JL Audio Car Stereo System A2150 User Manual

A2150  
two-channel full-range amplifier  
OWNER’S MANUAL  
Thank you for purchasing a JL Audio amplifier for  
your automotive sound system.  
Your amplifier has been designed and manufactured to exacting  
standards in order to ensure years of musical enjoyment in your vehicle.  
For maximum performance and extended warranty  
coverage, we highly recommend that you have your new amplifier  
installed by an authorized JL Audio dealer. Your authorized  
dealer has the training, expertise and installation equipment to ensure  
optimum performance from this product. Should you  
decide to install the amplifier yourself, please take the time  
to read this manual thoroughly so as to familiarize yourself  
with its installation requirements and setup procedures.  
If you have any questions regarding the instructions in this  
manual or any aspect of your amplifier’s operation, please contact your  
authorized JL Audio dealer for assistance. If you need further assistance,  
please call the JL Audio Technical Support Department  
at (954) 443-1100 during business hours.  
 
PROTECT YOUR HEARING!  
INSTALLATION APPLICATIONS  
PLANNING YOUR INSTALLATION  
We value you as a long-term customer. For  
that reason, we urge you to practice restraint in  
the operation of this product so as not to damage  
your hearing and that of others in your vehicle.  
Studies have shown that continuous exposure to  
high sound pressure levels can lead to permanent  
(irreparable) hearing loss. This and all other  
high-power amplifiers are capable of producing  
such high sound pressure levels when connected  
to a speaker system. Please limit your continuous  
exposure to high volume levels.  
This amplifier is designed for operation in  
vehicles with 12 volt, negative-ground electrical  
systems. Use of this product in vehicles with  
positive ground and/or voltages other than 12V  
may result in damage to the product and will void  
the warranty.  
This product is not certified or approved for  
use in aircraft.  
Do not attempt to “bridge” the outputs of this  
amplifier with the outputs of a second amplifier,  
including an identical one.  
It is important that you take the time to read  
this manual and that you plan out your  
installation carefully. The following are some  
considerations that you must take into account  
when planning your installation.  
Mounting the amplifier upside down is  
strongly discouraged.  
If mounting the amplifier under a seat,  
make sure there is at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of  
space above the amplifier’s outer shell to permit  
proper cooling.  
Cooling Efficiency Considerations:  
The outer shell of your JL Audio amplifier  
is designed to remove heat from the amplifier  
circuitry. For optimum cooling performance,  
this outer shell should be exposed to as large a  
volume of air as possible. Enclosing the amplifier  
in a small, poorly ventilated chamber can  
lead to excessive heat build-up and degraded  
performance. If an installation calls for an  
enclosure around the amplifier, we recommend  
that this enclosure be ventilated with the aid  
of a fan. In normal applications, fan-cooling  
is not necessary.  
Safety Considerations:  
Your amplifier needs to be installed in a dry,  
well-ventilated environment and in a manner  
which does not interfere with your vehicle’s safety  
equipment (air bags, seat belt systems, ABS brake  
systems, etc.). You should also take the time to  
securely mount the amplifier using the supplied  
screws so that it does not come loose in the event  
of a collision or a sudden jolt to the vehicle.  
While driving, operate your audio system in  
a manner that still allows you to hear necessary  
noises to operate your vehicle safely (horns,  
sirens, etc.).  
SERIAL NUMBER  
In the event that your amplifier requires  
service or is ever stolen, you will need to have  
a record of the product’s serial number. Please  
take the time to enter that number in the space  
provided below. The serial number can be found  
on the bottom panel of the amplifier and on the  
amplifier packaging.  
Stupid Mistakes to Avoid  
Chassis Ground  
Connector  
(pg. 5)  
Check before drilling any holes in your vehicle  
to make sure that you will not be drilling  
through a gas tank, brake line, wiring harness or  
other vital vehicle system.  
Speaker Outputs  
(pg. 8)  
+12 V Power  
Connector  
(pg. 5)  
Remote Turn-On  
Connector  
(pg. 6)  
• Do not run system wiring outside or underneath  
the vehicle. This is an extremely dangerous  
practice which can result in severe damage to  
your vehicle and person.  
Serial Number:  
• Protect all system wires from sharp metal  
edges and wear by carefully routing them,  
tying them down and using grommets and  
loom where appropriate.  
