JBL Px300 4 Manual

							car audio 
power amplifier
owner’s manual
THANK YOUfor purchasing a JBL Power Series®amplifier. 
In order that we may better serve you should you
require warranty service for your new amplifier, please
retain your original purchase receipt and return the
enclosed warranty registration card.
Power Series Amp OM  5/20/03  10:51 AM  Page 1 
						

							INSTALLATION 
WARNING:Playing loud music 
in an automobile can hinder your 
ability to hear traffic and permanently 
damage your hearing. We recommend 
listening at low or moderate levels
while driving your car. JBL accepts 
no liability for hearing loss, bodily
injury or property damage resulting
from the use or misuse of this product.
IMPORTANT:To get the best
performance from your JBL Power
Series
®amplifiers, we strongly recom-
mend that installation be entrusted to 
a qualified professional. Although
these instructions explain how to
install JBL Power Series amplifiers in 
a general sense, they do not show 
specific installation methods that may
be required for your particular vehicle. 
If you do not have the necessary tools
or experience, do not attempt the
installation yourself. Instead, please
ask your authorized JBL car audio
dealer about professional installation.
INSTALLATION 
WARNINGS AND TIPS
•Always wear protective eyewear
when using tools.
•Turn off all audio systems and other
electrical devices before you start.
Disconnect the (–) negative lead from
your vehicle’s battery.
•Check clearances on both sides of a
planned mounting surface before
drilling any holes or installing any
screws. Remember that the screws
can extend behind the surface.•At the installation sites, locate and
make a note of all fuel lines,
hydraulic brake lines, vacuum lines,
and electrical wiring. Use extreme
caution when cutting or drilling in
and around these areas.
•Before drilling or cutting holes, use 
a utility knife to remove unwanted
fabric or vinyl to keep material from
snagging in a drill bit.
•When routing cables, keep input-
signal cables away from power
cables and speaker wires.
•When making connections, make
certain they are secure and properly
insulated.
•If the amplifier’s fuse must be
replaced, use only the same type and
rating as that of the original. Do not
substitute another kind.
CHOOSING A LOCATION
AND MOUNTING THE
AMPLIFIER
Amplifiers need air to stay cool.
Suitable locations are under a seat
(provided the amplifier doesn’t 
interfere with the seat adjustment
mechanism), in the trunk, or in any
other location which provides enough
air for the amp to cool itself. Do not
mount the amplifier with the heat sink
facing downward, as this makes 
convection cooling of the amplifier
impossible.
Mount the amplifier so that it is not
damaged by the feet of backseat 
passengers or shifting cargo in the
trunk. Mount the amplifier so that it
remains dry – never mount an amplifier
outside the car or in the engine 
compartment. Using the amplifier as 
a template, mark the location of the
mounting holes on the mounting 
surface, drill pilot holes, and attach 
the amplifier to the mounting surface
with screws. Make sure the amplifier 
is mounted securely.
POWER CONNECTIONSThe Power Series amplifiers are 
capable of delivering extremely high
power levels, and require a heavy-duty
and reliable connection to the vehicle’s
electrical system in order to perform
optimally. Please adhere to the 
following instructions carefully:
Ground ConnectionConnect the amplifier’s Ground (GND)
terminal to a solid point on the 
vehicle’s metal chassis, as close to 
the amplifier as possible. Refer to the
chart below to determine minimum
wire-gauge size. Scrape away any
paint from this location; use a star-type
lock washer to secure the connection.
Power ConnectionConnect a wire (see chart at right for
appropriate gauge) directly to the 
vehicle’s positive battery terminal, 
and install an appropriate fuse holder
within 18 of the battery terminal. 
Do
not install the fuse at this time.Route
the wire to the amplifier’s location, and
connect it to the amplifier’s Positive
(BATT +) terminal. Be sure to use
appropriate grommets whenever 
routing wires through the firewall 
or other sheet metal. 
Failure to 
adequately protect the positive wire
from potential damage may result in 
a vehicle fire.
When you are done 
routing and connecting this wire, you
may install the fuse at the battery.
