Jensen XA2100 Quick Manual - User Manual

Full Text Searchable PDF User Manual

How to Install and Operate
the XA2100 Amplifier

Contents

Technical Assistance

For technical assistance with the operation or installation
of the XA2100, call 1-800-323-0221.

Welcome!
What you're holding in your hands is no ordinary
owner's manual. We've tried to make the instructions
in this book clear and easy to follow.
For your Jensen amplifier to work right, it must be
installed correctly. This manual will show you how to
install your new amplifier like a pro. It's a good idea to
read all of these instructions before you begin the
installation. Most installations are straightforward and
can be handled by a do-it-yourselfer with the right
tools, patience, and the ability to follow instructions.
But, do-it-yourself installation isn't for everyone. If you
still don't feel confident after reading this book,
consider turning the installation job over to someone
better suited to it.

Warranty Service
If your Jensen amplifier should ever require service,
you will need to have the original dated receipt. If you
ever need to return the unit for any reason, always
include the receipt with the product.

Features

........................................

Installation

...................................

Before You Begin
Installation ..................................... 2

Amplifier Location .......................... 2
Disconnect Battery ........................ 2

• Amplifier Installation Kit ............. 2

Supplies and Tools
Needed .......................................... 3

Routing Wires ................................ 3

• Bigger is Better .......................... 3

Wiring

.............................................

Power and Outputs ........................ 4
Power Terminal (BATT +12V) ........ 4

Ground Terminal (GND) ................. 4
Remote Terminal (RMT +12V) ....... 4

Fuses ............................................. 4

Inputs and Controls ....................... 5
Input Wiring .................................... 5

Pass Output ................................... 5
Power Light .................................... 5

Protect Light .................................. 5
Input Level Control ........................ 6

Bass Boost ..................................... 6
Crossover ...................................... 6

Speaker Wiring .............................. 7

Testing

..........................................

Reconnect Battery ......................... 9

Test Power Wiring .......................... 9
Test Speaker Connections ............ 9

• Dealing with Alternator

Noise .......................................... 9

• Installing in Trunk ..................... 10
• Crimp Connections .................. 10
• Securing Wires ........................ 10
• Speaker and

Power Wires ............................ 10

Troubleshooting

.......................

Specifications
and Warranty

.............................

250

HPF

OFF

BASS
-BOOST

POWER

PROTECT

HIGH INPUT

LOW

PASS OUTPUT

LEVEL

MIN

MAX

LPF

250

HPF

LPF

FULL

X-OVER

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XA2100

Amplifier Location

The XA2100 amplifier’s compact design
allows greater flexibility in mounting. It can be
mounted under a seat or in the trunk.

When selecting a location, remember that
amplifiers generate heat. Select a location
where air can circulate around the amplifier.
Do not cover the XA2100 with carpets or
enclose it behind interior trim panels. Do not
mount the amplifier in an inverted or upside
down configuration. Every installation will be
a bit different based upon vehicle design.
Check all locations and placements carefully
before making any cuts or connections.

Important

Allow air circulation around the amplifier.

Installation

Disconnect Battery

Before you begin, always
disconnect the battery
negative terminal.

–

Professional Tip

Amplifier Installation Kit

Your installation job will be much easier if you
purchase an amplifier installation kit. These
kits often include low-level RCA cables, extra
large power and ground wires, a fuse or circuit
breaker and connector for the battery.

Before You Begin Installation

Before you begin, you will need tools, supplies
and adapters. It is best to make sure you have
everything you need before you start. There is a
list of supplies and tools on the next page.

Features

• 150 watts RMS bridged into a 4 ohm load
• Bridgeable design to direct full power to one

speaker

Audio Amplifiers

Amplification offers two advantages:

• The XA2100 amplifier can make the sound

of your receiver fuller and richer, even at low
volume levels.

• Many automotive receivers provide four to

10 watts at maximum power. At 50 watts
RMS per channel (150 watts bridged), the
XA2100 can be played substantially louder,
permitting the use of more powerful
speakers.