Input Voltage  
Selection  
(pg. 6)  
Left & Right  
Preamp Output Jacks  
(pg. 8)  
Protection Status  
Indicator  
Bass EQ  
On/Off Switch  
(pg. 8)  
Filter Mode  
Selection  
(pg. 7)  
(pg. 9)  
Jack for  
Left & Right  
Preamp Input Jacks  
(pg. 6)  
Power Status  
Indicator  
(pg. 9)  
Remote Bass  
Control Knob  
(pg. 8)  
Input Sensitivity  
Control  
(pg. 6)  
Filter  
Frequency Selector  
(pg. 7)  
• Do not mount the amplifier in the engine  
compartment, under the vehicle, on the roof  
or in any other area that will expose the  
amplifier circuitry to the elements.  
2
JL AUDIO A2150  
JL AUDIO A2150  
3
 
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION  
The JL Audio A2150 is a two-channel  
full-range audio amplifier utilizing patented  
Absolute Symmetry™ Class A/B technology for  
both channels.  
The A2150 can be operated with a wide variety  
of source units and system configurations.  
(90 cm) from the amplifier to the ground  
connection point. In some vehicles, it may be  
necessary to upgrade the battery ground wire.  
(See page 5 for important notice).  
7) Securely mount the amplifier using the  
supplied screws.  
8) Connect the positive and negative power  
wires to the amplifier. A fuse near the  
amplifier is not necessary.  
The A2150’s “+12VDC” and “Ground”  
connections are designed to accept 8 AWG -  
4 AWG power wire. 8 AWG is a minimum power  
wire size for this amplifier.  
If you are installing the A2150 with other  
amplifiers and wish to use a single main power  
wire, use 4 AWG or larger main power wire  
(depending on the overall current demands of all  
the amplifiers in the system). This 4 AWG or  
larger power wire should terminate into a  
distribution block mounted as close to the  
amplifiers as possible and should connect to the  
A2150 with 8 AWG - 4 AWG power wire.  
Many vehicles employ small (10 AWG -  
6 AWG) wire to ground the battery to the  
vehicle chassis and to connect the alternator’s  
positive connection to the battery. To prevent  
voltage drops, these wires should be upgraded  
to 4 AWG when installing amplifier systems  
with main fuse ratings above 60A.  
TYPICAL INSTALLATION SEQUENCE  
The following represents the sequence  
for a typical amplifier installation, using an  
aftermarket source unit or OEM Interface  
processor (like the CleanSweep CL441dsp).  
Additional steps and different procedures may  
be required in some applications. If you have  
any questions, please contact your authorized  
JL Audio dealer for assistance.  
FUSE REQUIREMENTS  
9) Connect the remote turn-on wire  
to the amplifier.  
It is absolutely vital that the main power  
wire(s) to the amplifier(s) in the system be  
fused within 18 inches (45 cm) of the positive  
battery post connection. The fuse value at each  
power wire should be high enough for all of the  
equipment being run from that power wire. If  
only the A2150 is being run from that power wire,  
we recommend a 20A fuse be used. AFS (mini  
blade fuse), AGU (big glass fuse) or MaxiFuse™  
(big plastic-body fuse) types are recommended.  
No fuse is required or recommended directly  
before the amplifier power connection. If one is  
desired, we recommend the use of a 20A.  
10) Connect the input cables to the amplifier.  
11) Connect the speaker cables to the amplifier.  
12) Carefully review the amplifier’s control  
settings to make sure that they are set  
according to the needs of the system.  
13) Install the power wire fuse (20A for a  
single A2150) and reconnect the negative  
battery post terminal.  
14) Turn on the source unit at a low level  
to double-check that the amplifier is  
configured correctly. Resist the temptation  
to crank it up until you have verified the  
control settings.  
15) Make necessary adjustments to the input  
sensitivity controls to obtain the right  
overall output and the desired balance  
in the system. See Appendix A (page 12)  
for the recommended input sensitivity  
setting method.  
Note: that smaller AWG numbers mean bigger  
wire and vice-versa (1/0 AWG is the largest, 2  
AWG is smaller, then 4 AWG, then  
8 AWG, etc.).  
1) Disconnect the negative battery post  
connection and secure the disconnected cable  
to prevent accidental re-connection during  
installation. This step is not optional.  