NOTE: The BPx2200.1 is supplied 
with an external 150A fuse. If you 
are running a dedicated wire to this
amplifier, this fuse should be installed
near the battery, as specified above. If
you are running multiple amplifiers off
a power distribution block, this fuse
should be installed between the 
distribution block and the BPx2200.1. 
In any case, a fuse must be installed
within 18 of the battery terminal.
Remote ConnectionConnect the amplifier’s Remote (REM)
terminal to the source unit’s Remote
Turn-On lead using a minimum of 
18-gauge wire.
Speaker ConnectionsRefer to the application guides on 
the pages that follow. Speaker 
connections should be made using 
a minimum of 16-gauge wire.
Wire Gauge ChartAmplifier Maximum Minimum Model Current Draw Wire Gauge
Px300.4 78A #6 AWG
Px600.2 78A #6 AWG
BPx500.1 50A #8 AWG
BPx1100.1 110A #4 AWG
BPx2200.1 190A 2x #4 AWG
These recommendations assume 
7 – 10 wire runs. If your installation
differs markedly, you will need to
adjust the wire gauge accordingly.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are planning
to use optional neon tubes, you 
mustinstall them before making any
electrical connections to the amplifier
(refer to “Installing Neon Tubes” on 
page 7).
2
Power Series Amp OM  5/20/03  10:51 AM  Page 2 
						

							APPLICATIONS – BPx MODELS
To the right are several application 
diagrams to help plan your subwoofer
system installation. 
Figures 1 through 3show how to configure the JBL Power
Series subwoofer amplifiers (models
BPx500.1, BPx1100.1 and BPx2200.1)
for 2-channel, bridged-mono and 
parallel-mono operation (also see
“Setting the Output Mode” on page 6). 
NOTE: For simplicity, Figures 1 through
3 do not show power, remote and input
connections.
NOTE: If the nominal impedance 
of your speaker system is close to 
2 ohms, be prepared to try both
bridged and parallel configurations to
determine which performs better.
3
BPx Amplifier(partial rear panel)
*SEE MANUAL FOR PARALLEL CONNECTION
2 CHANNEL
BRIDGED
    PARALLEL*
CH 1 CH 2 
SPEAKER OUTPUTS
NEON
SubwooferSubwoofer
Set OUTPUT MODE
to 2CH/BR
(on input panel)
PARALLEL
2CH/BROUTPUT MODE
See “Setting the Crossover(s)” on page 6  
to adjust X-OVER controls
(on input panel)
12dB 24dB
32Hz 320Hz
FREQ
SLOPE
X-OVER
BPx Amplifier(partial rear panel)
*SEE MANUAL FOR PARALLEL CONNECTION
2 CHANNEL
BRIDGED
    PARALLEL*
CH 1 CH 2 
SPEAKER OUTPUTS
NEON
Subwoofer (less than 2 ohms)
Set OUTPUT MODE
to PARALLEL
(on input panel)
PARALLEL
2CH/BROUTPUT MODE
See “Setting the Crossover(s)” on page 6  
to adjust X-OVER controls
(on input panel)
12dB 24dB
32Hz 320Hz
FREQ
SLOPE
X-OVER
jumper
Figure 1.The JBL Power Series
subwoofer amplifier is set to 
2-channel mode to drive a pair
of subwoofers. 
Figure 2.The JBL Power Series
subwoofer amplifier is set to
bridged (mono) mode to drive 
a single subwoofer. Use this
mode only when the nominal
impedance of the speaker 
system is 2 ohms or greater. 
Figure 3.The JBL Power Series
subwoofer amplifier is set to
parallel mode to drive a single
subwoofer. Use this mode only
when the nominal impedance
of the speaker system is less
than 2 ohms.
NOTE: A jumper is added
between the + terminals.
BPx Amplifier(partial rear panel)
*SEE MANUAL FOR PARALLEL CONNECTION
2 CHANNEL
BRIDGED
    PARALLEL*
CH 1 CH 2 
SPEAKER OUTPUTS
NEON
Subwoofer (2 ohms or greater)
Set OUTPUT MODE
to 2CH/BR
(on input panel)
PARALLEL
2CH/BROUTPUT MODE
See “Setting the Crossover(s)” on page 6  
to adjust X-OVER controls
(on input panel)
12dB 24dB
32Hz 320Hz
FREQ
SLOPE
X-OVER
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							4
APPLICATIONS – Px600.2
The JBL Px600.2 amplifier can be 
set up for stereo or bridged-mono
operation, as shown in 
Figures 4 and 5. 
