JL Audio Stereo Amplifier 505 User Manual

JL AUDIO 500/5  
five-channel system amplifier  
o w n e r ’ s m a n u a l  
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 (Eastern Time Zone).  
 
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION  
TYPICAL INSTALLATION SEQUENCE  
The following represents the sequence for a  
typical amplifier installation, using an aftermarket  
source unit. Additional steps and different  
procedures may be required in some applications.  
If you have any questions, please contact your  
authorized JLAudio dealer for assistance.  
The JL Audio 500/5 is a five-channel system  
amplifier utilizing patented Absolute Symmetry™  
Class AB technology for its front and rear channels  
and patented Class D technology for its subwoofer  
channel. Front and subwoofer channels benefit from  
JL Audio's exclusive R.I.P.S. power supply design  
which optimizes the output of each section for any  
impedance between 1.5 and 4 ohms per channel.  
The staggered power distribution of the front  
and rear channel pairs (100W x 2 for front and  
25 x 2 for rear) allows for a wide variety of  
application options.The 500/5 can be operated in  
the following modes:  
1) As a full-system amplifier in bi-amp mode with  
its subwoofer channel driving subwoofers in low-  
pass mode (250W x 1), front channels driving front  
component speakers (100W x 2) in high-pass  
mode and rear channels driving rear component  
speakers in high-pass mode (25W x 2).  
2) As a full-system amplifier in a tri-amplified  
system, delivering band-passed signals through its  
front channels to mid-bass/mid-range speakers and  
high-passed signals through its front channels to  
tweeters.  
The 500/5's flexible input and crossover sections  
permit operation with a wide variety of source units  
and system configurations.The 500/5 can operate  
with a single pair of stereo inputs or with separate  
inputs for front and rear channel pairs, if the source  
unit is equipped with front and rear outputs.The  
subwoofer channel can be driven with a discrete  
signal from a source unit’s subwoofer output or can  
receive its signal from the front and/or rear channel  
inputs.  
12) Carefully review the amplifier’s control  
settings to make sure that they are set according to  
the needs of the system.  
13) Install power wire fuse (50A for a  
single 500/5) 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 of the subwoofer channel and  
front and rear channel pairs to obtain the right  
overall output and the desired balance between  
their outputs. See Appendix B (page 22) for the  
recommended input sensitivity setting method.  
16) Enjoy the fruits of your labor with your  
favorite music.  
To connect the power wires to the amplifier, first  
back out the set screw on the top of the amplifier,  
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  
receptacle on the front panel of the amplifier, 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  
(4 AWG) 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.The use of a star  
washer to lock down the connection is advisable.  
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.  
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 4 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 2 AWG or 1/0 AWG  
power wire if additional amplifiers are being  
installed with the 500/5.  
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 connected to  
the amplifier.  
4) Run signal cables (RCA cables) and remote  
turn-on wire from the source unit to the amplifier  
mounting location.There are several ways to provide  
input to the 500/5. Please read the rest of this manual  
carefully to choose the best one for your system.  
5) Run speaker wire from the speaker systems to  
the amplifier mounting location.  
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.  
IMPORTANT  
!
+12VDC  
Ground Remote  
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.  
JL AUDIO 500/5  
five-channel system amplifier  
6) Find a good, solid metal grounding point close  
to the amplifier and connect the negative power wire  
to it using appropriate hardware. Use 4 AWG power  
wire, no longer than 36 inches (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.  
FUSE REQUIREMENTS  
The 500/5's “+12VDC” and “Ground”  
connections are designed to accept 4 AWG power  
wire. 4 AWG is the only recommended  
power wire size for this 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  
500/5 is being run from that power wire, we  
recommend a 50A fuse be used. AGU (big glass  
fuse) or MaxiFuse™ (big plastic-body fuse) types  
are recommended.  
The 500/5's preamp output can send pass-  
through signals from the front inputs only, the  
subwoofer inputs only OR a sum of the front and  
rear input signals.This allows the connection of  
additional subwoofer amplifier(s) or full-range  
amplifiers.  
If you are installing the 500/5 with other  
amplifiers and wish to use a single main power wire,  
use 2 AWG or 1/0 AWG main power wire  
(depending on the overall current demands of all  
the amplifiers in the system).This 2 AWG or 1/0  
AWG power wire should terminate into a  
distribution block mounted as close to the amplifiers  
as possible and should connect to the 500/5 with  
4 AWGpower wire.  
8) Connect the positive and negative power  
wires to the amplifier.A fuse near the amplifier is  
not necessary.  
9) Connect the remote turn-on wire  
to the amplifier.  
10) Connect the RCA input cables  
to the amplifier.  
11) Connect the speaker wires to the amplifier.  
No fuse is required or recommended directly  
before the amplifier power connection. If one is  
desired, we recommend the use of a 50A AGU fuse  
or MaxiFuse™ type.  
Please note that smaller AWG numbers mean  
bigger wire and vice-versa (1/0 AWG is biggest, 2  
AWG is smaller, then 4 AWG, then 8 AWG, etc.).  
4
JL AUDIO 500/5  
JL AUDIO 500/5  
5
 
TURN-ON LEAD  
CROSSOVER CONTROLS  
The 500/5 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 500/5's “Remote” turn-on connector is  
designed to accept 18 AWG – 8 AWG wire. 12  
AWG is more than adequate for this purpose.  
To connect the remote turn-on wire to the  
amplifier, first back out the set screw on the top of  
the amplifier, using the supplied hex wrench. Strip  
1/2 inch (12mm) of wire and insert the bare wire  
into the receptacle on the front panel of the  
amplifier, seating it firmly so that no bare wire is  
exposed.When using smaller wire, it may be  
necessary to strip 1 inch of insulation from the wire  
and fold the bare wire in half prior to insertion.  
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 is firmly  
gripped by the set screw.  
rotary control will operate within that window. If  
you are using an aftermarket source unit, with  
conventional preamp-level outputs, this is most likely  
the position that you will use.  
The “High” position on each “InputVoltage”  
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 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.  
any amplifier in the system beyond the maximum  
level established during the procedure outlined in  
Appendix B (page 22). Doing so will result in  
audible distortion and possible speaker damage.  
Be aware that all three “Input Sens.”  
adjustments will have to be made, regardless of  
how many input cables are feeding the amplifier.  
These controls will allow you to set the  
Crossovers are groups of individual electronic filters  
which allow only certain frequency ranges to pass  
through them by attenuating frequencies outside  
the selected range.These filters allow the user to  
specify what frequency range will be sent out of  
each channel section of the amplifier.This, in turn,  
allows each speaker system to only reproduce a  
range of frequencies it is well-suited for, resulting in  
reduced distortion and improved fidelity.  
appropriate relative levels for the Front, Rear and  
Subwoofer Channels.  
Front Filter Section:  
Subwoofer “Input From” Selection:  
5Wx2)  
Front Filter Section  
Fro  
Located to the left of the “InputVoltage” switch  
in the “Subwoofer Channel Control Section” is a  
switch labeled “Input From”.This switch  
determines whether the subwoofer channel will  
receive its input from the “Independent Sub Input”  
jacks (select “Ind.) or from a sum of the Front and  
Rear Channel Input signals (select “F+R”) or from  
the Front Channel Inputs only (select “Front”).  
Freq. Range  
Filter Slope  
Input  
IMPORTANT  
!
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.  
x1/x10  
12dB/24dB  
Filter Mode  
Low  
Off/BP/HP  
HP Filter Freq.(Hz)  
Le  
1) “Filter Mode” Control: Located in the “Front  
Filter Section”, this switch allows you to configure  
the Front Channel filter into one of three modes:  
“Off” (Defeated): Defeats the filter for the Front  
Channels completely, allowing the full range of  
frequencies present at the inputs to feed that pair  
of channels.This is useful for systems utilizing  
outboard crossovers or requiring full-range  
reproduction from these channels.  
“BP” (Bandpass): Configures the Front Channel  
Filter to attenuate frequencies above the selected  
filter frequency and below the frequency selected in  
the Rear Channel High-Pass Filter. This creates a  
true bandpass filter well-suited for driving mid-bass  
or mid-range speakers in a tri-amplified system (see  
page 18 for details).  
“HP” (High-Pass): Configures the Front Channel  
Filter to attenuate frequencies below the selected filter  
frequency. Useful for connection of component  
speakers to the front channels in a bi-amplified system.  
2) “Filter Slope” Control: This switch allows you  
to select from two filter slopes.  
“12dB”: Configures the Front Channel Filter to  
attenuate frequencies below the selected filter  
frequency at a rate of 12 dB per octave  
Input Sensitivity Adjustment:  
Front and Rear Channel “Input Mode” Selection:  
Located to the right of the rear channel input  
jacks in the “Rear Input Section” is a switch  
labeled “F/R Input Mode”.This switch determines  
whether the front and rear channels will receive  
their input independently (select “4ch”) or from  
the “Rear Input Sectionjacks only (select “2ch”).  
Located next to the “InputVoltage” switch in  
each input section is a rotary control labeled “Input  
Sens.Once the appropriate “InputVoltage” range  
has been selected, this control can be used to  
match up the signal level of the system to produce  
the desired level from the amplifier. 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.) Be  
aware that each of the three “Input Sens.”  
adjustments will have to be made, regardless of  
how many inputs are feeding the amplifier.These  
controls will allow you to set the appropriate  
relative levels for the subwoofer channels and the  
front and rear channels.  
INPUT SECTIONS  
Three left/right pairs of RCA type jacks are  
provided for input (one pair for the subwoofer  
channel, one pair for the rear channels and one pair  
for the front channels).There are several ways that  
the 500/5's inputs can be configured. Please read the  
“System Configurations” section of this manual (page  
14) carefully to determine the proper configuration  
for your application.  
InputVoltage Range:  
A wide range of signal input voltages can be  
accommodated by each of the 500/5's input stages  
(200mV – 8V).This wide range is split up into two  
sub-ranges, accessible via switches located in each  
input section of the amplifier. Be aware that  
each input section's “InputVoltage” switch  
will have to be configured, regardless of  
how many inputs are actually feeding the  
amplifier.  
IMPORTANT  
!
To properly set each set of amplifier channels  
for maximum clean output, please refer to  
Appendix B (page 22) in this manual. After using  
this procedure, you can then adjust the relative  
level of each channel pair by adjusting the input  
sensitivity downward on either or both channel  
pairs, if they require attenuation to achieve the  
desired system balance.  
(Butterworth alignment).  
The “Low” position on each “InputVoltage”  
switch selects an input sensitivity range between  
200mV and 2V.This means that the Input Sensitivity  
“24dB”: Configures the Front Channel Filter to  
attenuate frequencies below the selected filter  
frequency at a rate of 24 dB per octave (Linkwitz-  
Riley alignment).  
Do not increase the “Input Sens.setting for  
6
JL AUDIO 500/5  
JL AUDIO 500/5  
7
 
