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JL Audio JD500/1 JD Series mono subwoofer amplifier — 500 watts RMS x 1 at 2 ohms

Item # 13698362

We think JL Audio's JD Series amplifiers will provide tremendous performance and value for our customers.

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We think JL Audio's JD Series amplifiers will provide tremendous performance and value for our customers.

Item # 13698362

In stock
C$399.95

About the JL Audio JD500/1

Buck Pomerantz

Power up the bass

JL Audio's JX Series amplifiers were very popular with our customers, garnishing rave reviews citing their tremendous performance and value. We think their latest JD Series amps will follow in their footsteps, offering superior power and serious features for your dollar. The JD500/1 mono subwoofer amplifier will send up to 500 watts RMS to a sub, so you'll hear and feel the bass the way you want it. A variable low-pass filter and bass boost help you tune your sub to fit your system and sound its best. An optional wired remote control lets you turn the sub up or down from the front seat.

Power up the bass

JL Audio's JX Series amplifiers were very popular with our customers, garnishing rave reviews citing their tremendous performance and value. We think their latest JD Series amps will follow in their footsteps, offering superior power and serious features for your dollar. The JD500/1 mono subwoofer amplifier will send up to 500 watts RMS to a sub, so you'll hear and feel the bass the way you want it. A variable low-pass filter and bass boost help you tune your sub to fit your system and sound its best. An optional wired remote control lets you turn the sub up or down from the front seat.

Connection features

The amp includes speaker-level inputs with signal-sensing amp turn-on, along with preamp inputs and outputs, so it's ready to work in virtually any system. Differential-balanced inputs plus JL Audio's NexD™ amp technology keep the signal sounding pure and noise-free at all times.

JL Audio JD500/1

JD500/1 connection and control panel

Subwoofer Wiring Diagrams

To see sample wiring diagrams for all common subwoofer/amplifier combinations, check out this informative article.

READ LESS

Product highlights:

  • mono subwoofer amplifier
    • 250 watts RMS x 1 at 4 ohms
    • 500 watts RMS x 1 at 2 ohms
  • Class D amp design with NexD™ switching technology
  • frequency response: 7-500 Hz
  • variable low-pass filter (50-500 Hz, 12 dB/octave)
  • variable bass boost (0-12 dB at 45 Hz)
More Info:
  • optional RBC-1 wired remote level control
  • preamp inputs and outputs
    • differential-balanced inputs prevent noise
  • speaker-level input via speaker wire-to-RCA adapters
    • signal-sensing turn-on with speaker-level inputs
  • wiring, fuse, and hardware not included with amplifier
    • 4-gauge power and ground leads and a 50-amp fuse recommended
  • dimensions: 9-7/8"W x 2-1/8"H x 7-1/2"D
  • warranty: 2 years
  • MFR # 98362

What's in the box:

  • Monoblock subwoofer amplifier
  • 2.5mm Hex key
  • 3mm Hex key
  • Owner's manual

Featured video:

Customer reviews for JL Audio JD500/1

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Average review:

5.0 out of 5 stars
112 reviews

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Features

Amplifier Power Ratings:

  • At 14.4 volts: >80 dB S/N, 1% THD+N
    • 4Ω: 250 watts RMS
    • 3Ω: 350 watts RMS
    • 2Ω: 500 watts RMS
  • At 12.5 volts: >80 dB S/N, 1% THD+N
    • 4Ω: 225 watts RMS
    • 3Ω: 300 watts RMS
    • 2Ω: 400 watts RMS

Clipping LED: Using a 50 Hz sine-wave test tone recorded at 0 dB reference level (not included), the clipping LED helps you set the gain control to the maximum unclipped level.

Low Pass Crossover: The 12dB/octave low-pass filter is always engaged; it cannot be bypassed. The crossover point is continuously variable from 50-500 Hz.

Bass Boost: The bass boost circuit is variable from 0 to +12dB. The boost is centered at 45Hz.

Protection Circuitry: The JD500/1's protection circuitry automatically turns the amplifier off if thermal limits are exceeded, a short circuit is detected in the speaker wiring, or the input voltage drops below 11 volts.

Wired Remote: An optional RBC-1 Remote Level Control (sold separately) can be added, allowing you to adjust the amp's output level from the front of the vehicle.

