notice.

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XA4200, XA4300

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 We 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.

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

©2001 Recoton Audio Corporation

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