®
Amplifier Installation and Operation
A400HLX
A600HLX
400
MOSFET Power Supply
channel bridgeable
4
HPF
FULL
LPF
POWER
BASS
R-CHX
LEVEL
2
4
L-CHX
3
5
60
125 60
125
FRONT
PROTE
C
T
REAR
HPF
2CH
3CH
4CH
0dB
12dB
40Hz 400Hz
L-CHX
40Hz 400Hz
R-CHX
8V
.3V
FULL
LPF
BASS
LEVEL
4
3
5
60
125 60
125
2
MODE
0dB
12dB
40Hz 400Hz
40Hz 400Hz
8V
.3V
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a Jensen amplifier. The HLX 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
1.800.323.0221
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A400HLX, A600HLX
Features
A400HLX/A600HLX 4-channel amplifiers include:
• Easy access top mounted controls
• Traditional input circuitry – low and high level
inputs
• Continuously variable high pass/low pass
crossover
• Pre-amp output for installation flexibility
• 40Hz – 400Hz crossover frequency range
• Dual status LED diagnostic indicator
• Crossover mode selector switch
• Thermal, short circuit and low impedance
protection circuitry
• Continuously variable bass boost, centered
at 45Hz
• PWM MOSFET power supply
• Input level control
• Discrete amplifier design with complementary
high current Bi-polar output stage
• Remote level control (A600HLX)
Installation
Supplies andTools Needed
Before You Begin
Supplies
• Black electrical tape
Before you begin, you will need tools, supplies
and adapters. It is best to make sure you have
everything you need before you start.
• Amplifier Installation Kit
Tools
Disconnect Battery
• Cordless drill with assortment of bits
• Flat and Phillips screwdrivers
• Wire cutters/strippers
• Crimping tool
Before you begin, always
disconnect the battery
negative terminal.
+
–
• 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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A400HLX, A600HLX
Routing Wires
Location and Mounting
Battery
The A400HLX/A600HLX amplifier’s compact
design allows greater flexibility in mounting. It
can be mounted under a seat or in the trunk.
Battery
Connector
Fuse or
Circuit
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.
Breaker
Grommet
To prevent
damage to
power wire
Receiver
Power Wire
(8 gauge
wire or
Power Antenna
Turn-on Wire
(18 gauge wire)
RCA Cables
larger)
Important
Allow air circulation around the amplifier.
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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A400HLX, A600HLX
Wiring
Power
BRIDGE
RF
BRIDGE
RR
RF
LF
LF
+
RR
LR
LR
+
–
–
GND
REM
+ 12V
FUSE
PowerTerminal (+12V)
Remote Terminal (REM)
Connect the power antenna/amplifier turn-on
lead from the receiver to the AMPLIFIER
REMOTE terminal.
Connect directly to the vehicle battery+
terminal with 8 gauge wire (minimum).
GND
REM
+ 12V
Fuse:
GND
REM
+ 12V
A400HLX 50 AMP
A600HLX 70 AMP
Spade
Connector
Fuse or
Circuit Breaker
Spade
Connector
8 Gauge
Wire
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
Use only blade-type fuses.
GND
REM
+ 12V
Fuse:
A400HLX 2 x 25 AMP
A600HLX 2 x 35 AMP
FUSE
Spade
Connector
Sheet Metal
Screw
8 Gauge
Wire
Drill 1/8" hole
in chassis
sheet metal
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A400HLX, A600HLX
Inputs, RCA Output, Remote Level Control
INPUT OUTPUT
INPUT OUTPUT
REAR
FRONT
HI-LEVEL
HI-LEVEL
LR
LR
LF
LF
A400HLX
RR
RR
RF
RF
INPUT OUTPUT
INPUT OUTPUT
REMOTE
BASS
REAR
HI-LEVEL
FRONT
HI-LEVEL
LR
LR
LF
LF
A600HLX
RR
RR
RF
RF
Input Wiring
Radio
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 pick-
up trucks and under-seat mounting will require
a 6-12 foot RCA cable. Connect an RCA cable
from your receiver to the RCA input on your
amplifier.
Splice
(as necessary)
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.