Depending on the speaker system and the  
vehicle, different filter slopes may be required to  
produce a smooth transition between the sound of  
different speakers in the system. Experiment to find  
the slope which best matches the acoustic  
requirements of the system.The sharper “24dB”  
setting will do a better job of protecting small  
speakers with limited power handling.The shallower  
“12dB” octave setting allows the front speakers to  
reproduce more content below the cutoff frequency.  
3) “Freq. Range” Control: When thrown to  
the right, this switch multiplies the cutoff  
frequency selected by the rotary “Filter Freq.  
(Hz)” control by a factor of 10. In the “x1”  
position, the range of the rotary control is  
50 - 500 Hz (as marked). In the “x10”  
“12dB”: Configures the filter for that pair of  
channels to attenuate frequencies below the  
selected filter frequency at a rate of 12dB per  
octave (Butterworth alignment).  
“24dB”: Configures the filter for that pair of  
channels to attenuate frequencies below the  
selected filter frequency at a rate of 24dB per  
octave (Linkwitz-Riley alignment).  
Depending on the speaker system and the  
vehicle, different filter slopes may be required to  
produce a smooth transition between the speakers  
in the system. Experiment to find the slope which  
best matches the acoustic requirements of your  
system.The sharper “24dB” setting will do a better  
job of protecting small speakers with limited power  
handling.The shallower “12dB” octave setting  
allows the rear speakers to reproduce more low-  
frequency content.  
Subwoofer Channel Filter:  
benefits from the 12 dB per octave slope which lets  
more upper bass content pass through.A sub that  
fires directly into the listening environment is more  
likely to benefit from a 24 dB per octave slope.  
The above hint is not a “set-in-stone” rule…You  
should always listen to the system carefully to  
determine the best choice as vehicle acoustics and  
other factors play a big role in choosing the most  
appropriate filter slope.  
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 “Chart A2” in Appendix A of  
this manual (page 20).  
The 500/5's subwoofer channel filter (located in  
the “Subwoofer Channel Control Section”  
employs an advanced state-variable, low-pass active  
filter. This feature is designed to attenuate  
frequencies above its filter frequency, so that the  
system's subwoofers do not reproduce any audible  
midrange content.The low-pass filter in the 500/5 is  
fully variable between 40 Hz and 200 Hz via the  
“Filter Freq.control knob and features the ability  
to select between a moderate “12dB” per octave  
or a steep “24dB” per octave slope.  
Subwoofer Channel Control Section  
Infrasonic Filter Input From:  
Input Voltage  
Input Sens.  
Sub LP Filter  
Ind./F+R/Front  
+7  
Low/High  
Off/12dB/24dB  
Off/30Hz  
position, the range of the rotary control is  
500 Hz - 5 kHz (5000 Hz).  
+3  
+10  
+1  
+13  
PREAMP OUTPUT SECTION  
4) “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 charts in Appendix A  
(page 20) of this manual.  
If you are using the 500/5 in tri-amp mode,  
these rear filter controls will determine the  
tweeter crossover frequency and slope.We  
recommend that you use the sharper “24dB”  
position for most tweeters.  
2) “Freq. Range” Control: When thrown to the  
right, this switch multiplies the cutoff frequency  
selected by the rotary “Filter Freq. (Hz)” control by  
a factor of 10. In the “x1” position, the range of the  
rotary control is 50 - 500 Hz (as marked). In the  
“x10” position, the range of the rotary control is  
500 Hz - 5 kHz (5000 Hz).  
3) “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 “Chart A1” in Appendix A  
(page 20) of this manual.  
The 500/5 incorporates a flexible preamp  
output section, permitting additional amplifiers  
to be added to the system.This pre-amp output  
can be configured three different ways using  
the switch labeled “Signal From” in the  
“Preamp Output Section”.  
Right  
Left  
Remote Bass  
Port  
LF Boost (dB)  
Independent Sub Input Filter Freq. (Hz)  
1) “Sub LP Filter”: This switch, located in the  
Subwoofer Channel Control Section, configures the  
low-pass filter for the subwoofer channel into one  
of three modes.  
Preamp Output Section  
“Off”: Defeats the filter for the subwoofer  
Signal From  
Infras  
Of  
Rear Filter Section:  
channels completely, allowing the full range of  
frequencies present at the input to feed the sub  
channel.This is useful for systems utilizing outboard  
crossovers. Keep in mind that defeating the “Sub LP  
Filter” also defeats the “LF Boost” and “Infrasonic  
Filter”.With the “Sub LP Filterdefeated (“Off”), the  
subwoofer channel's upper frequency response limit  
is 500 Hz, due to its bass-specific Class D design.  
“12dB”: Configures the filter for the subwoofer  
channel to attenuate frequencies above the selected  
filter frequency at a rate of 12 dB per octave  
(Butterworth alignment).  
“24dB”: Configures the filter for the subwoofer  
channel to attenuate frequencies above the selected  
filter frequency at a rate of 24 dB per octave  
(Linkwitz-Riley alignment).  
Depending on the subwoofer system and the  
vehicle, different slopes may be required to produce  
a smooth transition to the midbass speakers in the  
system. Experiment to find the slope which best  
matches the acoustic requirements of your system.  
Hint: A trunk mounted sub whose output has to  
“fight” through a rear deck or a back seat often  
The rear channels of the 500/5 can be  
operated through the amplifier's built-in rear high-  
pass filter.This attenuates frequencies below the  
one selected by the “Filter Freq.control in the  
Rear Filter Section.  
Sub LP/F+R Inputs/Front  
Rem  
Left Ch.  
Right Ch.  
50Wx1)  
Rear Filter Section  
1) “Sub LP”: The preamp output delivers the  
same mono-summed signal that is feeding the  
500/5's subwoofer channel when the “Sub LP”  
mode is engaged, including all the low-pass filtering,  
“LF Boost” and “Infrasonic Filterprocessing that is  
selected. This mode is useful for feeding an  
additional (slave) subwoofer amplifier (the JLAudio  
250/1 matches the 500/5’s subwoofer channel  
perfectly). For more information on adding  
additional subwoofer amplifiers in master / slave  
mode, please refer to Appendix C on page 24.  
2) “F+R Inputs” (Front + Rear):This is a pass-  
through mode for the preamp output, delivering a  
sum of the signals being fed to the “Front Input  
Section” and “Rear Input Section” of the amplifier  
(If the input signal is full-range, the preamp output  
Input Volta  
Low/Hig  
Freq. Range  
High-Pass Filter  
x1/x10  
Off/12dB/24dB  
Also sets  
low-pass  
cutoff for  
Front Ch.  
Bandpass  
filter (when  
selected)  
Filter Freq. (Hz)  
Left C  
1) “High-Pass Filter” Control:This switch allows  
you to defeat the Rear Channel Filter or select from  
two different filter slopes.  
“Off”: Defeats the filter completely, allowing the full  
range of frequencies present at the inputs to feed  
that pair of channels.This is useful for systems  
utilizing outboard crossovers or requiring full-range  
reproduction from these channels.  
8
JL AUDIO 500/5  
JL AUDIO 500/5  
9
 