2) Run power wire (minimum 8 AWG) from the  
battery location to the amplifier mounting  
location, taking care to route it in such a  
way that it will not be damaged and will not  
interfere with vehicle operation. Use 4 AWG  
or larger power wire and a power distribution  
block if additional amplifiers are being  
installed with the A2150.  
3) Connect power wire to the positive battery  
post. Fuse the wire with an appropriate fuse  
block (and connectors) within 18 inches (45  
cm) wire length of the positive battery post.  
This fuse is essential to protect the vehicle.  
Do not install the fuse until the power wire  
has been securely connected to the amplifier.  
4) Run signal cables and remote turn-on wire  
from the source unit to the final amplifier  
mounting location.  
5) Run speaker cables from the speaker systems  
to the amplifier mounting location.  
6) Find a good, solid metal grounding point  
close to the amplifier and connect the  
negative power wire to it using appropriate  
hardware (use of the JL Audio ECS master  
ground lug, XA-MGL-1 is recommended).  
Use the same size power wire as the wire  
connected to the “+12VDC” connection  
(minimum 8 AWG), no longer than 36 inches  
To connect the power wires to the amplifier,  
first back out the set screw on the top of the  
terminal block, using the supplied 2.5 mm hex  
wrench. Strip 1/2 inch (12 mm) of insulation from  
the end of each wire and insert the bare wire into  
the terminal block, seating it firmly so that no  
bare wire is exposed. While holding the wire in  
place, tighten the set screw firmly, taking care not  
to strip the head of the screw.  
The ground connection should be made using  
the same gauge wire as the power connection  
and should be kept as short as possible, while  
accessing a solid piece of sheet metal in the  
vehicle. The surface of the sheet metal should  
be sanded at the contact point to create a clean,  
metal-to-metal connection between the chassis  
and the termination of the ground wire. For  
optimal grounding, we recommend the use of a  
JL Audio ECS master ground lug (XA-MGL-1).  
Alternatively, a sheet metal screw or bolt can be  
used with a star washer.  
TURN-ON LEAD  
The A2150 uses a conventional +12V remote  
turn-on lead, typically controlled by the source  
unit’s remote turn-on output. The amplifier will  
turn on when +12V is present at its “Remote”  
input and turn off when +12V is switched off.  
If a source unit does not have a dedicated remote  
turn-on output, the amplifier’s turn-on lead can  
be connected to +12V via a switch that derives  
power from an ignition-switched circuit.  
The A2150’s “Remote” turn-on connector is  
designed to accept 18 AWG – 12 AWG wire. To  
connect the remote turn-on wire to the amplifier,  
first back out the set screw on the top of the  
terminal block, using the supplied 2.5mm hex  
wrench. Strip 1/2 inch (12mm) of wire and insert  
the bare wire into the terminal block, seating it  
firmly so that no bare wire is exposed. While  
holding the wire in the terminal, tighten the set  
screw firmly, taking care not to strip the head  
of the screw and making sure that the wire (not  
the insulation) is firmly gripped by the set screw.  
16) Enjoy the fruits of your labor with your  
favorite music.  
POWER CONNECTIONS  
Before installing the amplifier, disconnect the  
negative (ground) wire from the vehicle’s battery.  
This will prevent accidental damage to the system,  
the vehicle and your body during installation.  
Any wires run through metal barriers (such  
as firewalls), must be protected with a high  
quality rubber grommet to prevent damage to the  
insulation of the wire. Failure to do so may result  
in a dangerous short circuit.  
4
JL AUDIO A2150  
JL AUDIO A2150  
5
 
INPUT SECTION  
FILTER CONTROLS  
The A2150’s input section allows you to send  
signal to the amplifier section through the use  
of two differential-balanced inputs, one for  
the left channel and one for the right channel.  
Connection is via RCA-type jacks.  
The output of the amplifier will decrease for  
a given input voltage when the “Input Range”  
switch is placed in the “High” position.  
Conversely, the output will be higher with the  
switch in the “Low” position. While this may  
sound counter-intuitive, it is consistent with the  
descriptions above.  
Most speakers are not designed to reproduce  
the full range of frequencies audible by the  
human ear. For this reason, most speaker  
systems are comprised of multiple speakers, each  
dedicated to reproducing a specific frequency  
range. Filters are used to select which frequency  
range is sent to each section of a speaker system.  