Controls:

  • Input Sensitivity: rotary control; used to match your source unit's output voltage to the input stage of the amplifier for maximum clean output; the range of the dial depends on how the Input Voltage switch is set
  • Input Voltage: 2-position switch:
    • Low: input sensitivity control (gain) range is 200mV-2V; used with the preamp output of typical aftermarket radios
    • High: input sensitivity control (gain) range is 800mV-8V; used with speaker level outputs and high output preamps
  • Low Pass Crossover Frequency: rotary control; continuously variable from 50-500 Hz
  • Turn-on Mode: 3-position switch:
    • Remote: use when the source unit has a +12 volt remote turn-on wire (preferred method)
    • Offset: the amp reads a small DC signal typical on the speaker level output of factory radios (senses the offset on the left input)
    • Signal: detects a midrange speaker level signal on the input; turns off after approximately 30 with no signal
  • Bass Boost: rotary control; continuously variable from 0 to +12 dB

Connections:

  • Power: The power, ground, and remote turn-on connections are set-screw terminals:
    • Power and Ground: accept up to 4-gauge wire (4-gauge minimum recommended); the included 3mm hex key is used to tighten/loosen the set-screws
    • Remote Turn-on: accepts up to 10-gauge wire (18-gauge minimum recommended); the included 2.5mm hex key is used to tighten/loosen the set-screw
Note: The amplifier is not equipped with a fuse. An external 50-amp fuse (not included) must be installed on the power wire. If a wiring kit is used which includes a fuse with a value other than 50-amps, the original should be replaced with a 50-amp fuse.
  • Subwoofer Output Terminals: The subwoofer outputs are set-screw terminals. They accept up to 8-gauge wire (16-gauge minimum recommended). There are two pair of outputs, internally wired in parallel, making it easy to connect two subwoofers. The included 2.5mm hex key is used to tighten/loosen the set-screws.
  • Signal Inputs: The stereo RCA input jacks accept either preamp or speaker level signals. When connecting speaker level signals, a speaker wire to RCA adapter is useful. The left and right channels are internally summed to mono.
  • Preamp Outputs: The stereo RCA preamp outputs pass the signal connected to the RCA inputs, so another amplifier can be added easily. The output is not affected by the JD500/1's gain, crossover, or bass boost controls. The preamp output signal is buffered to prevent noise.

Note: When the input voltage switch is set to Low, the voltage of the RCA output matches the input; when set to High, the output voltage is attenuated -12 dB.

  • Remote Level Control: The RJ-25 connection is used for the optional optional RBC-1 wired remote.