IMPORTANT  
!
BASS PROCESSING  
will be full-range.)This signal is not affected by the  
“LF Boost” or “Infrasonic Filter” processing  
selected for the amplifier.When the 500/5 is being  
used to drive front, rear and subwoofer speaker  
systems, this preamp output mode will deliver a  
summed front/rear signal to an additional  
subwoofer amplifier, while permitting fading of the  
front and rear speaker systems from the source  
unit.  
3) “Front”: This is a pass-through mode for the  
preamp output, delivering the same signal that is  
being fed to the “Front Input Section” of the  
amplifier (If the input signal is full-range, the preamp  
output will be full-range.)This signal is not affected  
by the “LF Boost” or “Infrasonic Filter” processing  
selected for the amplifier.  
The 500/5's subwoofer channel control section  
also includes some basic bass processing tools.  
These consist of two primary components: a  
fixed-frequency, 24 dB / octave infrasonic filter and  
a fixed-frequency / “Q”, single-band equalizer  
centered at 48 Hz.  
the “12dB” or “24dB” position.These features will  
not work with the “Sub LP Filter” switch in the  
“Off” position.This is to prevent cascading the  
processing of multiple amplifiers when configured in  
a master / slave arrangement. If you are using an  
external active crossover and would like to use the  
“LF Boost” and “Infrasonic Filter” features, set the  
“Amp LP Filter” switch on “12dB” and rotate the  
frequency selection knob fully clockwise to the “200  
Hz” position.This will activate the bass processing  
features without significantly affecting the crossover  
point selected by the external active crossover.  
If you connect a load higher than 4nominal  
per channel (or 8in bridged mode for the front  
and rear channels), power will drop by half with  
every doubling of impedance above 4stereo /  
8mono. If you connect a load lower than 1.5Ω  
nominal per channel, the amplifier protection  
circuitry activates a “safe” mode which reduces  
amplifier power to protect the circuitry from  
failure (the yellow “Low LED lights to indicate  
that this has happened). See page 12 for details.  
Speaker loads below 1.5nominal per channel  
are not recommended and may cause the amplifier  
output to distort excessively.  
Subwoofer Channel Control Section  
Infrasonic Filter Input From:  
Input Voltage  
Input Sens.  
Sub LP Filter  
Ind./F+R/Front  
+7  
Low/High  
Off/12dB/24dB  
Off/30Hz  
+3  
+10  
+1  
+13  
Right  
Left  
Remote Bass  
Port  
LF Boost (dB)  
Independent Sub Input Filter Freq. (Hz)  
SPEAKER OUTPUTS  
The 500/5 employs JL Audio's exclusive  
IMPORTANT  
!
1) “Infrasonic Filter”:The infrasonic filter is a  
24 dB / octave high-pass filter, with a fixed cutoff  
frequency of 30 Hz.This filter is designed to  
conserve amplifier power and protect subwoofer  
systems without audibly degrading the sub-bass  
output.With ported enclosures, the use of the  
infrasonic filter is highly recommended to protect  
the speaker(s) from excessive excursion below box  
tuning.With sealed enclosures, the use of the filter is  
less necessary, but can still help protect the speaker  
system.The infrasonic filter can be completely  
defeated by selecting the “Off” position on the  
“Infrasonic Filter” switch.This bypasses all signal  
from flowing through the circuit.  
2) LF (Low-frequency) Boost: This feature  
allows the user to control the boost of a fixed “Q”,  
fixed-frequency equalization band centered at 48  
Hz.The “LF Boost” rotary control determines how  
much boost (in dB) you are adding to the bass  
signal.A range of 0-15 dB of boost is available. If no  
boost is desired, rotate the “LF Boost” control fully  
counterclockwise.  
Regulated, Intelligent Power Supply (R.I.P.S.) design  
on its front and subwoofer channels.The operation  
of the R.I.P.S. system is independent for each pair of  
channels.This sophisticated power supply allows the  
amplifier to produce its optimum power (100 watts  
x 2 for the front channels and 250 W x 1 for the  
subwoofer channel over a wide range of speaker  
impedances. Unlike conventional amplifiers that  
require a specific impedance to produce optimum  
power, the R.I.P.S.-equipped 500/5 gives you the  
freedom to use a variety of speaker configurations  
that achieve final nominal impedances between 1.5  
– 4per channel (without sacrificing power output  
or sound quality).When bridged, the front channel  
pair will optimize output between 3 – 8.The rear  
channel pair will optimize output between 6 - 8.  
The operation of the R.I.P.S. circuitry is entirely  
automatic and adjusts itself every time the amplifier  
is turned on according to the lowest impedance  
present at the speaker load.There are no user  
controls to configure.The system operates through  
multiple stages of impedance optimization, choosing  
the stage most appropriate to the actual impedance  
of the speakers you connect to it.  
The rear channels of the 500/5 do not employ  
R.I.P.S. optimization and are designed to deliver rated  
power into loads between 3 and 4per channel.  
Operating the rear channels below 3may result in  
excessive distortion and/or shutting down of these  
channels and is not recommended.  
CAUTION  
!!  
If the “Output Mode” switch is in the “Sub LP”  
position and the “Sub LP Filter” switch is in the  
“Off” position, the preamp output will be a  
12dB/octave low-pass with the “Bass Control”  
processing added to it. THIS IS NOT A  
PREFERRED OPERATING MODE. DO NOT  
USE THIS MODE FOR MASTER / SLAVE  
CONFIGURATIONS.  
Note:The signal level of the “Preamp Output” is  
affected by the setting of the “InputVoltage”  
switches (of the input section(s) chosen by the  
“Signal From” switch). See the “InputVoltage  
Range” section (page 6) for details on input voltage  
settings.The preamp output level is not affected by  
the “Input Sens.rotary controls.  
BRIDGING CONSIDERATIONS  
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 500/5 has been designed for bridging  
of its front and rear channel pairs without the need  
for input inversion adaptors.  
IMPORTANT  
!
Operating bridged channel pairs into a load lower  
than 3is not recommended.  
ction  
Front Speaker Outputs  
The “Remote Bass Port” allows the connection  
of an optional remote boost knob (the RBC-1)  
that can be mounted in the front of the vehicle.  
This optional control takes the place of the “LF  
Boost” knob on the amplifier when connected  
and bypasses the “LF Boost” rotary control on  
the amplifier.  
ut Sens.  
Subwoofer Output (250Wx1)  
Re  
Filter  
Freq.  
/24dB  
x1/  
ght Ch.  
IMPORTANT  
!
To bridge a pair of channels, use the “Left +” and  
“Right –” speaker connectors only (the “Left –”  
and “Right +” remain unused).Then connect a  
mono signal to both left and right RCA inputs for  
The “LF Boost” and “Infrasonic Filter” features  
will only operate when the subwoofer channel's  
filter is activated with the “Sub LP Filter” switch in  
q. (Hz)  
Filter F  
10  
JL AUDIO 500/5  
JL AUDIO 500/5  
11  
 
STATUS INDICATOR LIGHTS /  
that channel pair.This requires an RCA “Y-adaptor”  
(not included.) Connection of only one RCA input  
will result in reduced power output, increased  
distortion and can cause the amplifier to overheat.  
Do not do this! Instead, use a “Y-adaptor” to split  
the mono signal into both left and right RCA inputs.  
Why a mono signal? If you are bridging a pair of  
channels and use a stereo input, the only  
information that will reach the amplifier stage is the  
common-phase portion of the signal.This may be  
useful for passively deriving a center-channel signal,  
but is not going to give you a defined left or right  
channel. If you are looking to reproduce a single  
channel’s signal, you must split the mono signal with  
a “Y-adaptor” and connect it to both left and right  
RCA inputs for the bridged channel pair.  
PROTECTION CIRCUITRY  
There are three status indicator lights on the top  
of the amplifier. These are as follows:  
SERVICINGYOUR 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.  
1) “Power” (Green): lights to indicate that the  
amplifier is turned on and operating normally.  
2) “Thermal” (Red): lights to indicate that the  
amplifier has exceeded its safe operating  
temperature, putting the amplifier into a self-  
protection mode, which reduces the power output  
of the amplifier. The red light will shut off and the  
amplifier will return to normal, full-power operating  
mode if the heat sink temperature drops back to a  
safe level.  
3) “Low ” (Amber): lights to indicate that the  
impedance of the speaker load connected to the  
amplifier is lower than the optimum load impedance  
range for the amplifier.When this light is on, a  
protection circuit engages and reduces the power  
output of the front or subwoofer channel,  
depending on which channel is experiencing the  
problem.The amber indicator will also light when a  
short-circuit is detected in the speaker wiring (this  
can be a short between the positive and negative  
speaker wires or between either speaker wire and  
the vehicle chassis).This can be used to diagnose a  
short-circuit by only connecting one of the amplifier  
sections at a time (front, rear and subwoofer).  
The amber LED will light when you connect the  
section that is experiencing the problem and turn  
the volume up.  
If you have any questions about the installation or  
setup of the amplifier not covered in  
this manual, please contact your dealer or the  
JL AUDIO Technical Department for assistance:  
(954) 443-1100  
9:00 AM – 5:30 PM Eastern Time,  
Monday – Friday  
There is only one condition that will shut  
down an undamaged 500/5 completely…  
If battery voltage drops below 10 volts, the entire  
amplifier will shut itself off.The green “Power”  
indicator on the top of the amplifier 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, have your charging system inspected to  
make sure it is working properly.A 0.5 or 1.0 Farad  
rapid-discharge capacitor connected in parallel to  
the amplifier power connections will minimize these  
short duration voltage dips in most systems that are  
having this problem.  
For information on troubleshooting this  
amplifier, refer to Appendix D (page 26).  
12  
JL AUDIO 500/5  
JL AUDIO 500/5  
13  
 
SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS  
STEREO BI-AMP MODE:  
This is the most common application for a  
5-channel amplifier. In this mode, the front satellite  
speakers, rear satellite speakers and subwoofer(s) are  
independently powered and filtered. Front and rear  
channels each have independent high-pass filters and  
the subwoofer channel has an independent low-pass  
filter. Left and right front satellite channels deliver  
100W x 2 @ 1.5 - 4per channel. Left and right  
rear satellite channels deliver 25W x 2 @ 3 - 4per  
channel. One mono subwoofer channel delivers  
250W x 1 @ 1.5 - 4.  
Input Connection Options for the Stereo Bi-Amp  
mode are as follows:  
can be controlled with the source unit fader,  
without affecting the level of the subwoofer channel.  
See diagram B below.  
Note: This configuration can also be set up so  
that the subwoofer level tracks with the front  
channel level.To configure the system in this  
manner, go to the “Subwoofer Channel Control  
Section” / “Input From” selector switch and  
select “Front” instead of “F+R”.  
C) Two pairs of inputs connected to the rear  
and subwoofer inputs of the 500/5 (a source unit  
or processor with front and rear outputs is  
required). In this mode, the source unit or  
processor fader adjusts the relative level of the  
subwoofer channel vs. all four satellite channels as  
a whole.The relative level of the front and rear  
channels is pre-set with the amplifier input  
sensitivity controls and cannot be adjusted from  
the source unit. See diagram C on page 16.  
D)Three pairs of inputs connected to the rear,  
front and subwoofer inputs of the 500/5.This mode  
is applicable for use in systems with a source unit or  
processor that provides discrete front, rear and  
subwoofer outputs. In this mode, the subwoofer  
level and front to rear fading can be controlled from  
the front of the vehicle. See diagram D on page 16.  
A) Single pair of inputs connected to the rear  
inputs of the 500/5. In this mode, the user has no  
fading capability between the front and rear channels  
and no separate adjustability of subwoofer level from  
the front of the vehicle. See diagram A below.  
B)Two pairs of inputs connected to the front and  
rear inputs of the 500/5 (a source unit or processor  
with front and rear pairs of outputs is required). In  
this mode, the user has front-to-rear fading  
capability with non-fading sub-bass level.This means  
that the relative level of the front and rear satellites  
Select 12dB or  
24dB/octave filter  
slope for rear  
channels  
(high-pass)  
Select 12dB or  
24dB/octave filter  
slope for front  
channels  
(high-pass)  
Adjusts level of  
sub channel  
Adjusts level of  
rear channels.  
Adjusts level of  
front channels.  
Select F+R”  
Input Mode  
For preamp output  
to slave subwoofer  
amplifier(s) select preamp output  
Sub LP”  
30 Hz Infrasonic  
Filter for sub  
channel  
Select Lowfor  
preamp level inputs  
or Highfor  
Select 12dB or  
24dB/octave filter  
slope for sub  
Select x1”  
range for rear  
filter freq.  
Select Lowfor  
preamp level inputs  
or Highfor  
Select Lowfor  
preamp level inputs  
or Highfor  
For full-range  
Amp Output to  
Rear Satellite  
Speakers  
Select x1range  
for front filter freq.  
(50-500 Hz)  
Amp Output to  
Front Satellite  
Speakers  
Amp Output to  
Subwoofers  
Select Ambience  
Mode (Off or On)  
select F+R”  
speaker level inputs  
channel (low-pass)  
(50-500 Hz)  
speaker level inputs  
speaker level inputs  
(On or Off)  
+12VDC  
Ground Remote  
Subwoofer Channel Control Section  
Subwoofer Output (250Wx1)  
Rear Filter Section  
Rear Speaker Outputs (25Wx2)  
Front Filter Section  
Front Input Section  
Front Speaker Outputs  
Preamp Output Section  
Signal From  
Rear Input Section  
Infrasonic Filter  
Input From:  
Input Voltage  
Input Sens.  
Sub LP Filter  
Freq. Range  
Input Voltage  
Input Sens. L-R Ambience  
Freq. Range  
Filter Slope  
Input Voltage  
Input Sens.  
High-Pass Filter  
Ind./F+R/Front  
+7  
Low/High  
Off/12dB/24dB  
x1/x10  
Off/12dB/24dB  
Low/High  
Off/On  
x1/x10  
12dB/24dB  
Filter Mode  
Low/High  
Sub LP/F+R Inputs/Front  
Off/30Hz  
Also sets  
low-pass  
F/R Input Mode  
+3  
+10  
cutoff for  
Front Ch.  
Bandpass  
filter (when  
selected)  
+1  
+13  
JL AUDIO 500/5  
2ch/4ch  
Off/BP/HP  
five-channel system amplifier  
Rear  
Inputs  
Only  
Front  
and  
Rear  
Left  
Right  
Remote Bass  
Port  
LF Boost (dB)  
HP Filter Freq.(Hz)  
Left Ch.  
Right Ch.  
Left Ch.  
Right Ch.  
Independent Sub Input Filter Freq. (Hz)  
Filter Freq. (Hz)  
Left Ch.  
Right Ch.  
Select HP”  
(High-Pass)  
Mode  
To input of  
additional  
amplifier (if used)  
Control LF (bass)  
Not Used  
Select low-pass  
filter freq. for  
sub channel  
Select high-pass  
filter freq. for rear  
channels (50-500 Hz)  
Input from  
source unit or  
processor  
Select 2ch”  
Input Mode  
Select high-pass  
Not Used  
boost level with  
on-board knob  
or optional  
filter freq. for  
rear channels  
(50-500 Hz)  
(40-200 Hz)  
RBC-1 controller  
A) Single pair of inputs connected to the rear inputs of the 500/5. In this mode, the user has no fading capability between the front  
and rear channels and no adjustability of subwoofer level from the front of the vehicle.  
Select 12dB or  
24dB/octave filter  
slope for rear  
channels  
Select 12dB or  
24dB/octave filter  
slope for front  
channels  
Select F+Ror  
FrontInput  
Mode  
Adjusts level of  
sub channel  
Adjusts level of  
rear channels.  
Adjusts level of  
front channels.  
(high-pass)  
(high-pass)  
For preamp output  
to slave subwoofer  
30 Hz Infrasonic  
Filter for sub  
channel  
Select Lowfor  
preamp level inputs  
or Highfor  
Select 12dB or  
24dB/octave filter  
slope for sub  
Select x1”  
range for rear  
filter freq.  
Select Lowfor  
preamp level inputs  
or Highfor  
Select Lowfor  
preamp level inputs  
or Highfor  
For full-range  
Amp Output to  
Rear Satellite  
Speakers  
Select x1range  
for front filter freq.  
(50-500 Hz)  
Amp Output to  
Front Satellite  
Speakers  
Amp Output to  
Subwoofers  
amplifier(s) select preamp output  
Select Ambience  
Mode (Off or On)  
Sub LP”  
select F+R”  
(On or Off)  
speaker level inputs  
channel (low-pass)  
(50-500 Hz)  
speaker level inputs  
speaker level inputs  
+12VDC  
Ground Remote  
Subwoofer Channel Control Section  
Subwoofer Output (250Wx1)  
Rear Filter Section  
Rear Speaker Outputs (25Wx2)  
Front Filter Section  
Front Input Section  
Front Speaker Outputs  
Preamp Output Section  
Signal From  
Rear Input Section  
Infrasonic Filter  
Input From:  
Input Voltage  
Input Sens.  
Sub LP Filter  
Freq. Range  
Input Voltage  
Input Sens. L-R Ambience  
Freq. Range  
Filter Slope  
Input Voltage  
Input Sens.  
High-Pass Filter  
Ind./F+R/Front  
+7  
Low/High  
Off/12dB/24dB  
x1/x10  
Off/12dB/24dB  
Low/High  
Off/On  
x1/x10  
12dB/24dB  
Filter Mode  
Low/High  
Sub LP/F+R Inputs/Front  
Off/30Hz  
Also sets  
low-pass  
F/R Input Mode  
+3  
+10  
cutoff for  
Front Ch.  
Bandpass  
filter (when  
selected)  
+1  
+13  
JL AUDIO 500/5  
2ch/4ch  
Off/BP/HP  
five-channel system amplifier  
Rear  
Inputs  
Only  
Front  
and  
Rear  
Left  
Right  
Remote Bass  
Port  
LF Boost (dB)  
HP Filter Freq.(Hz)  
Left Ch.  
Right Ch.  
Left Ch.  
Right Ch.  
Independent Sub Input Filter Freq. (Hz)  
Filter Freq. (Hz)  
Left Ch.  
Right Ch.  
Select HP”  
(High-Pass)  
Mode  
To input of  
additional  
amplifier (if used)  
Control LF (bass)  
Not Used  
Select low-pass  
filter freq. for  
sub channel  
Select high-pass  
filter freq. for rear  
channels (50-500 Hz)  
Input from rear  
outputs of source  
unit or processor  
Select 4ch”  
Input Mode  
Select high-pass  
Input from front  
outputs of source  
unit or processor  
boost level with  
on-board knob  
or optional  
filter freq. for  
rear channels  
(50-500 Hz)  
(40-200 Hz)  
RBC-1 controller  
B)Two pairs of inputs connected to the front and rear inputs of the 500/5 (a source unit or processor with front and rear pairs of outputs  
is required). In this mode, the user has front-to-rear fading capability with non-fading sub-bass level.This means that the relative level  
of the front and rear satellites can be controlled with the source unit fader, without affecting the level of the subwoofer channel.  
Note:This configuration can also be set up so that the subwoofer level tracks with the front channel level and only the rear channels are faded. To configure  
the system in this manner, go to the Subwoofer Channel Control Section Input Fromselector switch and select Frontinstead of F+R.  
14  
JL AUDIO 500/5  
JL AUDIO 500/5  
15  
 