The division of frequency ranges to different  
speakers can be done with passive filters (coils  
and/or capacitors between the amplifier outputs  
and the speakers), which are acceptable and  
commonly used for filtering between mid-  
range speakers and tweeters. Filtering between  
subwoofer systems and satellite speaker systems  
is best done with active filters, which cut off  
frequency content at the input to the amplifier.  
Active filters are more stable than passive filters  
and do not introduce extraneous resistance,  
which can degrade subwoofer performance.  
The active filter built into the A2150 can be  
used to eliminate potentially harmful and/or  
undesired frequencies from making their way  
through the amplifier sections to the speaker(s).  
This serves to improve tonal balance and to avoid  
distortion and possible speaker failure. Correct  
use of these filters can substantially increase the  
longevity and fidelity of your audio system.  
1) “Filter Mode” Control: The A2150 employs a  
12dB per octave filter which can be configured  
into one of two filter types or defeated  
completely by way of the three-position “Filter  
Mode” switch:  
“Off”: Defeats the filter completely, allowing  
the full range of frequencies present at the  
inputs to feed the amplifier. This is useful  
for systems utilizing outboard crossovers or  
requiring full-range reproduction from the  
A2150’s channels.  
“LP” (Low-Pass): Configures the filter to  
attenuate frequencies above the selected filter  
frequency at a rate of 12dB per octave. This is  
useful for connection of subwoofer(s) to the  
A2150’s in a bi-amplified system.  
“HP” (High-Pass): Configures the filter to  
attenuate frequencies below the selected filter  
frequency at a rate of 12dB per octave. This is  
useful for connection of component speakers to  
the A2150’s channels in a bi-amplified system.  
INPUT SENSITIVITY CONTROL  
Once the appropriate “Input Voltage” range  
has been selected, the control labeled “Input  
Sens.” located in the “Amplifier Controls”  
section can be used to match the source unit’s  
output voltage to the input stage of the amplifier  
for maximum clean output. Rotating the control  
clockwise will result in higher sensitivity (louder  
for a given input voltage). Rotating the control  
counter-clockwise will result in lower sensitivity  
(quieter for a given input voltage.)  
Input Voltage Range:  
A wide range of signal input voltages can be  
accommodated by the A2150’s input section  
(200mV – 8V). This wide range is split up into  
two sub-ranges, accessible via a switch located to  
the left of the Input Connectors.  
The “Low” position on the “Input Voltage”  
switch selects an input sensitivity range between  
200mV and 2V. This means that the “Input  
Sens.” rotary control will operate within that  
voltage window. If you are using an aftermarket  
source unit or an OEM interface processor with  
conventional preamp-level outputs, this is most  
likely the position that you will use.  
2) “Filter Freq. (Hz)” The filter frequency  
markings surrounding this rotary control  
are for reference purposes and are generally  
accurate to within 1/3 octave or better. If you  
would like to select the filter cutoff frequency  
with a higher level of precision, consult the  
chart in Appendix B (page 13).  
Tuning Hint: If you are using the A2150 to drive  
a subwoofer system (“LPmode), a component  
satellite speaker system (“HPmode) or both,  
80 Hz is a good baseline “Filter Freq. (Hz)”  
setting. After properly adjusting the “Input  
Sens.”, as outlined in Appendix A (page 12), you  
can fine tune the “Filter Freq. (Hz)” control to  
achieve the desired system frequency response.  
The “High” position on the “Input Voltage”  
switch selects an input sensitivity range between  
800mV and 8V. This is useful for certain high-  
output preamp level signals as well as speaker-  
level output from source units and  
To properly set the amplifier for maximum  
clean output, please refer to Appendix A (page  
12) in this manual. After using this procedure,  
you can then adjust any or all “Input Sens.”  
levels downward if this is required to achieve the  
desired system balance.  
small amplifiers.  
To use speaker-level sources, splice the speaker  
output wires of the source unit or small amplifier  
onto a pair of RCA plugs. No line output  
converter is needed in most cases.  
Do not increase any “Input Sens.” setting for  
any channel(s) of any amplifier in the system  
beyond the maximum level established during  
the procedure outlined in Appendix A (page  
12). Doing so will result in audible distortion  
and possible speaker damage.  
6
JL AUDIO A2150  
JL AUDIO A2150  
7
 
BASS BOOST CONTROLS  
SPEAKER OUTPUTS  
The A2150’s speaker outputs are designed to  
accept 16 AWG - 8 AWG wire.  