The Jensen XA2100 power amplifier is a two-
channel 200-watt total system power automotive
amplifier. The XA2100 includes:

• RCA inputs
• High level inputs
• Continuously variable low pass or high

pass crossover

• Bass boost feature
• Remote turn on/off
• Electronic protection circuitry to protect the

amplifier from short circuit, DC offset and
thermal overload

• Unique, super-efficient heat sink design
• 2 x 50 watts RMS per channel

(2 x 100

watts peak)

• Pass through connectors for adding other

amps

Important
If wiring connections are made wrong, the unit
will not operate properly and it could be
damaged. Follow the installation instructions
carefully, or have the installation handled by
an experienced technician.

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XA2100

Supplies and Tools Needed

Supplies:

• Speaker wire (12 gauge for subwoofers, 16-18

gauge for other speakers)

• Sheet metal type screws for mounting amplifier
• Electrical tape
• Solderless crimp connectors
• 1/2" thick plywood or particle board to mount

amplifier on

Tools:

• Flat and Phillips screwdrivers
• Wire cutters
• Wire strippers
• Cordless or standard electric drill and drill bit set
• Crimping tool (if using solderless crimp connec-

tors)

• 12-volt test light or digital multimeter
• Wire brush or scraper (to remove paint for a

good ground connection to vehicle)

• Soldering iron and rosin core solder (if you're

going to solder your connections)

Amplifier Installation Kit:

You will need an amplifier installation kit to install
your amp properly because it contains all the
wire and connectors that you will need to hook
up your new amp right the first time. If you want
to purchase these items separately you will need
the following:

• 20-25 feet of 8 gauge wire
• 30 amp fuse or circuit breaker (to be hooked up

at the battery)

• 20 feet of 18 gauge wire for the remote turn-on/

power antenna lead

• RCA cable (for signal input from radio)

– 20 feet for trunk installation
– 12 feet for under-seat installation

• Two 8 gauge ring terminals (one for the battery

connection and the other for the ground connec-
tion at the amp). You may need two additional
ring terminals if you are using a circuit breaker at
the battery.

• Two 8 gauge barrel connectors (you may need

these depending on what type of fuse holder you
have)

• Two 8 gauge spade terminals (to hook up power

at the amp)

• Four 12 gauge spade terminals for subwoofers or

16-18 gauge spade terminals for other speaker
connections to amp

• One 18 gauge spade terminal for remote turn-on/

power antenna lead

Routing Wires

Professional Tip

Bigger is better

Stereo installation dealers sell extra thick
power and speaker wires to ensure best
sound. Look for 8 gauge power wire, espe-
cially if you have several amplifiers.

Speakers

Amplifier

Battery

Connector

Fuse or

Circuit

Breaker

Battery

Power Wire

(8 gauge

wire or

larger)

Power Antenna

Turn-on Wire

(18 gauge wire)

RCA Cables

Ground Screw

Drill 1/8" hole in

chassis sheet metal

Use the same ground if

using multiple amplifiers

Grommet

To prevent
damage to

power wire

Receiver

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Wiring

Power and Outputs

Remote Terminal (RMT +12V)

Power Terminal (BATT +12V)

Connect directly to the vehicle battery+
terminal with 8 gauge wire (minimum).

Ground Terminal (GND)

Connect to a good chassis ground. The ground
connection should be to clean, unpainted metal
to provide a good electrical connection.

Connect the radio power antenna lead from
the receiver to the amplifier REMOTE terminal.
This turns the amplifier on whenever the re-
ceiver is turned on. If a power antenna lead is
not available, connect this wire to the radio or
accessory fuse.

Use only one 15 amp
blade-type fuse.

Fuses

15A

FUSE

15A

FUSE

POWER

RMT

GND

+ 12V

SPEAKER

L +

L –

R –

R +

Spade

Connector

8 Gauge

Wire

To Battery+

Terminal

30 amp Fuse

or Circuit Breaker

Battery

Terminal

Adapter

Install as close

to the battery

as possible

Not Supplied

RMT

GND

+ 12V

Ring

Connector

Drill 1/8" hole

in chassis

sheet metal

Sheet Metal

Screw

(supplied)

Spade

Connector

8 Gauge

Wire

RMT

GND

+ 12V

To Receiver

Power

Antenna Lead

Butt

Connector

(not supplied)

Spade

Connector

8 Gauge

Wire

RMT

GND

+ 12V

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Inputs and Controls

Input Wiring

Important
Use only the low level or high level input, do
not use both at one time.