IMPORTANT  
!
Some source units and processors with  
• If your sub preamp output has a choice between  
full-range and low-pass modes, select the full-  
range mode and use the 500/5's (likely more  
sophisticated) sub low-pass filter by selecting the  
12dBor 24dBposition on the Sub LP  
Filterswitch. This configuration is illustrated in  
the setup diagram.  
• If the source unit/processor sub preamp output  
has a low-pass filter which is not defeatable, you  
can turn the 500/5's low-pass filter off by going  
to the Subwoofer Channel Control Section/  
Sub LP Filterswitch and selecting the Off”  
position. Depending on the crossover point and  
slope of the source unit/processor's filter, you  
may wish to engage the 500/5's sub low-pass  
filter to fine-tune the sub-bass response.  
• If you are using a high-quality outboard active  
crossover, you can defeat all of the 500/5's filters  
by selecting the Offposition on the Sub LP  
Filterswitch in the Subwoofer Channel  
Control Section, the High-Pass Filterswitch  
in the Rear Filter Section and the Filter Mode”  
switch in the Front Filter Section.  
L-R Ambience Control:  
subwoofer preamp outputs provide low-pass  
filtering on these outputs, while others have a full-  
range output. Consult your source unit or processor  
owner's manual to determine the properties of the  
subwoofer preamp output.  
• If your sub preamp output is full-range, engage  
the 500/5's sub low-pass filter by selecting the  
12dBor 24dBposition on the Sub LP  
Filterswitch.This configuration is illustrated in  
the setup diagram.  
This switch, located in the Rear Filter Section,  
performs a very useful function when operating the  
amplifier in bi-amp mode. By switching this circuit to  
the Onposition, all signal common to both left  
and right channels is removed from the signal  
feeding the rear channels of the 500/5.When the  
circuit is On, the rear channels will only reproduce  
the extreme left and right information in the  
recording, creating a realistic ambient effect from the  
rear channels without detracting from the imaging  
of the front speaker system. Experiment with this  
switch to determine if this feature enhances the  
sound of your system.  
Select 12dB or  
24dB/octave filter  
slope for rear  
channels  
(high-pass)  
Select 12dB or  
24dB/octave filter  
slope for front  
channels  
(high-pass)  
Select Ind.”  
(Independent)  
Input Mode  
Adjusts level of  
sub channel  
Adjusts level of  
rear channels.  
Adjusts level of  
front channels.  
For preamp output  
to slave subwoofer  
amplifier(s) select preamp output  
Sub LP”  
30 Hz Infrasonic  
Filter for sub  
channel  
Select Lowfor  
preamp level inputs  
or Highfor  
Select 12dB or  
24dB/octave filter  
slope for sub  
Select x1”  
range for rear  
filter freq.  
Select Lowfor  
preamp level inputs  
or Highfor  
Select Lowfor  
preamp level inputs  
or Highfor  
For full-range  
Amp Output to  
Rear Satellite  
Speakers  
Select x1range  
for front filter freq.  
(50-500 Hz)  
Amp Output to  
Front Satellite  
Speakers  
Amp Output to  
Subwoofers  
Select Ambience  
Mode (Off or On)  
select F+R”  
speaker level inputs  
channel (low-pass)  
(50-500 Hz)  
speaker level inputs  
speaker level inputs  
(On or Off)  
+12VDC  
Ground Remote  
Subwoofer Channel Control Section  
Subwoofer Output (250Wx1)  
Rear Filter Section  
Rear Speaker Outputs (25Wx2)  
Front Filter Section  
Front Input Section  
Front Speaker Outputs  
Preamp Output Section  
Signal From  
Rear Input Section  
Infrasonic Filter  
Off/30Hz  
Input From:  
Input Voltage  
Input Sens.  
Sub LP Filter  
Freq. Range  
Input Voltage  
Input Sens. L-R Ambience  
Freq. Range  
Filter Slope  
Input Voltage  
Input Sens.  
High-Pass Filter  
Ind./F+R/Front  
+7  
Low/High  
Off/12dB/24dB  
x1/x10  
Off/12dB/24dB  
Low/High  
Off/On  
x1/x10  
12dB/24dB  
Filter Mode  
Low/High  
Sub LP/F+R Inputs/Front  
Also sets  
low-pass  
F/R Input Mode  
+3  
+10  
cutoff for  
Front Ch.  
Bandpass  
filter (when  
selected)  
+1  
+13  
JL AUDIO 500/5  
2ch/4ch  
Off/BP/HP  
five-channel system amplifier  
Rear  
Inputs  
Only  
Front  
and  
Rear  
Left  
Right  
Remote Bass  
Port  
LF Boost (dB)  
HP Filter Freq.(Hz)  
Left Ch.  
Right Ch.  
Left Ch.  
Right Ch.  
Independent Sub Input Filter Freq. (Hz)  
Filter Freq. (Hz)  
Left Ch.  
Right Ch.  
Select HP”  
(High-Pass)  
Mode  
To input of  
additional  
amplifier (if used)  
Control LF (bass)  
Input from rear Select low-pass  
outputs of source filter freq. for  
Select high-pass  
filter freq. for rear  
channels (50-500 Hz)  
Input from front  
outputs of source  
unit or processor  
Select 2ch”  
Input Mode  
Select high-pass  
Not Used  
boost level with  
on-board knob  
or optional  
filter freq. for  
rear channels  
(50-500 Hz)  
unit or processor  
sub channel  
(40-200 Hz)  
RBC-1 controller  
C)Two pairs of inputs connected to the rear and subwoofer inputs of the 500/5 (a source unit or processor with front and rear  
outputs is required). In this mode, the source unit or processor fader adjusts the relative level of the subwoofer channel vs. all four  
satellite channels as a whole.The relative level of the front and rear channels is pre-set with the amplifier input sensitivity controls  
and cannot be adjusted from the source unit.  
Select 12dB or  
24dB/octave filter  
slope for rear  
channels  
Select 12dB or  
24dB/octave filter  
slope for front  
channels  
Select Ind.”  
(Independent)  
Input Mode  
Adjusts level of  
sub channel  
Adjusts level of  
rear channels.  
Adjusts level of  
front channels.  
(high-pass)  
(high-pass)  
For preamp output  
to slave subwoofer  
30 Hz Infrasonic  
Filter for sub  
channel  
Select Lowfor  
preamp level inputs  
or Highfor  
Select 12dB or  
24dB/octave filter  
slope for sub  
Select x1”  
range for rear  
filter freq.  
Select Lowfor  
preamp level inputs  
or Highfor  
Select Lowfor  
preamp level inputs  
or Highfor  
For full-range  
Amp Output to  
Rear Satellite  
Speakers  
Select x1range  
for front filter freq.  
(50-500 Hz)  
Amp Output to  
Front Satellite  
Speakers  
Amp Output to  
Subwoofers  
amplifier(s) select preamp output  
Select Ambience  
Mode (Off or On)  
Sub LP”  
select F+R”  
(On or Off)  
speaker level inputs  
channel (low-pass)  
(50-500 Hz)  
speaker level inputs  
speaker level inputs  
+12VDC  
Ground Remote  
Subwoofer Channel Control Section  
Subwoofer Output (250Wx1)  
Rear Filter Section  
Rear Speaker Outputs (25Wx2)  
Front Filter Section  
Front Input Section  
Front Speaker Outputs  
Preamp Output Section  
Signal From  
Rear Input Section  
Infrasonic Filter  
Off/30Hz  
Input From:  
Input Voltage  
Input Sens.  
Sub LP Filter  
Freq. Range  
Input Voltage  
Input Sens. L-R Ambience  
Freq. Range  
Filter Slope  
Input Voltage  
Input Sens.  
High-Pass Filter  
Ind./F+R/Front  
+7  
Low/High  
Off/12dB/24dB  
x1/x10  
Off/12dB/24dB  
Low/High  
Off/On  
x1/x10  
12dB/24dB  
Filter Mode  
Low/High  
Sub LP/F+R Inputs/Front  
Also sets  
low-pass  
F/R Input Mode  
+3  
+10  
cutoff for  
Front Ch.  
Bandpass  
filter (when  
selected)  
+1  
+13  
JL AUDIO 500/5  
2ch/4ch  
Off/BP/HP  
five-channel system amplifier  
Rear  
Inputs  
Only  
Front  
and  
Rear  
Left  
Right  
Remote Bass  
Port  
LF Boost (dB)  
HP Filter Freq.(Hz)  
Left Ch.  
Right Ch.  
Left Ch.  
Right Ch.  
Independent Sub Input Filter Freq. (Hz)  
Filter Freq. (Hz)  
Left Ch.  
Right Ch.  
Select HP”  
(High-Pass)  
Mode  
To input of  
additional  
amplifier (if used)  
Control LF (bass)  
Input from sub Select low-pass  
outputs of source filter freq. for  
Select high-pass  
filter freq. for rear  
channels (50-500 Hz)  
Input from rear  
outputs of source  
unit or processor  
Select 4ch”  
Input Mode  
Select high-pass  
Input from front  
outputs of source  
unit or processor  
boost level with  
on-board knob  
or optional  
filter freq. for  
rear channels  
(50-500 Hz)  
unit or processor  
sub channel  
(40-200 Hz)  
RBC-1 controller  
D)Three pairs of inputs connected to the rear, front and subwoofer inputs of the 500/5.This mode is applicable for use in systems  
with a source unit or processor that provides discrete front, rear and subwoofer outputs. In this mode, the subwoofer level and  
front to rear fading can be controlled from the front of the vehicle.  
16  
JL AUDIO 500/5  
JL AUDIO 500/5  
17  
 