NOTE: For simplicity, Figures 4 and 5 
do not show power, remote and input
connections.
Px600.2(rear panel)
POWER
FUSES GND REM BATT SPEAKER OUTPUTS BRIDGED
STEREOPx600.2
L RNEONNEON
Subwoofer (4 ohms or greater)
Set MODE to LP;
INPUT MODE to MO
(on input panel)X-OVER
STINPUT
MODE MODE
SLOPEMO12dB 24dBFLAT HP LP32Hz 320Hz
FREQ
See “Setting the Crossover(s)”
on page 6 to set FREQ and SLOPE
 For Stereo or Mono signals, use 
both L/R inputs
Px600.2(rear panel)
POWER
FUSES GND REM BATT SPEAKER OUTPUTS BRIDGED
STEREOPx600.2
L RNEONNEON
R SpeakerL Speaker
Set MODE to FLAT; 
INPUT MODE to ST
(on input panel)X-OVER
STINPUT
MODE MODE
SLOPEMO12dB 24dBFLAT HP LP32Hz 320Hz
FREQ
FREQ and SLOPE have no effect
Figure 4.The JBL Px600.2
amplifier is set to stereo mode
to drive a pair of full-range
speakers. 
Figure 5.The JBL Px600.2 
amplifier is set to bridged
(mono) mode to drive a single
subwoofer. Use this mode only
when the nominal impedance 
of the subwoofer is 4 ohms 
or greater.
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							5
APPLICATIONS – Px300.4
The JBL Px300.4 amplifier can be set
up for stereo or tri-mode operation, as
shown in 
Figures 6 and 7. 
NOTE: For simplicity, Figures 6 and 7 do 
not show power, remote and input 
connections.
Px300.4(rear panel)
POWER
FUSES GND REM BATT Px300.4SPEAKER OUTPUTSSPEAKER OUTPUTS STEREO
REARFRONT
L R L RBRIDGEDNEONNEON
-
+
+
-
LF
System
+
-
RF
System
Subwoofer
Set REAR
X-OVER MODE to LP
(on input panel)
FLAT HP LPMODE
Set FRONT
X-OVER MODE to HP
(on input panel)
FLAT HP LPMODE
Set FRONT
INPUT MODE to ST
(on input panel)
Set REAR 
INPUT MODE to MO
(on input panel)
STINPUT
MODEMOSTINPUT
MODEMO
See “Setting the Crossover(s)”
on page 6 to set FREQ and SLOPE
Px300.4(rear panel)
POWER
FUSES GND REM BATT Px300.4SPEAKER OUTPUTSSPEAKER OUTPUTS STEREO
REARFRONT
L R L RBRIDGEDNEONNEON
+
-
+
-
LR Speaker
RR Speaker RF Speaker
LF Speaker
+
-
+
-
Set REAR and FRONT
INPUT MODE to ST
(on input panel)
Set REAR and FRONT
X-OVER MODE to FLAT    
(on input panel)
FLAT HP LPMODESTINPUT
MODEMO
Figure 6.The JBL Px300.4
amplifier is set to stereo mode
to drive front and rear pairs of
full-range speakers.
NOTE: To limit bass sent to 
full-range speakers, set 
X-OVER MODE to HP. See 
page 6 to set FREQ and SLOPE.
Figure 7.The JBL Px300.4 
amplifier is set to drive a stereo
component system and a 
subwoofer with a nominal
impedance of 4 ohms or greater.
NOTE: To drive a pair of rear
midbass speakers (instead of
subwoofer), set INPUT MODE 
to ST, X-OVER MODE to LP, 
and use DBO to set HP filter. 