Low Level Input

Use a pair of shielded stereo audio cables with
RCA type jacks. Most trunk-mount amplifier
installations require 20-foot RCA cables. Most
under-seat and pickup truck installations use
12-foot cables.

Connect RCA cables from your receiver to the
RCA input jacks on the amplifier.

High Level Input

Connect left and right speaker wires coming
from radio to high level input plug as shown.

Inputs may be high level (from the receiver's
speaker) or low level (from special low level
outputs). Low level input is preferred for best
performance.

White-Left (+)
White/Black-Left (–)
Gray-Right (+)
Gray/Black-Right (–)
Black (ground)

POWER

HIGH INPUT

LOW INPUT

PROTECT

PASS OUTPUT

POWER

HIGH INPUT

LOW INPUT

Radio

L R

Splice (as

necessary)

Hi level

input plug

on amp

L R

–

The power light comes on when 12
volt power is available at both the
battery +12 volt and RMT wires.

Power Light

POWER

The red protect light comes on
when the amplifier shuts down from
overheating or a short circuit
(speaker failure).

Protect Light

PROTECT

Pass Output

PASS OUTPUT

Use pass through (PASS
OUTPUT) connectors for
adding other amplifiers.

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Adjust the crossover to accommodate your
chosen installation method.

Use LPF and HPF to adjust

from 50 to 250Hz.

When using your Jensen amplifier
to run a subwoofer and two full-
range speakers (known as Tri-
mode or three channel operation)
you will need to purchase separate
high and low pass crossovers from
your local retailer. A pair of high

pass crossovers for your full range speakers
and a low pass filter for the subwoofer. This
will allow the amplifier to work properly when
installing it in Tri-mode. Failure to install
these filters may damage your amplifier and/
or your speakers.

• LPF –(low pass filter) only bass

tones go to speakers. Use with
woofers or subwoofer.

• FULL –all tones go to speak-

ers. Use with full-range
speakers.

• HPF –(high pass filter) blocks

very low tones from the speak-
ers. Use with 6" or smaller
speakers.

Crossover (X-OVER)

LEVEL

MIN

MAX

BASS BOOST increases the
volume of bass by up to 6 dB
at 45Hz.

Bass Boost

LEVEL

MIN

OFF

BASS-

BOOST

LPF

FULL

HPF

MAX

LPF

250

HPF

250

X-OVER

Input Level Control

The input level control matches the
output of your radio to the input of
the amplifier. After the installation
is complete, make sure the input
level control on the amp is turned

down all the way (counterclockwise or all the
way to the left). Play a tape or CD (make sure
bass and treble settings or EQ are flat too)
and turn the volume up slowly until you just
start to hear distortion. Now back the volume
down just a bit. On the amp, slowly turn up
the input level control (clockwise or to the
right) until you just start to hear distortion and
back it down a bit. Now your radio and ampli-
fier levels are matched.

LPF

FULL

HPF

X-OVER

LPF

250

HPF

250

OFF

BASS-

BOOST

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XA2100

Speaker Wiring

2 Subwoofers

2 Speakers

L +

L –

R –

R +

RCA Cables

2/4

Ω

2/4

Ω

LPF

FULL

HPF

X-OVER

2/4

Ω

2/4

Ω

RCA Cables

L +

L –

R –

R +

LPF

FULL

HPF

X-OVER

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XA2100

Bridged Subwoofer

2 Speakers + Subwoofer

Important
When running a subwoofer and two full-range
speakers together (Tri-mode operation), high
and low pass filters must be used. Failure to
install these filters will damage your amp and/
or speakers.

RCA Cables

2/4

Ω

2/4

Ω

L +

L –

R –

R +

Low Pass

Filter

(available at

most car stereo

installation

stores)

High Pass

Filters

LPF

FULL

HPF

X-OVER

Ω

RCA Cables

L +

L –

R –

R +

Ω

minimum

LPF

FULL

HPF

X-OVER

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XA2100

Test Power Wiring

1. Turn on the receiver but do not turn up

the volume. The amplifier power light
should come on. If not, check the
RMT and +12V wires.