STEREOTRI-AMP MODE:  
In this mode, the bandpass feature on the front  
channels is activated, configuring the 500/5's  
crossover sections to true three-way operation.  
This allows the independent powering of tweeters,  
midwoofers and subwoofer(s) in the system and  
gives extensive control over level matching and  
crossover parameters. Left and right tweeter  
channels (25W x 2 @ 3 - 4per channel), high-  
pass filtered. Left and right midwoofer channels  
(100W x 2 @ 1.5 - 4per channel), bandpass  
filtered. One mono subwoofer channel (250W x 1  
@ 1.5 - 4), low-pass filtered.  
Input connection options for the Tri-amp Stereo  
mode are as follows:  
A) Single pair of inputs connected to the rear  
inputs of the 500/5. In this mode, the user has no  
adjustability of subwoofer level from the front of the  
vehicle. See diagram A below.  
B)Two pairs of inputs connected to the rear and  
subwoofer inputs of the 500/5 (a source unit or  
processor with front and rear pairs of outputs is  
required). In this mode, the user has the ability to  
fade or control the level of the subwoofer channel  
relative to the mid and high-frequency channels. See  
diagram B below.  
L-R Ambience Control:  
This switch, located in the Rear Filter Section,  
should be set to the Offposition when operating  
the amplifier inTri-Amp Mode.  
Select 12dB or  
24dB/octave filter  
slope for  
midwoofer  
channel high-pass  
cutoff (high-pass)  
Select 12dB or  
24dB/octave filter  
slope for rear  
channels  
(high-pass)  
Adjusts level of  
front (midwoofer)  
channels.  
Adjusts level of  
sub channel  
Adjusts level of rear  
(tweeter) channels.  
Select F+R”  
Input Mode  
For preamp output  
to slave subwoofer  
amplifier(s) select preamp output  
Sub LP”  
30 Hz Infrasonic  
Filter for sub  
channel  
Select Lowfor  
preamp level inputs  
or Highfor  
Select 12dB or  
24dB/octave filter  
slope for sub  
Select x10”  
range for rear  
filter freq.  
Select Lowfor  
preamp level inputs  
or Highfor  
Select Lowfor  
preamp level inputs  
or Highfor  
For full-range  
Select x1range  
for front filter freq.  
(50-500 Hz)  
Amp Output to  
Subwoofers  
Amp Output  
toTweeters  
Amp Output to  
Midwoofers  
Select Off”  
Position Only  
select F+R”  
speaker level inputs  
channel (low-pass)  
(500-5000 Hz)  
speaker level inputs  
speaker level inputs  
(On or Off)  
+12VDC  
Ground Remote  
Subwoofer Channel Control Section  
Subwoofer Output (250Wx1)  
Rear Filter Section  
Rear Speaker Outputs (25Wx2)  
Front Filter Section  
Front Input Section  
Front Speaker Outputs  
Preamp Output Section  
Signal From  
Rear Input Section  
Infrasonic Filter  
Input From:  
Input Voltage  
Input Sens.  
Sub LP Filter  
Freq. Range  
Input Voltage  
Input Sens. L-R Ambience  
Freq. Range  
Filter Slope  
Input Voltage  
Input Sens.  
High-Pass Filter  
Ind./F+R/Front  
+7  
Low/High  
Off/12dB/24dB  
x1/x10  
Off/12dB/24dB  
Low/High  
Off/On  
x1/x10  
12dB/24dB  
Filter Mode  
Low/High  
Sub LP/F+R Inputs/Front  
Off/30Hz  
Also sets  
low-pass  
F/R Input Mode  
+3  
+10  
cutoff for  
Front Ch.  
Bandpass  
filter (when  
selected)  
+1  
+13  
JL AUDIO 500/5  
2ch/4ch  
Off/BP/HP  
five-channel system amplifier  
Rear  
Inputs  
Only  
Front  
and  
Rear  
Left  
Right  
Remote Bass  
Port  
LF Boost (dB)  
Left Ch.  
Right Ch.  
Independent Sub Input Filter Freq. (Hz)  
Filter Freq. (Hz)  
Left Ch.  
Right Ch.  
HP Filter Freq.(Hz)  
Left Ch.  
Right Ch.  
Select BP”  
(Bandpass)  
Mode  
Control LF (bass)  
Not Used  
Select low-pass  
filter freq. for  
sub channel  
Select high-pass filter freq. for rear  
channels (500-5000 Hz). In this  
mode, this setting also determines or processor  
the low-pass cutoff frequency for  
Input from  
source unit  
Select 2ch”  
Input Mode  
Select high-pass  
cutoff freq. for  
the rear  
channel bandpass  
filter (50-500 Hz)  
Not Used  
To input of  
additional  
amplifier (if used)  
boost level with  
on-board knob  
or optional  
(40-200 Hz)  
RBC-1 controller  
the front (midwoofer) channels  
A) Single pair of inputs connected to the rear inputs of the 500/5. In this mode, the user has no adjustability of subwoofer level from  
the front of the vehicle.  
Select 12dB or  
24dB/octave filter  
slope for  
midwoofer  
channel high-pass  
cutoff (high-pass)  
Select 12dB or  
24dB/octave filter  
slope for rear  
channels  
(high-pass)  
Adjusts level of  
front (midwoofer)  
channels.  
Adjusts level of  
sub channel  
Adjusts level of rear  
(tweeter) channels.  
Select Ind.”  
Input Mode  
For preamp output  
to slave subwoofer  
30 Hz Infrasonic  
Filter for sub  
channel  
Select Lowfor  
preamp level inputs  
or Highfor  
Select 12dB or  
24dB/octave filter  
slope for sub  
Select x10”  
range for rear  
filter freq.  
Select Lowfor  
preamp level inputs  
or Highfor  
Select Lowfor  
preamp level inputs  
or Highfor  
For full-range  
Select x1range  
for front filter freq.  
(50-500 Hz)  
Amp Output to  
Subwoofers  
Amp Output to  
Tweeters  
Amp Output to  
Midwoofers  
amplifier(s) select preamp output  
Select Off”  
Position Only  
Sub LP”  
select F+R”  
(On or Off)  
speaker level inputs  
channel (low-pass)  
(500-5000 Hz)  
speaker level inputs  
speaker level inputs  
+12VDC  
Ground Remote  
Subwoofer Channel Control Section  
Subwoofer Output (250Wx1)  
Rear Filter Section  
Rear Speaker Outputs (25Wx2)  
Front Filter Section  
Front Input Section  
Front Speaker Outputs  
Preamp Output Section  
Signal From  
Rear Input Section  
Infrasonic Filter  
Input From:  
Input Voltage  
Input Sens.  
Sub LP Filter  
Freq. Range  
Input Voltage  
Input Sens. L-R Ambience  
Freq. Range  
Filter Slope  
Input Voltage  
Input Sens.  
High-Pass Filter  
Ind./F+R/Front  
+7  
Low/High  
Off/12dB/24dB  
x1/x10  
Off/12dB/24dB  
Low/High  
Off/On  
x1/x10  
12dB/24dB  
Filter Mode  
Low/High  
Sub LP/F+R Inputs/Front  
Off/30Hz  
Also sets  
low-pass  
F/R Input Mode  
+3  
+10  
cutoff for  
Front Ch.  
Bandpass  
filter (when  
selected)  
+1  
+13  
JL AUDIO 500/5  
2ch/4ch  
Off/BP/HP  
five-channel system amplifier  
Rear  
Inputs  
Only  
Front  
and  
Rear  
Left  
Right  
Remote Bass  
Port  
LF Boost (dB)  
HP Filter Freq.(Hz)  
Left Ch.  
Right Ch.  
Left Ch.  
Right Ch.  
Independent Sub Input Filter Freq. (Hz)  
Filter Freq. (Hz)  
Left Ch.  
Right Ch.  
Select BP”  
(Bandpass)  
Mode  
Control LF (bass)  
Input from source  
unit rear outputs  
or subwoofer  
outputs  
Select low-pass  
filter freq. for  
sub channel  
Select high-pass filter freq. for rear Input from  
channels (500-5000 Hz). In this  
source unit  
mode, this setting also determines or processor  
the low-pass cutoff frequency for  
Select 2ch”  
Input Mode  
Select high-pass  
Not Used  
To input of  
additional  
amplifier (if used)  
boost level with  
on-board knob  
or optional  
cutoff freq. for  
the front channel  
bandpass filter  
(50-500 Hz)  
(40-200 Hz)  
RBC-1 controller  
the front (midwoofer) channels  
B)Two pairs of inputs connected to the rear and subwoofer inputs of the 500/5 (a source unit or processor with front and rear pairs  
of outputs is required). In this mode, the user has the ability to fade or control the level of the subwoofer channel relative to the  
mid and high-frequency channels.  
18  
JL AUDIO 500/5  
JL AUDIO 500/5  
19  
 
APPENDIX A:  
Precise Frequency Selection Chart  
CHART A-1  
CHART A-2  
FILTER FREQFRONT & REAR CH. FILTERS  
FILTER FREQ/SUBWOFER CH. FILTER  
Detent  
Number  
Panel  
Marking  
Actual  
Freq.  
Detent  
Number  
Panel  
Marking  
Actual  
Freq.  
Full counter-clockwise: 58  
01 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58  
02 . . . . . . . . .50. . . . . . . . .58  
03 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58  
04 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58  
05 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59  
06 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60  
07 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61  
08 . . . . . . . . .60. . . . . . . . .63  
09 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65  
10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67  
11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69  
12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71  
13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74  
14 . . . . . . . . .75. . . . . . . . .77  
15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80  
16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82  
17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85  
18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90  
19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93  
20 . . . . . . . . .95. . . . . . . . .97  
21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102  
22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107  
23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113  
24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120  
25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .127  
26 . . . . . . . . .130. . . . . . . .135  
27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143  
28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153  
29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171  
30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182  
31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .201  
32 . . . . . . . . .200. . . . . . . .223  
33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .253  
34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .289  
35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .337  
36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .404  
37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .474  
38 . . . . . . . . .500. . . . . . . .514  
39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .525  
Full-clockwise: 542  
Full counter-clockwise: 42  
01 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42  
02 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42  
03 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42  
04 . . . . . . . . .40. . . . . . . . .42  
05 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43  
06 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44  
07 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46  
08 . . . . . . . . .45. . . . . . . . .47  
09 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49  
10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50  
11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52  
12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53  
13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55  
14 . . . . . . . . .55. . . . . . . . .57  
15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58  
16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60  
17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63  
18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65  
19 . . . . . . . . .65. . . . . . . . .67  
20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70  
21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73  
22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76  
23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79  
24 . . . . . . . . .80. . . . . . . . .83  
25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87  
26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92  
27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96  
28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102  
29 . . . . . . . . .100. . . . . . . .108  
30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114  
31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .122  
32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .131  
33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143  
34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157  
35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .184  
36 . . . . . . . . .200. . . . . . . .193  
37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .198  
38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .198  
39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .198  
Full-clockwise : 198  
20  
JL AUDIO 500/5  
JL AUDIO 500/5  
21  
 
APPENDIX B:  
Input Sensitivity Level Setting  
JLAudio amplifiers utilizing the Regulated  
The Nine-Step Procedure  
(follow this procedure for each set of channels)  
1) Disconnect the speaker(s) from the  
amplifier’s Front,Rearand Subwoofer  
Outputconnectors.  
7) Connect the AC voltmeter to the “Speaker  
Outputsor Subwoofer Outputconnectors of  
the channel set that you are adjusting. For the  
stereo channels, it is only necessary to measure one  
channel. If bridged, make sure you test the voltage at  
the correct connectors (L+ and R–).  
8) Increase the Input Sens.control until the  
target voltage is delivered for that set of channels.  
If excessive voltage is read on either set of channels  
with the control at minimum (full counterclockwise),  
switch the appropriate InputVoltageswitch to  
Highand re-adjust.  
Intelligent Power Supply (R.I.P.S.) allow delivery of  
their rated power when connected to any load  
impedance from 1.5 - 4per channel (3 - 8Ω  
bridged) and when connected to a charging system  
with any voltage from 11 - 14.5V. This design is  
beneficial for many reasons. One of these reasons is  
ease of setup. Because each JLAudio amplifier will  
always deliver the same amount of power within its  
operational range of impedances and supply  
voltages, the maximum, unclipped output is very  
predictable.This makes setting the gain structure via  
the input sensitivity controls very simple. Following  
the directions below will allow the user to adjust  
the input sensitivity of the amplifier(s) simply and  
easily in just a few minutes using equipment which is  
commonly available in installation bays.  
2)Turn “Offall processing on the source unit  
and amplifier (bass/treble, loudness, EQ, etc.).  
3) In all three input sections, switch the Input  
Voltageto Lowand turn the Input Sens.”  
control all the way down (counterclockwise).  
4) Set the source unit volume to 3/4 of full  
volume. If either set of channels is being driven by a  
source unit’s dedicated subwoofer output, also  
adjust the source unit’s subwoofer level control to  
3/4 of maximum output.This will allow for  
reasonable gain overlap with moderate clipping at  
full volume.  
5) Using the chart below, determine the target  
voltage for input sensitivity adjustment according to  
the nominal impedance of the speaker system  
connected to each set of 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 set of channels being  
adjusted) at 3/4 source unit volume.  
9) Once you have adjusted each set of  
channels to its maximum unclipped output level,  
reconnect the speaker(s).The Input Sens.”  
controls can now be adjusted downward if any  
channels require attenuation to achieve the  
desired system balance.  
Necessary Equipment  
• Digital ACVoltmeter  
IMPORTANT  
!
• 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 in  
the system beyond the maximum level established  
during this procedure. Doing so will result in  
audible distortion and possible speaker damage.  
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 the amplifier’s Bass EQand  
source unit tone controls or EQ circuits. EQ cuts  
will not require re-adjustment.  
FRONT CH.  
REAR CH.  
Bridged  
SUB CH.  
Mono  
Nom. Imp.  
8Ω  
Stereo  
20.0V  
20.0V  
20.0V  
17.3V  
14.2V  
12.3V  
Bridged  
Stereo  
10.0V  
10.0V  
10.0V  
8.7V  
40.0V  
20.0V  
31.6V  
31.6V  
31.6V  
27.4V  
22.4V  
19.4V  
6Ω  
34.6V  
17.4V  
4Ω  
28.4V  
not recommended  
not recommended  
3Ω  
24.6V  
2Ω  
not recommended not recommended not recommended  
not recommended not recommended not recommended  
1.5Ω  
22  
JL AUDIO 500/5  
JL AUDIO 500/5  
23  
 