The A2150 is designed to deliver power into  
speaker loads equal to or greater than 2 ohms  
when using a “stereo” configuration and speaker  
loads equal to or greater than 4 ohms when using  
a “bridged” configuration.  
AMPLIFIER STATUS INDICATOR LIGHTS &  
PROTECTION CIRCUITRY  
There are two status indicator lights on the  
input / control end of the amplifier.  
When a pair of channels are bridged, they  
will deliver 150W x 1 into a 4 ohm load or  
90W x 1 into an 8 ohm load. Operating a  
pair of bridged channels into a load lower  
than 4 ohms is not recommended.  
Because a bridged pair of channels requires  
that both channels receive input, you need to  
connect both left and right inputs to the source  
unit. Connection of only one input will result in  
reduced power output, increased distortion and  
can cause the amplifier to overheat.  
1) “Bass Boost”: This switch allows the user to  
activate a 6 dB boost centered at 48 Hz.  
When the “Bass Boost” is activated, the inputs  
to “CH 1 (Left)” and “CH 2 (Right)” are  
summed to create a mono signal. The “Filter  
Mode” switch in the “Channel 1 & 2” section  
must be in the “LP” position for the bass boost  
to be functional.  
Do not do this!  
When the A2150 operating in bridged mode,  
the output will be in mono (only one channel).  
This mono channel can contain right channel  
only information, left channel only information  
or the sum of the information from both the  
right and left channels. In order to achieve one of  
these options, configure the inputs to that pair of  
channels in one of these two ways:  
1) “Power” (Green): lights to indicate that the  
amplifier is turned on and operating normally.  
2) “Protect” (Red): Indicates that the amplifier  
protection circuitry has been activated to  
prevent product failure due to a short-circuit  
or a dangerously low impedance connected  
to the amplifier output(s). Connecting the  
speaker outputs to an impedance lower than  
2 ohms stereo (4 ohms bridged) will cause  
this protection mode to activate. When this  
protection mode is activated, the amplifier will  
reduce it maximum power output to protect its  
circuitry, which will manifest itself as increased  
distortion. When the problem is corrected, the  
amplifier will return to normal operation.  
2) Remote Bass Port: This port allows you to  
connect an optional remote boost knob (sold  
separately as JL Audio Model RBC-1) that can  
be mounted in the front of the vehicle. With  
the RBC-1 connected, the boost is no longer  
limited to 0 or +6 dB, allowing a variable  
range of 0 to +12 dB of boost to be selected.  
Speaker loads below 2 ohms nominal per  
channel in stereo or below 4 ohms nominal  
bridged mono are not recommended and may  
cause the amplifier to initiate a protection  
mode which reduces power output.  
1) Left Channel Only or Right Channel Only  
Information: If you wish to send a left-only or  
right-only signal the A2150, use a “Y-Adaptor”  
to split the single channel signal into both left  
and right RCA inputs. This option is useful  
when using one A2150 to drive left channel  
speakers only and the other A2150’s channels  
to drive right channel speakers only.  
BRIDGING CONSIDERATIONS  
PRE-OUTS  
Bridging is the practice of combining the  
output of two amplifier channels to drive a single  
load. When bridged, each channel produces  
signals of equal magnitude, but opposite polarity.  
The combined output of the two channels  
provides twice the output voltage available from  
a single channel. The A2150 has been designed  
for bridging of its channels without the need for  
input inversion adaptors.  
To bridge the A2150’s two channels, use the  
CHANNEL 1 +” and “CHANNEL 2 –”  
speaker connectors only (the “CHANNEL 1 –”  
and “CHANNEL 2 +” remain unused). When  
bridged, the A2150 will deliver optimum power  
into a 4 ohm load.  
The A2150 incorporates a pass-through  
preamp output section, so that additional  
amplifiers can be easily added to the system. The  
preamp output delivers the same signal that is  
connected to the A2150’s inputs.  
The preamp output signal is not affected by the  
Bass Boost” processing selected for the amplifier  
or by any crossover filter selected (if the input  
signal is full-range, the preamp output will be  
full-range).  
The signal level of the “Preamp Output” is  
line-level (low voltage), regardless of the position  
selected in the A2150’s “Input Voltage” switch.  
An additional amplifier connected to these  
preamp outputs should have its input voltage  
switch set to the “Low” position.  