2. Turn up the receiver volume slightly. All

speakers should operate. If not, check
wiring connections at amplifier and
speakers.

✓

Testing

Test Speaker Connections

These tests make sure the speakers are
connected right. If speakers don’t play at all,
one (or both) speaker wires may be discon-
nected. If the wrong speaker plays (you hear
left speaker when you expect right speaker)
make sure you connected the wires correctly.

Once everything is operating correctly,
reassemble vehicle trim and dashboard.

Before you finish the installation, you should do the following tests to make sure the wiring is correct
and everything is operating properly.

Dealing with Alternator Noise

The vehicle alternator can cause a “siren”
sound in the speakers that changes with
engine speed. To prevent alternator noise:

• Do not bundle RCA cables with speaker

or power wires

• Do not run speaker wires parallel to

power wires

• If you have more than one amplifier,

connect all ground wires to the same
screw

• Make sure all wires are as short as

possible

• Make sure the receiver black wire has a

good connection to the vehicle chassis
ground

Professional Tip

Reconnect Battery

When wiring is complete,
reconnect the battery
negative terminal.

–

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XA2100

Professional Tip

Crimp Connections

Purchase crimp connectors and crimping
tool. Connectors are color coded.

1. Strip 1/4 inch (6mm) of insulation from

both wires.

2. Insert into connector.
3. Crimp tightly.
You can make permanent splices (using butt
connectors) or select connectors that can be
removed and reinstalled.

Strip wire

1/4" (6mm)

Speaker and Power Wires

Do not run speaker and power wires next to
each other. Power wires can generate a
“siren” sound in the speakers. Run speaker
and power wires on opposite sides of the car.

Professional Tip

Securing Wires

Be proud of your installation! Use wire ties to
bundle wires together when possible. (But
never bundle speaker wires and power wires
together!)

Secure loose wires to the vehicle to make
sure they don’t rub or rattle.

Installing in Trunk

When installing the amplifier in the trunk, run
the power wires along the same path as the
other vehicle wiring. Many cars have insulated
channels for wiring. You will have to remove
the door sill trim and the carpet.

Professional Tip

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XA2100

Troubleshooting

Problem

Possible Cause

Corrective Action

Amplifier does not operate
(power LED not on) when
vehicle and radio are on

Radio volume needs to be
turned up too high for amp
to work

Radio volume is too sensitive

Sound from only one speaker

Sound distorted

Blows fuses

Alternator whine in outputs
(vehicle ignition noise)

Loud pop in speakers when
power is turned on or off

Protect light comes on/
amplifier shuts down

No output on channels

Can’t find cause of problem

No power to +12V terminal

No power to remote wire with radio on

Fuse blown

Input level control (gain control)
adjusted too low

Input level control adjusted too high

Defective speaker

Poor connections to speaker (wire)

Speaker wires shorting together

RCA input cable defective

Input level control adjusted too high

Speaker wires shorting together

Power wires hooked up incorrectly

Speakers blown or defective

Radio has poor noise immunity

Improper ground connections

Remote wire (blue) not properly
connected

Amp is in thermal protection

Faulty speaker connection and/or
crossover

Low battery voltage

Speaker impedance less than 2 ohms
per channel

Speaker wires not connected to
speakers properly

Input hooked up incorrectly

Repair wire or connections

Check connections to radio with test light

Check fuse

Adjust input level control (gain control)

Adjust input level control to lower setting

Replace speaker

Check connections

Separate speaker wires and insulate

Replace cable

Adjust input level control

Separate speaker wires and insulate

Check power wire connections

Check speakers

Disconnect audio inputs to amplifier – if noise disappears
then the radio is at fault

Make sure radio and amplifier are grounded to the same point

Refer to page 4 for proper installation. If radio does not have a
power antenna lead and you have connected the remote lead to
an ignition source then you may get a “pop” in your speakers.
This is not uncommon. You may have to put a switch in line with
the remote lead to turn the amp on/off manually.

