Jensen Car Amplifier LXA300 User Manual

®
How to Install and Operate  
the LXA300 Amplifier  
Contents  
Features........................................ 2  
Installation................................... 2  
Before You Begin  
Installation .....................................2  
®
Amplifier Location ..........................2  
Disconnect Battery ........................2  
• Amplifier Installation Kit .............2  
Supplies and Tools  
LEV
Needed ..........................................3  
MAX  
LP
PO  
WER  
MIN  
BASS  
-BOOST  
OFF  
250  
ON  
50  
HP
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  
HI INPUT  
250  
VER  
HPF  
50  
X-O  
LPF  
FULL  
L
LO  
W
INPUT  
R
L
P
R
ASS  
PR  
O
TECT  
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.  
• Dealing with Alternator  
Noise..........................................9  
Warranty Service  
• Installing in Trunk..................... 10  
• Crimp Connections .................. 10  
• Securing Wires ........................ 10  
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.  
• Speaker and  
Power Wires ............................10  
Troubleshooting ....................... 11  
Specifications  
and Warranty............................. 12  
Technical Assistance  
For technical assistance with the operation or installation  
of the LXA300, call 1-800-323-0221.  
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®
LXA300  
Supplies and Tools Needed  
Routing Wires  
Supplies:  
• Speaker wire (12 gauge for subwoofers, 16-18  
gauge for other speakers)  
• Sheet metal type screws for mounting amplifier  
• Electrical tape  
Battery  
Battery  
Connector  
• Solderless crimp connectors  
• 1/2" thick plywood or particle board to mount  
amplifier on  
Fuse or  
Circuit  
Breaker  
Grommet  
To prevent  
damage to  
power wire  
Tools:  
• Flat and Phillips screwdrivers  
• Wire cutters  
Receiver  
• Wire strippers  
Power Wire  
(8 gauge  
wire or  
• Cordless or standard electric drill and drill bit set  
• Crimping tool (if using solderless crimp connec-  
tors)  
larger)  
• 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)  
Power Antenna  
Turn-on Wire  
(18 gauge wire)  
RCA Cables  
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:  
Speakers  
• 20-25 feet of 8 gauge wire  
• 30 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  
Ground Screw  
Drill 1/8" hole in  
chassis sheet metal  
Use the same ground if  
using multiple amplifiers  
Amplifier  
– 12 feet for under-seat installation  
• Two 8 gauge ring terminals (one for the battery  
connection and the other for the ground connec-  
tion 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)  
• Four 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  
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, espe-  
cially if you have several amplifiers.  
3
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®
LXA300  
Wiring  
Power and Outputs  
+ 12V  
RMT  
GND  
FUSE  
L +  
L –  
R –  
R +  
POWER  
SPEAKER  
Power Terminal (BATT +12V)  
Remote Terminal (RMT +12V)  
Connect the radio power antenna lead from  
the receiver to the amplifier REMOTE terminal.  
This turns the amplifier on whenever the re-  
ceiver is turned on. If a power antenna lead is  
not available, connect this wire to the radio or  
accessory fuse.  
Connect directly to the vehicle battery+  
terminal with 8 gauge wire (minimum).  
+ 12V  
RMT  
GND  
+ 12V  
RMT  
GND  
Spade  
Connector  
Not Supplied  
30 amp Fuse  
or Circuit Breaker  
Spade  
Connector  
8 Gauge  
Wire  
Butt  
Connector  
(not supplied)  
To Battery+  
Terminal  
Battery  
Terminal  
Adapter  
Install as close  
to the battery  
as possible  
18 Gauge  
Wire  
To Receiver  
Power  
Antenna Lead  
Ground Terminal (GND)  
Connect to a good chassis ground. The ground  
connection should be to clean, unpainted metal  
to provide a good electrical connection.  
Fuses  
FUSE  
Use only one 30 amp  
blade-type fuse.  