APPENDIX C:  
Master/Slave Configurations  
With the flexible on-board crossovers and  
processing incorporated into the 500/5, it is  
possible to connect additional JL Audio 250/1  
amplifiers in a “Master/Slave” configuration, with  
each amplifier driving its own speaker system but  
controlled by the processing and filtering of the  
500/5's subwoofer section.This is very useful if  
additional subwoofer power is desired in a system.  
To create a Master/Slave configuration,  
configure the 500/5's subwoofer section as you  
would normally do to drive one subwoofer  
system, then do the following to connect  
additional slave amplifiers:  
2) Connect an RCA cable from the 500/5's  
preamp outputs to the main input of the first  
“Slave” 250/1 amplifier. Set the “Slave” amplifier’s  
Amp LP Filterto the Offposition.This will  
defeat the LP filter and the bass processing of this  
“Slave Amplifier”.  
3)The input sensitivity of the two amplifiers  
needs to be adjusted independently. Set the  
subwoofer channel of the 500/5 and the slave  
250/1 amplifier to the same target voltage using  
the procedure outlined in Appendix B (page 22).  
Do not increase the Input Sens.setting for  
any amplifier channel in the system beyond the  
maximum level established during the procedure  
outlined in Appendix B (page 22). Doing so  
will result in audible distortion and possible  
speaker damage.  
4) If you would like to run a third amplifier in  
“Slave” configuration, select the Full-Range”  
position on the Output Modeswitch of the first  
“Slave” amp.Then, connect an RCA cable from  
the first “Slave” amplifier’s preamp outputs to the  
second “Slave” amplifier. As you did with the first  
“Slave” amp, set the second “Slave” amplifier’s  
Amp LP Filterto the Offposition.Then,  
calibrate the third amplifier’s Input Rangeand  
Input Sens.controls in the same manner as you  
did for the second amplifier.  
Additional amplifiers may be added to this  
“Master/Slave” configuration following the same  
procedure as in step 4.  
Once you match the input sensitivities of all  
the amplifiers, you can use the “Master” amplifier’s  
Sub LP Filter, Infrasonic Filterand LF Boost”  
features to control the “Slave” amplifier(s).  
The diagram below shows a Master/Slave  
configuration with one “Master” 500/5 (top  
amplifier) and two “Slave” 250/1 amplifiers.  
Switches and controls that are defeated in the  
“Slave” amplifiers are printed in gray.  
NOTE: These settings are intended  
as a “baseline” for tuning this system. Depending  
on the vehicle, personal taste and the audio  
components specific to your system, some  
variation in the Subwoofer Channel Control  
Section, Filter Sections and Input Sections may be  
necessary for optimum performance.  
1) In the Preamp Output Section of the 500/5  
select the Sub LPposition on the Signal From”  
switch. This will send a parallel, mono-summed  
signal from the 500/5's Sub LP Filtersection to  
its preamp outputs.  
The Master amplifiers bass processing features are  
active and affect all three amplifiers equally.  
MASTER:  
+12VDC  
Ground Remote  
Subwoofer Channel Control Section  
Subwoofer Output (250Wx1)  
Rear Filter Section  
Rear Speaker Outputs (25Wx2)  
Front Filter Section  
Front Input Section  
Front Speaker Outputs  
Preamp Output Section  
Signal From  
Rear Input Section  
Infrasonic Filter  
Off/30Hz  
Input From:  
Input Voltage  
Low/High  
Input Sens.  
Sub LP Filter  
Freq. Range  
Input Voltage  
Input Sens. L-R Ambience  
Freq. Range  
Filter Slope  
Input Voltage  
Input Sens.  
High-Pass Filter  
Ind./F+R/Front  
+7  
Off/12dB/24dB  
x1/x10  
Off/12dB/24dB  
Low/High  
Off/On  
x1/x10  
12dB/24dB  
Filter Mode  
Low/High  
Sub LP/F+R Inputs/Front  
Also sets  
low-pass  
F/R Input Mode  
+3  
+10  
cutoff for  
Front Ch.  
Bandpass  
filter (when  
selected)  
+1  
+13  
JL AUDIO 500/5  
2ch/4ch  
Off/BP/HP  
five-channel system amplifier  
Rear  
Inputs  
Only  
Front  
and  
Rear  
Left  
Right  
Remote Bass  
Port  
LF Boost (dB)  
Filter Freq. (Hz)  
Left Ch.  
Right Ch.  
HP Filter Freq.(Hz)  
Left Ch.  
Right Ch.  
Left Ch.  
Right Ch.  
Independent Sub Input Filter Freq. (Hz)  
Connect 500/5 Preamp Output to 250/1 (Slave A) Input  
Connect 500/5 Input to Output from Source Unit  
SLAVE (A):  
SLAVE (B):  
+12VDC  
Ground Remote  
Bass Control Amp LP Filter  
Subwoofer Output  
+12VDC  
Ground Remote  
Bass Control Amp LP Filter  
Subwoofer Output  
Preamp Output Section  
Output Mode  
Amplifier Input Section  
Preamp Output Section  
Output Mode  
Amplifier Input Section  
Infrasonic Filter  
Mode/Slope  
Input Voltage Input Sens.  
Signal Sensing  
Infrasonic Filter  
Mode/Slope  
Input Voltage Input Sens.  
Signal Sensing  
Full-Range/Low-Pass/High-Pass  
Off/30Hz  
+7  
Off/12dB/24dB  
65  
Low/High  
Off/On  
Full-Range/Low-Pass/High-Pass  
Off/30Hz  
+7  
Off/12dB/24dB  
65  
Low/High  
Off/On  
+3  
+3  
+10  
+10  
55  
45  
40  
85  
120  
200  
55  
45  
40  
85  
120  
200  
+1  
+13  
+1  
+13  
JL AUDIO 250/1  
JL AUDIO 250/1  
monoblock subwoofer amplifier  
MONO OUTPUT ONLY  
MONO OUTPUT ONLY  
monoblock subwoofer amplifier  
+15  
+15  
0
0
LF Boost (dB) Filter Freq. (Hz)  
LF Boost (dB) Filter Freq. (Hz)  
Left Ch.  
Right Ch.  
Left Ch.  
Right Ch.  
Left Ch.  
Right Ch.  
Left Ch.  
Right Ch.  
Connect 250/1 (Slave A) Preamp Output to 250/1 (Slave B) Input  
This Slave amplifiers bass processing features are inactive,  
but the Full-Range (pass-through) feature of its Preamp  
Outputfeeds the input of the next Slave amplifier.  
The last Slave amplifiers bass processing features are inactive.The  
Amp LP Filterand Preamp Outputare also inactive.  
24  
JL AUDIO 500/5  
JL AUDIO 500/5  
25  
 
APPENDIX D: TROUBLE SHOOTING  
MY AMPLIFIER DOESNTTURN ON”  
MY AMPLIFIERTURNS ON, BUTTHERE IS NO OUTPUT”  
Check the input signal using an AC voltmeter to measure the  
Check to make sure there is +12V at the Remoteconnection 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 +12V”  
wire to the Remoteterminal to see if the amplifier turns on.  
If this does not work, proceed to the next step.  
voltage from the source unit while an appropriate test tone  
is played through the source unit (disconnect the RCA  
cables from the amplifier prior to this test).The frequency  
used should be in the range that is to amplified by the  
channels being tested (example: 50 Hz for a sub bass  
amplifier channel and 1 kHz for a full range amplifier  
channel). A steady voltage should be present at the output  
of the RCA cables. If you are receiving a sufficient voltage  
(between 0.2 and 8.0-volts), check to ensure that the  
speaker wires are making a good connection with the metal  
inside the amplifier. The connectors are designed to accept  
up to an 8 AWG wire. If you are using significantly smaller  
wire (14 AWG or smaller), you may have difficulty making  
an adequate connection. In this case, you may find it  
necessary to “fold” the wire over once (or twice!) so as to  
make a solid connection. Make sure to strip the wire to  
allow for a sufficient connection with the input or output  
of the amplifier.  
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.  
I GET A DISTORTED / ATTENUATED SOUND COMING OUT OFTHE SPEAKER(S)”  
Check the speaker wires for a possible short, either between the  
positive and negative or between a speaker lead and the  
vehicle’s chassis ground. If a short is present you will  
experience distorted and/or attenuated output.The  
Low light may also 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 the front and  
subwoofer channels of the amplifier are driving loads  
between 1.5 - 4per channel and that the rear channels  
are driving loads between 3 - 4per channel.  
Check the input signal and input signal cables to make sure signal is  
present at all active 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.  
Check the output of the amplifier. Using the procedure explained in  
the previous check item (after plugging the RCA 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.  
5 volts 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 above.  
MY AMPLIFIER SHUTS OFF ONCE IN AWHILE, USUALLY AT HIGHERVOLUMES”  
Check your voltage source and grounding point.The R.I.P.S. power  
supply is rated to operate with source voltages between  
MY AMPLIFIERS OUTPUT FLUCTUATESWHEN ITAP 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 amplifier terminal.  
11 - 14.5V. Shutdown problems at higher levels can occur  
when the charging system voltage drops below 10 volts.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 is  
also a good idea to improve the vehicle’s factory ground wire  
and termination point. Grounding problems are the leading  
cause of mis-diagnosed amplifier failures.  
Check the RCA connectors to ensure that both the center pin and  
the outer shield are making good contact with the input jacks  
on the amplifier.  
HOW DO I PROPERLY SETTHE INPUT SENSITIVITY ON MY AMPLIFIER”  
Please refer to Appendix B (page 22) to set the input sensitivity for  
maximum, low-distortion output.  
26  
JL AUDIO 500/5  
JL AUDIO 500/5  
27  
 