Power Series Amp OM  5/20/03  10:51 AM  Page 5 
						

							6
INSTALLATION AND SETUP
SETTING THE 
OUTPUT MODE
Setting an output mode depends on
your choice of system configuration
and the nominal impedace of your
speaker system. JBL Power Series BPx
amplifiers provide rated power into 
any impedance between 1 and 4 ohms.
The BPx500.1, BPx1100.1 and BPx2200.1
amplifiers can be configured to provide
high voltage to loads of 2 ohms or
greater, or high current for loads below
2 ohms. 
Using the Bridge Mode If your speaker system has a nominal
impedance of 2 ohms or greater, bridge
the amplifier’s two channels to drive
the speaker(s). On BPx models, set the
OUTPUT MODE switch to 2CH/BR (see
Figure 2on page 3).
Using the Parallel Mode 
(BPx Models Only)
If the nominal speaker-system 
impedance is less than 2 ohms, 
connect the two amplifier channels 
in parallel to drive the speaker(s), 
as shown in 
Figure 3on page 3. 
On BPx models, set the OUTPUT MODE
switch to PARALLEL.
NOTE: If the nominal impedance of
your subwoofer system is close to 
2 ohms, try both series and parallel to
determine which mode provides the
highest volume. Use the I/E OPT LED
according to “Setting Input Sensitivity”
on the right.
Using the 2-Channel Mode With any Power Series amplifier, you
can also drive two woofers separately
by connecting the speakers in the 
2-channel mode (see 
Figure 1on page
3). In this mode, the minimum nominal
impedance is 2 ohms. On BPx models,
set the OUTPUT MODE switch to
2CH/BR.
SETTING THE
CROSSOVER(S)
IMPORTANT: If you plan to use the
Px300.4 or Px600.2 to drive full-range
speakers, set the X-OVER MODE
switch(es) to FLAT and skip to the next
section, “Setting Input Sensitivity.”
1. Initially set the X-OVER FREQ 
control(s) midway. Later, when 
listening to music (in the next 
section), adjust them for least-
perceived distortion from midrange
and high-frequency speakers, while
allowing them to reproduce as much
bass as possible. 
2. Depending on your system plan, set
the X-OVER MODE switch(es) to LP
(low-pass), HP (high-pass), or FLAT.
3. For HP filters, set the X-OVER SLOPE
switch(es) to 24dB to limit bass and
provide increased system volume
with less distortion. 
For LP filters, use 12dB or 24dB
according to taste. However, using 
a 24dB slope will make bass less 
directional since midrange frequencies
are being filtered from the woofer’s
response. When choosing a low-pass
filter frequency for your subwoofers,
choose the highest frequency that will
remove vocal information from the
sound of the subwoofer.
SETTING DBO 
(ALL MODELS 
EXCEPT Px600.2)
Dynamic Bass Optimizer™(DBO) is 
a new approach to enhancing low-
frequency reproduction in a vehicle.
Conventional bass boost controls add
bass at a fixed frequency and cause
the amplifier to consume considerable
power. DBO conserves valuable power
at the lowest frequencies and allows
you to adjust the level and “character”
of the bass sound, instead of just the
amount of boom.
Since a subwoofer in a vented box is
given to overexcursion below the
tuned frequency, set the HP FREQ 
control 10Hz below the box’s resonant
(tuned) frequency (e.g., 30Hz for a 
vented box tuned to 40Hz). Power 
typically wasted in this region will 
now be conserved and be available 
for frequencies the enclosure will
reproduce. Use the BOOST
INSTALLATION AND SETUP control to
boost the bass at the set frequency by
as much as 12dB, as shown in 
Figure 8. 
Figure 8.Frequency response curves
show typical DBO control ranges for
selected JBL Power Series amplifiers.
SETTING INPUT
SENSITIVITY
NOTE: For BPx models, you can use
the supplied REMOTE LEVEL CONTROL
instead of the amplifier’s INPUT LEVEL
control to set input sensitivity. Connect
the remote module’s attached cable to
the REMOTE LEVEL CONTROL (RJ-11)
jack on the amplifier’s input panel. 
1. Initially, turn the INPUT LEVEL 
control(s) to the minimum 
(counterclockwise) position(s).