2) Left + Right Channel Information:  
When bridged and fed by a stereo input, the  
A2150’s channels will automatically combine  
the left and right channels into a summed  
mono (left + right) channel. This option is  
useful when using the A2150 channels to  
drive a subwoofer system or a summed mono  
center channel.  
Advanced Rollback Thermal protection  
Unlike conventional thermal protection  
systems, which shut down an amplifier when it  
overheats, this system protects the amplifier by  
gradually reducing power output if the amplifier’s  
safe operating temperature is exceeded. The  
amplifier will continue to operate and return  
to normal power output once its temperature  
returns to a normal range.  
8
JL AUDIO A2150  
JL AUDIO A2150  
9
 
Low-Voltage protection:  
SERVICING YOUR JL AUDIO AMPLIFIER  
If your amplifier fails or malfunctions, please  
return it to your authorized JL Audio dealer so  
that it may be sent in to JL Audio for service.  
There are no user serviceable parts or fuses inside  
the amplifier. The unique nature of the circuitry  
in the JL Audio amplifiers requires specifically  
trained service personnel. Do not attempt  
to service the amplifier yourself or through  
unauthorized repair facilities. This will not only  
void the warranty, but may result in the creation  
of more problems within the amplifier.  
If the car’s supply voltage drops below 10  
volts, the entire amplifier will shut itself off to  
protect its internal circuitry. The green “Power”  
indicator will turn off when this occurs. The  
amplifier will turn back on when voltage climbs  
back above 10 volts. This may happen in a rapid  
cycle when bass-heavy program material causes  
a weak charging system to dip below 10 volts  
momentarily. If this is happening in your system,  
turn your audio system off and have your power  
wiring, ground connections and charging  
system inspected.  
If you have any questions about the installation or  
setup of the amplifier not covered in this manual,  
please contact your dealer or technical support.  
JL Audio Technical Support:  
(954) 443-1100  
9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Eastern Time Zone)  
Monday - Friday  
10  
JL AUDIO A2150  
JL AUDIO A2150  
11  
 
APPENDIX A:  
APPENDIX B:  
APPENDIX C:  
Input Sensitivity Level Setting  
8) Increase the “Input Sens.” control until the  
target voltage is observed with the voltmeter.  
9) Once you have adjusted the A2150 to its  
maximum low-distortion output level,  
reconnect the speaker(s). The “Input Sens.”  
controls can now be adjusted downward if the  
amplifier requires attenuation to achieve the  
desired system balance.  
Precise Frequency Selection Chart  
A2150 Specifications  
Following the directions below will allow the  
installer to adjust the input sensitivity of each  
amplifier channel pair simply and easily in just a  
few minutes using equipment which is commonly  
available in installation bays.  
“FILTER FREQ” AMP FILTER  
General Specifications:  
Recommended Fuse Value: 20A  
Detent  
Number  
Panel  
Marking  
Actual  
Freq.  
Recommended Fuse Type: AFS, AGU or MaxiFuse™  
Full counter-clockwise: 53  
01 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53  
02 . . . . . . . . . . . “50” . . . . . . . . . . . .53  
03 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53  
04 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54  
05 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54  
06 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55  
07 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55  
08 . . . . . . . . . . . “55” . . . . . . . . . . . .56  
09 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56  
10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57  
11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58  
12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59  
13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62  
14 . . . . . . . . . . . “60” . . . . . . . . . . . .65  
15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65  
16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66  
17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70  
18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73  
19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77  
20 . . . . . . . . . . . “80” . . . . . . . . . . . .81  
21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84  
22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88  
23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94  
24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101  
25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104  
26 . . . . . . . . . . “120” . . . . . . . . . . 115  
27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118  
28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128  
29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137  
30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146  
31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164  
32 . . . . . . . . . . “150” . . . . . . . . . . 177  
33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193  
34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197  
35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209  
36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213  
37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216  
38 . . . . . . . . . . “200” . . . . . . . . . . 218  
39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225  
Full-clockwise: 225  
Input Sections:  
No. of Inputs: One Stereo Pair  
Necessary Equipment  
• Digital AC Voltmeter  
Input Type: Differential-balanced with RCA jack inputs  
Input Range: Switchable from 200mV - 2V RMS to  
800mV - 8V RMS  
• CD with a sine-wave test tone recorded at  
0 dB reference level in the frequency range  
to be amplified for that set of channels  
(50 Hz for subwoofer channels, 1 kHz for a  
midrange application). Do not use attenuated  
test tones (-10 dB, -20 dB, etc.).  