Let amp cool down before attempting to turn back on (some
installations may require a fan to keep the amp cool, especially if
you are driving subwoofers with the amp)

Check speakers and/or crossovers for loose or bad connections

Make sure you are getting between 10.8-15.6 volts to the
amplifier with a digital multimeter measured at the amplifier

If you are using 4 ohm speakers you cannot have more than two
speakers wired in parallel per channel Amp will not operate
into 2 ohms bridged

Refer to pages 5, 6 and 7 for proper installation

Contact Jensen Technical Assistance (1-800-323-0221)

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Specifications

XA2100 Amplifier

Power output @ 14.4 VDC, 20-20 kHz ............ (4 ohms) 50 Watts per channel RMS, < 00.08% THD

(2 ohms) 83 Watts per channel RMS, < 00.1% THD

(4 ohms) bridged 150 Watts per channel RMS, < 00.1% THD

Frequency Response .......................................................................................... 20 Hz-20 kHz

3 dB

Signal to Noise Ratio @ Rated Power .................................................................................... >100 dB
Channel Separation @ Ref. Power ............................................................................... >65 dB, 1 kHz
THD & IMD @ Ref. Power into 2 ohms ..................................................................................... <0.1%
Speaker Impedance .............................................................................................................. 2-8 ohms
Input Impedance ............................................................................................................... 20 k ohms
Crossover Frequencies ...................................................................................... Low/High: 50-250 Hz
Power Requirement .................................................................. 14.4 VDC (10.8-15.6 VDC allowable)
Fuse Requirements ........................................................................................ 15 amp blade-type fuse
Dimensions ........................................................ 2.25" x 11.125" x 7.5" (56.5mm x 282mm x 190mm)

Specifications subject to change without notice.

Recoton Mobile Electronics

A Division of Recoton Audio Corporation

A RECOTON

COMPANY

1090 Emma Oaks Trail

Lake Mary, Florida 32746

Limited One Year Warranty–USA and Canada

Length of Warranty. This warranty from Recoton Mobile
Electronics shall be in effect for a period of one year from
the date of the first consumer purchase.

Persons Protected. This warranty will be enforceable by
the original owner and any subsequent owners during the
warranty period so long as proof of date of purchase from
an authorized Jensen dealer is presented whenever
warranty service is required.

What is Covered. Except as otherwise specified below,
this warranty covers all defects in material and workman-
ship in this product. The following are not covered: damage
resulting from accident, misuse, abuse, neglect, product
modification, improper installation, incorrect line voltage,
unauthorized repair or failure to follow instructions supplied
with the product; damage occurring during shipment (claims
must be presented to the carrier); elimination of car static
or other electrical interferences; any product purchased
outside USA or Canada, or on which the serial number
has been defaced, modified or removed.

How You Can Get Service.

U.S. Purchasers. Please telephone Jensen at
1-800-323-4815. We will either inform you of the name
and address of an authorized Jensen repair station which
will service the product or will advise you to send the
product to a factory service center.

Canadian Purchasers. The product should be returned
to the Jensen dealer from whom it was purchased and
such dealer either will service or arrange for service of
the product.

If shipment of the product is required, it should be packed
securely. The original dated bill of sale must always be
included with the product as proof of warranty coverage.

What We Will Pay For. We will pay for all labor and
material expenses required to repair the product, but you
must pay any labor costs for the removal and/or installation
of the product. If the product is shipped for warranty
service, you must prepay the initial shipping charges, but
Jensen will pay the return shipping charges if the product is
returned to an address inside the USA or Canada.

Limitation of Implied or Statutory Warranties and
Conditions. All implied or statutory warranties and
conditions, including warranties or conditions of merchant-
ability, fitness for particular purposes and non-infringement,
are limited in duration to the length of this warranty.

Exclusion of Certain Damages. Jensen’s liability is
limited to the repair or replacement, at our option, of any
defective product and shall not include incidental or
consequential economic damages of any kind.

Some states and/or provinces do not allow limitations on
how long an implied warranty lasts and/or do not allow the
exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential
damages, so the above limitations and exclusions may not
apply to you.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may
also have other rights which vary from state to state and
province to province.

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