2. Reconnect the (–) negative lead to
your vehicle’s battery. Apply power
to the audio system and play a
dynamic music track from CD
or tape. 
NOTE: After the source unit is on,
blue LEDs (on the top panel) will 
illuminate, indicating the amplifier 
is on. If not, check the wiring, 
especially the remote connection
from the source unit. Also refer to
“Troubleshooting” on the next page.
3. On the source unit, increase the 
volume control to maximum position.
Slowly increase the INPUT LEVEL
control(s) (clockwise) towards three
o’ clock and observe the I-E/OPT LED
(on the amplifier top). At the ideal
setting, it should flash on musical
peaks, signifying maximum voltage is
being delivered in the 2-channel or
bridge modes, or maximum current is
being delivered in the parallel mode.
If the I-E/OPT LED is on steadily, the
amplifier is being overdriven. Turn
the INPUT LEVEL control(s) back
slightly until the I-E/OPT LED flashes
on musical peaks.
-9 -6
-30
-12
20 80
Freq. (Hz) dB
DBO HP FREQ Control(adjusts cut-off
frequency)HP FREQ
100Hz 20Hz
-60
6 12
-12
20 80
Freq. (Hz) dB
DBO BOOST Control(adjusts boost amount
at cut-off frequency)BOOST
 MAX    MIN
Power Series Amp OM  5/20/03  10:51 AM  Page 6 
						

							7
INSTALLATION AND SETUP
For sealed enclosures, use DBO to
enhance the middle of the bass region.
Set the HP FREQ control to 35Hz to
40Hz and adjust the BOOST control to
taste. This will make the bass sound
bigger and fuller. Alternatively, for
tighter-sounding bass, set the HP FREQ
control between 45Hz and 50Hz, 
and also adjust the BOOST control
according to your preference.
For infinite-baffle applications, set the
HP FREQ control to the speaker’s F
Svalue (to keep the subwoofer from 
trying to create bass below the 
resonant frequency) and adjust the
BOOST control to taste. 
INSTALLING NEON
TUBES (OPTIONAL) 
1. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove
all screws on the amplifier’s
output/power end panel and set
them aside.
2. Using a 3 ⁄ 32-inch Allen wrench,
remove only the screws on the
amplifier’s (top) clear cover and set
them aside.
3. Remove the end panel and slide the
cover off. Set both parts aside.4. Locate the enclosed hardware bag
and remove the four clips. Each clip
has a square end and a larger round
end. Using a round end, press two
clips onto each neon tube (e.g.,
Street Glow AN9 or equivalent), as
shown in 
Figure 9below.
5. For each tube, align both clips so the
square ends slide onto an exposed
extrusion edge, as shown in Figure 9.
Do not cover any screw holes. When
installed correctly, each neon tube
will sit under an extrusion and not be
visible when viewed from directly
above.
6. Route each neon tube’s power cable
through its respective NEON hole on
the end panel (see 
Figure 9). 
7. Slide the cover back into place and
reinstall its screws. Then, replace
the end panel and reinstall its
screws.
8. Finish the installation of the neon
tubes as instructed in their owner’s
manual.
POWER
FUSES GND REM BATT 
SPEAKER OUTPUTS BRIDGED
STEREO
Px600.2
L R
NEONNEONPROTECT POWER I-E OPT
Installing A Clip
On Extrusion Lip
(side view)Clip Neon
Tube
Neon Tube
and ClipLip
Installed Neon Tube
Under Extrusion Lip Clip ClipTo Neon
Power
Supply
To Neon
Power
Supply
Px600.2 Amplifier(top view with clear cover off)Output/Power
End Panel
Figure 9. Installing neon tubes in a JBL Px600.2 amplifier. 
Installation is similar for other models.