Do not increase any Input Sens.setting for  
any amplifier channel or channel pair in the  
system beyond the maximum level established  
during this procedure. Doing so will result in  
audible distortion and possible speaker damage.  
Amplifier Section:  
Amplifier Topology: Class A/B with patented Absolute  
Symmetry™ dual N-Channel MOSFET output design  
Power Supply: Unregulated MOSFET switching type  
Rated Power at 12.5 V (Stereo, all channels driven):  
45W RMS x 2 @ 4 ohms, 75W RMS x 4 @ 2 ohms  
Rated Power at 12.5 V (Bridged, all channels driven):  
90W RMS x 1 @ 8 ohms, 150W RMS x 1 @ 4 ohms  
THD at Rated Power:  
The Nine-Step Procedure  
1) Disconnect the speaker(s) from the  
amplifier’s speaker output connectors.  
2) Turn off all processing (bass/treble, loudness,  
EQ, etc.) on the source unit, processors (if  
used) and amplifier. Set fader control to center  
position and subwoofer level control to 3/4 of  
maximum (if used to feed the A2150).  
3) Switch the “Input Voltage” switch to “Low”  
and turn the “Input Sens.” control all the  
way down.  
4) Set the source unit volume to 3/4 of full  
volume. This will allow for reasonable gain  
overlap with moderate clipping at full volume.  
5) Using the chart on this page, determine the target  
voltage for input sensitivity adjustment according  
to the nominal impedance of the speaker system  
connected to the amplifier outputs.  
6) Verify that you have disconnected the speakers  
before proceeding. Play a track with an  
appropriate sine wave (within the frequency  
range to be amplified by the A2150) at 3/4  
source unit volume.  
7) Connect the AC voltmeter to the speaker output  
connectors of the amplifier. If the channel  
pair is operating in stereo, it is only necessary  
to measure one channel. If bridged, make sure  
you test the voltage at the correct connectors  
(L+ and R–).  
It will be necessary to re-adjust the  
Input Sens.” for the affected channels if any  
equalizer boost is activated after setting the  
Input Sens.” with this procedure. This applies  
to any EQ boost circuit, including source unit  
tone controls or EQ circuits. EQ cuts will not  
require re-adjustment.  
<0.08% @ 4 ohms per ch. (20 Hz - 20 kHz)  
Signal to Noise Ratio: >104 dB referred to rated power  
(A-weighted, 20 Hz-20 kHz noise bandwidth)  
Frequency Response: 10 Hz - 25 kHz (+0, -1dB)  
Damping Factor: >200 @ 4 ohms per ch./50 Hz,  
>100 @ 2 ohms per ch. /50 Hz  
Slew Rate: 22V/µs  
Nom.  
Target AC Voltage  
Power output at 14.4V supply voltage and 1% THD:  
Rated Power (Stereo):  
Impedance  
Stereo  
Bridged  
26.8 V  
13.4 V  
13.4 V  
13.4 V  
12.8 V  
12.3 V  
8Ω  
6Ω  
4Ω  
3Ω  
2Ω  
45W RMS x 2 @ 4 ohms (12.5V)  
75W RMS x 2 @ 2 ohms (12.5V)  
25.6 V  
Rated Power (Bridged):  
24.6 V  
90W RMS x 1 @ 8 ohms (12.5V)  
not recommended  
not recommended  
150W RMS x 1 @ 4 ohms (12.5V)  
Amplifier Filter:  
Filter Type: State-variable, 12dB/octave Butterworth  
with continuously variable cutoff frequency selection  
from 50-200 Hz.  
Configurable as Low-Pass or High-Pass. Defeatable.  
Preamp Output:  
Pass-through type, buffered.  
Dimensions(LxWxH):  
9.8" x 9.25" x 2.50" (250mm x 235mm x 63.5mm)  
Due to ongoing product development, all specifications are subject to  
change without notice.  
12  
JL AUDIO A2150  
JL AUDIO A2150  
13  
 
APPENDIX D: TROUBLE SHOOTING  
“How do I properly set the input sensitivity on my amplifier”  
“My amplifier shuts off once in a while, usually at higher volumes”  
Check your voltage source and grounding point. The power supply  
Please refer to Appendix A (page 12) to set the input sensitivity for  
maximum, low-distortion output.  
of the A2150 will operate with charging system voltages  
down to 10V. Shutdown problems at higher volume levels  
can occur when the charging system voltage drops below  
10V. These dips can be of very short duration making them  
extremely difficult to detect with a common DC voltmeter.  