INPUT OUTPUT
INPUT OUTPUT
REAR
HI-LEVEL
FRONT
HI-LEVEL
LR
LF
RR
RF
White = Left (+)
White/Black = Left (–)
Black (ground)
Low Level
Hi Level
Hi Level
Gray = Right (+)
Gray/Black = Right (–)
Important
Only connect the low (RCA) or high level input.
Do not use both at the same time.
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A400HLX, A600HLX
Remote Level Control – Rear
Connecting other Amps
Amplifier (A600HLX)
INPUT OUTPUT
INPUT OUTPUT
LR
LR
LF
LF
RR
RR
RF
RF
PWR
RCA Output
The “output” signal allows you to conveniently
connect other amplifiers to each other.
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 in-
dash.
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.
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A400HLX, A600HLX
Speaker Wiring Options
4 Speakers
2 Speakers + Bridged Subwoofer
HPF
HPF
FULL
LPF
FULL
LPF
FRONT
FRONT
REAR
HPF
REAR
HPF
FULL
LPF
FULL
LPF
BRIDGE
BRIDGE
BRIDGE
BRIDGE
RF
RF
LF
LF
+
RR
RR
LR
LR
+
–
–
RF
RF
LF
LF
+
RR
RR
LR
LR
+
–
–
2Ω
minimum
2Ω
minimum
2Ω
minimum
4Ω
minimum
2 Subwoofers/Bridged Mono (A400HLX)
HPF
FULL
LPF
FRONT
REAR
HPF
FULL
LPF
BRIDGE
BRIDGE
RF
RF
LF
LF
+
RR
RR
LR
LR
+
–
–
4Ω
minimum
4Ω
minimum
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A400HLX, A600HLX
Tri-mode (A400HLX)
BRIDGE
BRIDGE
RF
RF
LF
LF
+
RR
RR
LR
LR
+
–
–
HPF
FULL
LPF
FRONT
REAR
HPF
FULL
LPF
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 may damage your amp
and/or speakers.
2Ω
2Ω
4Ω
2Ω
4Ω
=
=
2Ω minimum
4Ω minimum
2Ω
2Ω
4Ω
Freq.
Hz
Speaker Impedance
4 OHMS
C
L
Inductor
Capacitor
2 OHMS
8 OHMS
L
C
L
C
L
C
80
100
4.1mH 1000µF
8.2mH
6.2mH
4.7mH
3.3mH
2.4mH
1.6mH
1.0mH
.82mH
.62mH
.51mH
.33mH
.16mH
500µF
400µF
300µF
200µF
150µF
100µF
68µF
50µF
39µF
33µF
22µF
10µF
15mH
12mH
10mH
250µF
200µF
150µF
100µF
75µF
50µF
33µF
26µF
20µF
16µF
10µF
5µF
3.1mH
2.4mH
1.6mH
1.2mH
.8mH
800µF
600µF
400µF
300µF
200µF
136µF
100µF
78µF
130
200
6.8mH
4.7mH
3.3mH
2.0mH
1.6mH
1.2mH
1.0mH
.68mH
.33mH
250
400
600
.5mH
800
.41mH
.31mH
.25mH
.16mH
.08mH
1000
1200
1800
4000
66µF
44µF
20µF
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A400HLX, A600HLX
Indicators and Controls
HPF
POWER
FULL
BASS
R-CHX
LEVEL
L-CHX
3
5
60
125 60
125
2
4
LPF
FRONT
PROTECT
REAR
HPF
2CH
3CH
4CH
0dB
12dB
40Hz 400Hz
L-CHX
40Hz 400Hz
R-CHX
8V
.3V
FULL
LPF
BASS
LEVEL
3
5
60
125 60
125
2
4
MODE
0dB
12dB
40Hz 400Hz
40Hz 400Hz
8V
.3V
Crossover (X-OVER)
Adjust the crossover to accommodate your
chosen installation method.
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.
• LPF–(low pass filter) Select
this filter when the amplifier will
be driving woofers or
subwoofers.
LPF
FULL
HPF
FRONT
• FULL–Crossover is not active,
amplifier is in “full range”
mode.