APPENDIX E:  
500/5 Specifications  
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS:  
Recommended FuseValue: 50A  
Signal to Noise Ratio: >108.5 dB referred to rated power  
(A-weighted, 20 Hz - 20 kHz noise bandwidth)  
Frequency Response: 5 Hz - 30 kHz (+0, -1 dB)  
Damping Factor: >200 @ 4per ch. / 50 Hz, >100 @ 2Ω  
per ch. / 50 Hz  
Recommended Fuse Type: AGU or MaxiFuse™  
INPUT SECTIONS:  
No. of Inputs: Three Stereo Pairs (Front, Rear, Subwoofer)  
Input Type: Differential-balanced with RCA jack inputs  
Input Range: Switchable from 200mV - 2V RMS  
to 800mV - 8V RMS  
Slew Rate: 25V/µs  
Rear Filter: State-variable, 12 dB/octave Butterworth or  
24 dB / octave Linkwitz-Riley high-pass with continuously  
variable cutoff frequency from 50 - 500 Hz, switchable to a  
range of 500 - 5000 Hz, via x10 switch.Also provides low-  
pass cutoff for front filter when bandpass mode is used.  
FRONT CHANNELS:  
Amplifier Topology: Class AB with patented Absolute  
Symmetry™ dual N-Channel MOSFET output design  
Power Supply: Independent, pulse width modulation-  
regulated switching power supply with multistage  
impedance optimizing circuitry.  
SUBWOOFER CHANNEL:  
Amplifier Topology: H-Bridge, Class D Mono  
with impedance optimization and patented  
discrete drive circuitry  
Rated Power (Stereo):  
Power Supply: Independent, pulse width modulation-  
regulated switching power supply  
100W RMS x 2 @ 1.5 - 4(11V - 14.5V)  
Rated Power (Bridged):  
Rated Power: 250W RMS x 1 @ 1.5 - 4(11V - 14.5V)  
THD at Rated Power: <0.05% @ 4(50 Hz)  
Signal to Noise Ratio: >95 dB referred to rated power (A-  
weighted, 20 Hz - 20 kHz noise bandwidth)  
Frequency Response: 5 Hz - 300 Hz (+0, -1 dB), 5 Hz -  
500 Hz (+0, -3 dB)  
200W RMS x 1 @ 3 - 8(11V - 14.5V)  
THD at Rated Power: <0.03% @ 4per channel  
(20 Hz-20 kHz)  
Signal to Noise Ratio: >108.5 dB referred to rated power  
(A-weighted, 20 Hz-20 kHz noise bandwidth)  
Frequency Response: 5 Hz - 30 kHz (+0, -1dB)  
Damping Factor: >200 @ 4per ch. / 50 Hz, >100 @ 2Ω  
per ch. / 50 Hz  
Damping Factor: >500 @ 4/ 50 Hz, >250 @ 2/ 50 Hz  
Subwoofer Channel Filter: State-variable, 12 dB/octave  
Butterworth or 24 dB / octave Linkwitz-Riley low-pass with  
continuously variable cutoff frequency from 40 - 200 Hz.  
Defeatable.  
Slew Rate: 25V/µs  
Front Filter: State-variable, 12 dB/octave Butterworth or 24  
dB/octave Linkwitz-Riley High-Pass with continuously  
variable cutoff frequency from 50 - 500 Hz, switchable to a  
range of 500 - 5000 Hz, via x10 switch.  
Can also be cascaded from rear filter’s cutoff frequency to  
operate as a bandpass filter for tri-amp configurations.  
Defeatable.  
LF Boost: Single-band, fixed-frequency (48 Hz), fixed “Q”  
boost, variable from 0 to +15 dB. Defeatable. Port for  
optional remote bass control to control variable boost from  
front of vehicle.  
Infrasonic Filter: 24 dB/octave @ 30 Hz. Defeatable.  
PREAMP OUTPUT:  
REAR CHANNELS:  
Tracking type low-pass linked to subwoofer channel filter.  
Filtering is defeatable to pass a full-range signal from the  
front channel inputs or a summed signal from the front and  
rear channel inputs.  
Amplifier Topology: Class AB with patented Absolute  
Symmetry™ dual N-Channel MOSFET output design  
Power Supply: Independent, pulse width modulation-  
regulated switching power supply.  
Rated Power (Stereo):  
DIMENSIONS (LxWxH):  
25W RMS x 2 @ 3 - 4(11V - 14.5V)  
Rated Power (Bridged):  
19.7" x 9.25" x 2.36" (500mm x 235mm x 60mm)  
50W RMS x 1 @ 6 - 8(11V - 14.5V)  
THD at Rated Power: <0.03% @ 4per channel  
(20 Hz - 20 kHz)  
Due to ongoing product development, all specifications are  
subject to change without notice.  
28  
JL AUDIO 500/5  
JL AUDIO 500/5  
29  
 
INSTALLATION NOTES:  
Use this diagram to document your amplifiers switch and control positions.  
Subwoofer Channel Control Section  
Subwoofer Output (250Wx1)  
Rear Filter Sectio  
+12VDC  
Ground Remote  
Preamp Output Section  
Signal From  
Infrasonic Filter Input From:  
Input Voltage  
Input Sens.  
Sub LP Filter  
Freq. Range  
High-Pass  
Ind./F+R/Front  
+7  
Low/High  
Off/12dB/24dB  
x1/x10  
Off/12dB/  
Sub LP/F+R Inputs/Front  
Off/30Hz  
Also s  
low-pa  
cutoff  
+3  
+10  
Front  
+1  
+13  
Bandp  
filter (w  
select  
JL AUDIO 500/5  
five-channel system amplifier  
Right  
Left  
Remote Bass  
Port  
LF Boost (dB)  
Filter Freq. (Hz)  
Left Ch.  
Right Ch.  
Independent Sub Input Filter Freq. (Hz)  
Output (250Wx1)  
Rear Filter Section  
Rear Speaker Outputs (25Wx2)  
Front Filter Section  
Front Input Section  
Front Speaker Outputs  
Rear Input Section  
Input Voltage  
Input Sens. L-R Ambience  
Input Voltage  
Input Sens.  
Freq. Range  
Freq. Range  
Filter Slope  
High-Pass Filter  
x1/x10  
Off/12dB/24dB  
Low/High  
Off/On  
x1/x10  
12dB/24dB  
Filter Mode  
Low/High  
Also sets  
low-pass  
F/R Input Mode  
cutoff for  
Front Ch.  
Bandpass  
filter (when  
selected)  
2ch/4ch  
Off/BP/HP  
Rear  
Inputs  
Only  
Front  
and  
Rear  
Filter Freq. (Hz)  
Left Ch.  
Right Ch.  
HP Filter Freq.(Hz)  
Left Ch.  
Right Ch.  
30  
JL AUDIO 500/5  
JL AUDIO 500/5  
31  
 
LIMITEDWARRANTY - AMPLIFIERS (USA)  
JL AUDIO warrants this product to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a period of ninety  
(90) days from the original date of purchase.The warranty term is extended to two (2) years if installation is  
performed or approved by an authorized JL AUDIO dealer (proof of installation or approval required on  
purchase receipt).  
This warranty is not transferrable and applies only to the original purchaser from an authorized JL AUDIO  
dealer. Should service be necessary under this warranty for any reason due to manufacturing defect or  
malfunction, JL AUDIO will (at its discretion), repair or replace the defective product with new or remanufactured  
product at no charge. Damage caused by the following is not covered under warranty: accident, misuse, abuse,  
product modification or neglect, failure to follow installation instructions, unauthorized repair attempts,  
misrepresentations by the seller.This warranty does not cover incidental or consequential damages and does not  
cover the cost of removing or reinstalling the unit(s). Cosmetic damage due to accident or normal wear and tear  
is not covered under warranty.  
Warranty is void if the products serial number has been removed or defaced.  
Any applicable implied warranties are limited in duration to the period of the express warranty as provided  
herein beginning with the date of the original purchase at retail, and no warranties, whether express or implied,  
shall apply to this product thereafter. Some states do not allow limitations on implied warranties, therefore these  
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.  
If you need service on your JL AUDIO product:  
All warranty returns should be sent to JL AUDIO ’s Amplifier Service Facility freight-prepaid through an  
authorized JL AUDIO dealer and must be accompanied by proof of purchase (a copy of the original sales receipt).  
Direct returns from consumers or non-authorized dealers will be refused unless specifically authorized by  
JL AUDIO with a valid return authorization number.  
Warranty expiration on products returned without proof of purchase will be determined from the  
manufacturing date code. Coverage may be invalidated as this date is previous to purchase date. Non-defective  
items received will be returned freight-collect. Customer is responsible for shipping charges and insurance in  
sending the product to JL AUDIO. Freight damage on returns is not covered under warranty.  
For Service Information in the U.S.A. please call:  
JL Audio customer service: (954) 443-1100  
during normal business hours (9:00 AM 5:30 PM Eastern Time)  
JL Audio, Inc  
10369 North Commerce Pkwy.  
Miramar, FL 33025  
(do not send product for repair to this address)  
InternationalWarranties:  
Products purchased outside the United States of America are covered only  
by that country’s distributor and not by JL Audio, Inc.  
Absolute Symmetry Class AB Amplifier Circuit is covered by U.S. Patent #6,294,959 and is  
pending in the countries listed below. Austria,Belgium,Brazil,Canada,China,France,Germany,Indonesia,  
Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Russian Federation, Singapore, Sweden,  
Switzerland, United Kingdom, and all other PCT countries.  
JL5005MAN-CH-10-2002  
 

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