TROUBLESHOOTING
SYMPTOM LIKELY CAUSE SOLUTION
No audio  No voltage at BATT+  Check voltages at
(POWER LED or REM terminals,  amplifier terminals
is off) or bad or no ground  with VOM
connection
No audio DC voltage on  Amplifier may need
(PROTECT LED  amplifier output  service; see enclosed
flashes every  warranty card for
4 sec.)  service information 
No audio  Amplifier is Make sure amplifier
(PROTECT overheated cooling is not blocked
LED is on) at mounting location;
verify speaker-system
impedance is within 
specified limits (see 
“Specifications” on the 
next page)
No audio Voltage less than 9V on  Check vehicle
(PROTECT  BATT+ connection charging system for
and POWER defective voltage 
LEDs flash) regulator
I-E/OPT LED Amplifier is being  Check INPUT
is on all times  overdriven LEVEL setting; 
(not flashing) see previous page 
No audio Voltage more than 16V Check vehicle
(PROTECT  or less than 8.5V on charging system for
LED is on) BATT+ connection defective voltage 
regulator
Distorted audio Input sensitivity is  Check INPUT 
not set properly, or LEVEL setting; or
amplifier or source  check speaker wires
unit is defective for shorts or grounds
Distorted audio Short circuit in  Remove speaker leads
and PROTECT  speaker or wire one at a time to locate
LED flashes  shorted speaker or 
wire, then repair 
Music lacks  Speakers are not  Check speaker
“punch” connected properly connections for
proper polarity
Power Series Amp OM  5/20/03  10:51 AM  Page 7 
						

							Px300.4 Px600.2 BPx500.1 BPx1100.1 BPx2200.1
Power Output,  75W x 4 150W x 2 N/A N/A N/A4 Ohms
Power Output,  150W x 4 300W x 2 250W x 2 575W x 2 1100W x 2
2 Ohms
Power Output,  300W x 2 600W x 1 500W x 1 1100W x 1 2200W x 1
Bridged, 4 Ohms
Power Output, N/A N/A 500W x 1 1100W x 1 2200W x 1
Parallel, 1 Ohm
Min. Speaker 2 ohms 2 ohms 1 ohm 1 ohm 1 ohm
Impedance
Frequency  11Hz ~ 45kHz, +
1dB 10Hz ~ 45kHz, +1dB 20Hz ~ 320Hz , – 3dB 20Hz ~ 320Hz , – 3dB 20Hz ~ 320Hz , – 3dBResponse
Input Sensitivity 250mV ~ 6V 250mV ~ 6V  250mV ~ 6V 250mV ~ 6V 250mV ~ 6V
(RCA type)
THD + Noise 0.04% 0.04%  0.5% 0.5 % 0.5 %
(4 Ohms)
Signal-to-Noise 95dB 95dB 93dB 93dB 93dB
Maximum 78A 78A 50A 110A 190A
Current Draw
Fuse  30A x 2 30A x 2 30A x 2 30A x 3 150A x 1 external fuse
Replacement
Dimensions  12-1 ⁄4 x 17 x 2-9 ⁄ 16 12-1 ⁄4 x 17 x 2-9 ⁄ 16 12-1 ⁄4 x 13 x 2-9 ⁄ 16 12-1 ⁄4 x 17 x 2-9 ⁄ 16 12-1 ⁄4 x 21-5 ⁄ 8 x 2-9 ⁄16
(H x W x L) 312mm x 432mm x 66mm  312mm x 432mm x 66mm 312mm x 330mm x 66mm 312mm x 432mm x 66mm 312mm x 555mm x 66mm
SPECIFICATIONS
Declaration of Conformity
We,Harman Consumer International
2, route de Tours
72500 Chateau-du-Loir
FRANCE
declare in own responsibility, that the product
described in this owner’s manual is in compliance
with technical standards:
EN 55013/A14:1999
EN 55020/A14:1999
Emmanuel Millot
Harman Consumer
International
Chateau-du-Loir, France 5/03
*BPx500.1, BPx1100.1 and BPx2200.1 amplifiers are 
performance-engineered by Crown.
JBL Consumer Products 
250 Crossways Park Drive, Woodbury, NY 11797 USA
© 2003 Harman International Industries, Incorporated
JBL and Power Series are registered trademarks, 
and Dynamic Bass Optimizer is a trademark, of 
Harman International Industries, Incorporated.
Part No. PSAMPOM5/03
www.jbl.com
Power Series Amp OM  5/20/03  10:51 AM  Page 8