To ensure proper voltage, inspect all wiring and termination  
points. It may also be necessary to upgrade the ground  
wire connecting the battery to the vehicle’s chassis and the  
power wire connecting the alternator to the battery. Many  
vehicles employ small (10 AWG - 6 AWG) wire to ground the  
battery to the vehicle’s chassis and to connect the alternator to  
the battery. To prevent voltage drops, these wires should be  
upgraded to 4 AWG when installing amplifier systems with  
main fuse ratings above 60A. Grounding problems are the  
leading cause of misdiagnosed amplifier “failures.”  
“My amplifier doesn’t turn on”  
Check the fuse, not just visually, but with a continuity meter. It is  
possible for a fuse to have poor internal connections that  
cannot be found by visual inspection. It is best to take the  
fuse out of the holder for testing. If no problem is found with  
the fuse, inspect the fuse-holder.  
Check the integrity of the connections made to each of the  
+12VDC”, “Ground”, and Remote” terminals. Ensure  
that no wire insulation is pinched by the terminal set screw  
and that each connection is tight.  
Check to make sure there is +12V at the “Remote” connection of the  
amplifier. In some cases, the turn-on lead from the source unit  
is insufficient to turn on multiple devices and the use of a relay  
is required. To test for this problem, jump the “+12VDC” wire  
to the “Remote” terminal to see if the amplifier turns on. If this  
does not work, proceed to the next step.  
“My amplifier turns on, but there is no output”  
Check the input signal using an AC voltmeter to measure the  
voltage from the source unit while an appropriate test tone is  
played through the source unit (disconnect the input cables  
from the amplifier prior to this test). The frequency used  
should be in the range that is to be amplified by the amplifier  
(example: 50 Hz for a sub bass application or 1 kHz for a full  
range / high-pass application). A steady, sufficient voltage  
(between 0.2 and 8.0-volts) should be present at the output of  
the signal cables.  
Check the output of the amplifier. Using the procedure explained in  
the previous check item (after plugging the input cables back  
into the amplifier) test for output at the speaker outputs of  
the amplifier. Unless you enjoy test tones at high levels, it is  
a good idea to remove the speaker wires from the amplifier  
while doing this. Turn the volume up approximately half  
way. 5V or more should be measured at the speaker outputs.  
This output level can vary greatly between amplifiers but it  
should not be in the millivolt range with the source unit at  
half volume. If you are reading sufficient voltage, check your  
speaker connections as explained below.  
“I get a distorted / attenuated sound coming out of the speaker(s)”  
Check the speaker wires for a possible short, either between the  
positive and negative leads or between either speaker lead  
and the vehicle’s chassis ground. If a short is present, you  
will experience distorted and/or attenuated output. The  
Protect” light will illuminate in this situation. It may be  
helpful to disconnect the speaker wires from the amplifier  
and use a different set of wires connected to a test speaker.  
Check the nominal load impedance to verify that each channel  
of the amplifier is driving a load equal to or greater than  
2 ohms in stereo mode (4 ohms bridged).  
Check the input signal and input signal cables to make sure signal  
is present at the Amplifier Inputs” and the cables are not  
pinched or loose. It may be helpful to try a different set of  
cables and/or a different signal source to be sure.  
“My amplifier’s output fluctuates when I tap on it or hit a bump”  
Check the connections to the amplifier. Make sure that the  
insulation for all wires has been stripped back far enough to  
allow a good contact area inside the terminal block.  
Check the input connectors to ensure that they all are making good  
contact with the input jacks on the amplifier.  
Check to ensure that the speaker wires are making a good  
connection with the metal inside the terminal block. The  
speaker wire connectors are designed to accept up to 8 AWG  
wire. Make sure to strip the wire to allow for a sufficient  
connection with the metal inside the terminal block.  
14  
JL AUDIO A2150  
JL AUDIO A2150  
15  
 
INSTALLATION NOTES:  
Use this diagram to document your amplifier’s switch and control positions.  
16  
JL AUDIO A2150  
JL AUDIO A2150  
17  
 
INSTALLATION NOTES:  
INSTALLATION NOTES:  
18  
JL AUDIO A2150  
JL AUDIO A2150  
19  
 

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