+ 12V  
RMT  
GND  
3A0  
Spade  
Connector  
Sheet Metal  
Screw  
(supplied)  
Ring  
Connector  
8 Gauge  
Wire  
Drill 1/8" hole  
in chassis  
sheet metal  
4
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LXA300  
Inputs and Controls  
POWER  
PROTECT  
R
R
L
L
HI INPUT  
LOW INPUT  
PASS  
Input Wiring  
Pass Output  
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.  
Use pass through (PASS  
OUTPUT) connectors for  
adding other amplifiers.  
R
L
PASS  
Important  
Use only the low level or high level input, do  
not use both at one time.  
Power Light  
Low Level Input  
The power light comes on when 12  
volt power is available at both the  
battery +12 volt and RMT wires.  
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.  
POWER  
Protect Light  
Connect RCA cables from your receiver to the  
RCA input jacks on the amplifier.  
The red protect light comes on  
when the amplifier shuts down from  
overheating or a short circuit  
(speaker failure).  
High Level Input  
PROTECT  
Connect left and right speaker wires coming  
from radio to high level input plug as shown.  
White-Left (+)  
White/Black-Left (–)  
Gray-Right (+)  
Gray/Black-Right (–)  
Black (ground)  
Radio  
L
R
L
R
+– – +  
Splice (as  
necessary)  
or  
POWER  
R
L
HI INPUT  
LOW INPUT  
Hi level  
input plug  
on amp  
5
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®
LXA300  
Crossover (X-OVER)  
Adjust the crossover to accommodate your  
chosen installation method.  
LEVEL  
BASS-  
BOOST  
OFF ON  
LPF–(low pass filter) only bass  
tones go to speakers. Use with  
woofers or subwoofer.  
MIN MAX  
LPF  
X-OVER  
FULL–all tones go to speak-  
ers. Use with full-range speak-  
ers.  
LPF HPF  
FULL  
50  
50  
250  
HPF  
HPF–(high pass filter) blocks  
very low tones from the speak-  
ers. Use with 6" or smaller  
speakers.  
X-OVER  
LPF HPF  
FULL  
LPF  
Use LPF and HPF to adjust from  
50 to 250Hz.  
250  
When using your Jensen amplifier  
to run a subwoofer and two full-  
range speakers (known 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  
50  
50  
250  
HPF  
Input Level Control  
LEVEL  
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  
250  
MIN MAX  
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.  
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 ampli-  
fier levels are matched.  
Bass Boost  
BASS-  
BOOST  
BASS BOOST increases the  
volume of bass by up to 6 dB  
at 45Hz.  
OFF ON  
6
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LXA300  
Speaker Wiring  
2 Speakers  
2 Subwoofers  
RCA Cables  
RCA Cables  
2/4  
2/4Ω  
2/4Ω  
2/4Ω  
L +  
L –  
R –  
R +  
L +  
L –  
R –  
R +  
X-OVER  
X-OVER  
LPF HPF  
FULL  
LPF HPF  
FULL  
7
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®
LXA300  
2 Speakers + Subwoofer  
Bridged Subwoofer  
RCA Cables  
RCA Cables  
2/4  
2/4Ω  
4Ω  
4  
L +  
L –  
R –  
R +  
L +  
L –  
R –  
R +  
High Pass  
Filters  
X-OVER  
4  
minimum  
LPF HPF  
FULL  
Low Pass  
Filter  
X-OVER  
(available at  
most car stereo  
installation  
LPF HPF  
FULL  
stores)  
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.  
8
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LXA300  
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  
Dealing with Alternator Noise  
The vehicle alternator can cause a “siren”  
sound in the speakers that changes with  
engine speed. To prevent alternator noise:  
When wiring is complete,  
reconnect the battery  
negative terminal.  
+
• Do not bundle RCA cables with speaker  
or power wires  
• Do not run speaker wires parallel to  
power wires  
Test Power Wiring  
• If you have more than one amplifier,  
connect all ground wires to the same  
screw  
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.  
• Make sure all wires are as short as  
possible  
2. Turn up the receiver volume slightly. All  
speakers should operate. If not, check  
wiring connections at amplifier and  
speakers.  