Important
REAR
LPF
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.
FULL
HPF
• 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.
See page 9.
Power / Protect Light
POWER
A dual status LED indicator illuminates
red or green to indicate the status of
the amplifier.
PROTECT
Green – Power applied, ON
Red – Protection circuit activated, STANDBY
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A400HLX, A600HLX
2CH / 3CH / 4CH
2 Channel (A400HLX)
2CH
When the input selector is set
to 2CH, the amplifier is
The A400HLX/A600HLX can be configured for
three different input modes: 4 channel, 3 channel
or 2 channel.
3CH
4CH
configured for bridged stereo
operation. The amplifier will
need a two channel input even
though there are four inputs. In
2CH the following RCA inputs
will be used:
When the input selector is set
to 4CH, the amplifier will
operate as a standard 4
channel amp with all RCA
inputs connected.
4 Channel
2CH
3CH
4CH
INPUT OUTPUT
INPUT OUTPUT
REAR
HI-LEVEL
FRONT
HI-LEVEL
LR
LR
LF
INPUT OUTPUT
INPUT OUTPUT
RR
RF
RF
REAR
HI-LEVEL
FRONT
HI-LEVEL
LR
LF
RR
RF
Note
Although the above illustrations indicate the
low level input being used, the same
connections would apply to the high level
input.
When the input selector is set
to 3CH, the amplifier is
3 Channel
2CH
3CH
4CH
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 3CH the
following RCA inputs will be
used:
INPUT OUTPUT
INPUT OUTPUT
REAR
HI-LEVEL
FRONT
HI-LEVEL
LR
LR
LF
LF
RR
RR
RF
RF
INPUT OUTPUT
INPUT OUTPUT
REAR
HI-LEVEL
FRONT
HI-LEVEL
LR
LR
LF
High Input
RR
RF
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A400HLX, A600HLX
Level
Bass
BASS
LEVEL
3
5
BASS increases the volume of the
bass at 45Hz by up to 12 db.
2
4
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
0dB
12dB
8V
.3V
Use very carefully!
BASS
LEVEL
3
5
2
4
0dB
12dB
8V
.3V
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.
Testing
Before you finish the installation, you should do the following tests to make sure the wiring is correct
and everything is operating properly.
Test Speaker Connections
Reconnect Battery
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.
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
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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A400HLX, A600HLX
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.
No power to remote wire with
radio on
Check connections to radio with test light.
Fuse blown
Check fuse.
Radio volume needs to be
turned up too high for amp
to work
Input level control adjusted too low
Adjust input level control.
Radio volume is too sensitive
Input level control adjusted too high
Adjust input level control to lower setting.
Replace speaker.
Sound from only one speaker Defective speaker
Poor connections to speaker (wire)
Check connections.
RCA input cable defective
Replace cable.
Input level control adjusted too high
Speaker wires shorting together
Power wires hooked up incorrectly
Speakers blown or defective
Adjust input level control.
Separate speaker wires and insulate.
Check power wire connections.
Check speakers.
Sound distorted
Blows fuses
Engine noise
(Ignition noise/static or
Alternator whine)
Improper ground connections
Ground loop(s)
Reroute RCA away from main power wires.
Reroute RCA cable.
Make sure amp is grounded to a clean, solid part of
the chassis/frame.
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 6 – 9 for proper installation.
Input hooked up incorrectly
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A400HLX, A600HLX
Specifications
A400HLX/A600HLX 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)
A400HLX
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
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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Limited One Year Warranty–
USA and Canada
Length of Warranty. This warranty from Recoton Mobile
Electronics, Inc. shall be in effect for a period of one year
from the date of the first consumer purchase.
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.
Persons Protected. This warranty will be enforceable by
the original owner during the warranty period so long as
proof of date of purchase from an authorized Jensen dealer
is presented whenever warranty service is required.
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 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
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.
or other electrical interferences; any product purchased
outside USA or Canada, or on which the serial number
has been defaced, modified or removed.
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.
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.
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, Inc.
1090 Emma Oaks Trail
Lake Mary, Florida 32746
©2002 Recoton
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