• 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 discon-  
nected. 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.  
9
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LXA300  
Professional Tip  
Professional Tip  
Securing Wires  
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.  
Be proud of your installation! Use wire ties to  
bundle wires together when possible. (But  
never bundle speaker wires and power wires  
together!)  
Professional Tip  
Crimp Connections  
Purchase crimp connectors and crimping  
tool. Connectors are color coded.  
Secure loose wires to the vehicle to make  
sure they don’t rub or rattle.  
1. Strip 1/4 inch (6mm) of insulation from  
both wires.  
2. Insert into connector.  
3. Crimp tightly.  
Professional Tip  
Speaker and Power Wires  
You can make permanent splices (using butt  
connectors) or select connectors that can be  
removed and reinstalled.  
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.  
1
2
3
Strip wire  
1/4" (6mm)  
10  
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LXA300  
Troubleshooting  
Problem  
Possible Cause  
Corrective Action  
Amplifier does not operate  
(power LED not on) when  
vehicle and radio are on  
No power to +12V terminal  
Repair wire or connections  
Check connections to radio with test light  
Check fuse  
No power to remote wire with radio on  
Fuse blown  
Radio volume needs to be  
turned up too high for amp  
to work  
Input level control (gain control)  
adjusted too low  
Adjust input level control (gain control)  
Radio volume is too sensitive  
Sound from only one speaker  
Input level control adjusted too high  
Defective speaker  
Adjust input level control to lower setting  
Replace speaker  
Poor connections to speaker (wire)  
Speaker wires shorting together  
RCA input cable defective  
Check connections  
Separate speaker wires and insulate  
Replace cable  
Sound distorted  
Blows fuses  
Input level control adjusted too high  
Speaker wires shorting together  
Power wires hooked up incorrectly  
Speakers blown or defective  
Radio has poor noise immunity  
Adjust input level control  
Separate speaker wires and insulate  
Check power wire connections  
Check speakers  
Alternator whine in outputs  
(vehicle ignition noise)  
Disconnect audio inputs to amplifier – if noise disappears  
then the radio is at fault  
Improper ground connections  
Make sure radio and amplifier are grounded to the same point  
Loud pop in speakers when  
power is turned on or off  
Remote wire (blue) not properly  
connected  
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.  
Protect light comes on/  
amplifier shuts down  
Amp is in thermal protection  
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)  
Faulty speaker connection and/or  
crossover  
Check speakers and/or crossovers for loose or bad connections  
Low battery voltage  
Make sure you are getting between 10.8-15.6 volts to the  
amplifier with a digital multimeter measured at the amplifier  
Speaker impedance less than 2 ohms  
per channel  
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  
No output on channels  
Speaker wires not connected to  
speakers properly  
Refer to pages 5, 6 and 7 for proper installation  
Input hooked up incorrectly  
Can’t find cause of problem  
Contact Jensen Technical Assistance (1-800-323-0221)  
11  
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Specifications  
LXA300 Amplifier  
Power output @ 14.4 VDC, 20-20 kHz ............ (4 ohms) 75 Watts per channel RMS, < 00.08% THD  
(2 ohms) 100 Watts per channel RMS, < 00.1% THD  
(4 ohms) bridged 200 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........................................................................................ 30 amp blade-type fuse  
Dimensions ...........................................................2.25" x 11.125" x 8" (56.5mm x 282mm x 203mm)  
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.  
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.  
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 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.  
What is Covered. Except as otherwise specified below,  
this warranty covers all defects in material and workman-  
ship 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.  
Limitation of Implied or Statutory Warranties and  
Conditions. All implied or statutory warranties and  
conditions, including warranties or conditions of merchant-  
ability, 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.  
How You Can Get Service.  
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.  
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.  
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may  
also have other rights which vary from state to state and  
province to province.  
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.  
®
Recoton Mobile Electronics  
A Division of Recoton Audio Corporation  
A RECOTON® COMPANY  
1090 Emma Oaks Trail  
Lake Mary, Florida 32746  
©1999 Recoton Audio Corporation  
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