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Customer Q&A

31 questions already asked

Q
My factory amp quit working in my 98 EB expedition. Can this work as a replacement?
james  Mar 04, 2024
1 answer
A
Greetings James. If you have the Mach Audio system in your Expedition, you have more than one amplifier. An aftermarket amplifier will not be plug and play, and will have more power than the factory speakers can take. This JL Audio amp is a mono amp, one channel. All it can do is subwoofers.
hogan  Mar 04, 2024 (Staff)
Q
Will I need a LOC for this, it will be tapped into existing head/amp out?
william  Jan 11, 2024
1 answer
A
Greetings Bill. Thank you for your question. You will need something. maybe not an LOC, but the only inputs on this amp are RCA which can take high level in. The best option is to use their RCA to speaker wire adapters. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_136XDCLR2S/JL-Audio-XD-CLRAIC2-SW.html?tp=88134
hogan  Jan 11, 2024 (Staff)
Q
I am looking at the JBL Club WS1200 speaker that will go into a down fire box. I am wanting to go 2 ohms with this system. Is the JD500/1 the best amp for the job?
brian  Dec 28, 2023
1 answer
A
If you are going to have two of the JBL Club WS1200 subwoofers, then this amp will work and you can even get a 2 ohm load for the amp. If you plan on only using one of those subwoofers with it, then you will want to run the subwoofer as a 4 ohm model
jason  Dec 30, 2023 (Staff)
Q
Will this work with the JL Audio 10W0v3-4?
nalik  Nov 16, 2023
1 answer
A
Greetings Nalik. Thank you for your question. This JL Audio JD500/1 does 250 watts at 4 ohms. The W0v3 4 ohm is rated for 300, so this 250 watts would run your sub well.
hogan  Nov 16, 2023 (Staff)
Q
On preamp output,can connect another amp for speakers?
vinoh  Sep 03, 2023
1 answer
A
Greetings Alvin, and great question. They can be. Something to think about though is they pass the same signal as the input does. So if you filter out high frequencies on the stereo settings (AKA subwoofer output), only low frequencies will come out of the RCA outs on this amp. Now if you have full range going into this amp, and do the low pass filtering on the amp, full range will come out the RCA outputs. Hope that makes sense.
hogan  Sep 03, 2023 (Staff)
Q
On preamp output,can connect another amp for speakers or can I connect on preamp a power subs?
vinoh  Sep 03, 2023
1 answer
A
You may use the preamp outputs of this amplifier to connect another amplifier or a powered subwoofer if desired. The output is not affected by the JD500/1's gain, crossover, or bass boost controls.
zachary  Sep 03, 2023 (Staff)
Q
Best sub to put with jd 500/ 1 ?Easy way for a line converter to be hooked up? An go????
james  Jul 14, 2023
1 answer
A
Please reach out to our advisors for help with selecting the correct subwoofer and accessories for your project. There are several great options for subs. You may reach our advisors via online chat or phone at 1-800-324-9695.
zachary  Jul 14, 2023 (Staff)
Q
Best sub to put with jd 500/ 1 ?Easy way for a line converter to be hooked up? An go????
james  Jul 14, 2023
1 answer
A
Greetings James, and thank you for your question. The best sub would be the W3 2 ohm from JL Audio. 10 inch or 12. The JD 500/1 can take high level in thru the RCAs. They just need RCA to speaker wire adapters which are available. Most line converters you can get for $20 add noise. If this is being added to a factory radio, most factory radios block out low bass, and roll it off even more at a higher volume level. Then you would want a bass restoring processor. If your looking at this amp, and a JL Audio W3, your serious about performance. Get the Audio Control LC2i as well.
hogan  Jul 14, 2023 (Staff)
Q
Is the JD 500/1 a good match for a Alpine SWR-1242D (https://
www.crutchfield.com/S-S7JR9Sw3qj8/p_500SWR1242/Alpine-SWR-1242D.html) @ 2O? Tossing up whether it is worth me swapping out the Alpine Mrp-m450 (https://www.crutchfield.com/S-kfexkKYucBb/p_500MRPM450/Alpine-MRP-M450.html) that it is currently running on.
corey  Apr 26, 2023
1 answer
A
The JL Audio JD500/1 would be a great choice for a swapout, Corey. You would be maximizing the potential of the Alpine SWR-1242D and matching its RMS peak wattage right at 500-watts. This would provide a slight improvement in sound and the warm, natural tone of the JL amps just cannot be beat! If you are not currently running a 4-gauge wire, you will need to also step up to the Crutchfield CK4 kit in the link below. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_007CK4/Crutchfield-CK4.html
bo  Apr 26, 2023 (Staff)
Q
Can it power 2 10s w1v3-4?
jose  Mar 01, 2023
1 answer
A
This would work nicely to power two 10W1v3-4 subwoofers.
zachary  Mar 01, 2023 (Staff)
Q
Will a JL JD500/1 amp power two 12 inch Skar audio VD-12 D2?
anthony  Jan 25, 2023
1 answer
A
This would not be ideal. This amplifier would not output enough power to accommodate two VD-12 D2/ For help with selecting the best amplifier for your project, please reach out to our advisors via online chat or phone at 1-800-324-9695.
zachary  Jan 26, 2023 (Staff)
Q
Will this be a good choice to use with 2 2-way 6x8's and 2 pillar tweets? If so, what wattage would you recommend for the 6x8's and tweets? '99 mustang install.
chris  Jan 21, 2023
1 answer
A
Greetings Chris, and thank you for your question. This would not be a good choice to run your speaker set up. This JL JD500/1 is a single channel amplifier meant to run a subwoofer. For a better option, please contact one of our advisors at 800-324-9695.
hogan  Jan 21, 2023 (Staff)
Q
Amp wont turn on until I turn up the volume on the stereo?
chris  Jan 17, 2023
1 answer
A
If you purchased the amplifier from Crutchfield, feel free to contact our Tech Support team. They can help to troubleshoot the issue and offer possible solutions. Our toll-free Tech Support number is printed on your invoice, and is also available under the "My Orders" tab in the "My Account" section of our website. If you did not purchase the unit from Crutchfield, then you may want to contact the manufacturer.
zachary  Jan 17, 2023 (Staff)
Q
Does this come with the remote bass control knob?
tyler  Oct 24, 2022
1 answer
A
That's a great question Tyler. This JL Audio JD500/1 is one of my personal favorites, but it sadly does not come with a bass knob included. Make sure to grab the RBC-1 Remote in the first link below if you want a JL factory bass remote control! Depending on your setup, especially if you are connecting to a factory radio you will need a processor for good bass. The Audiocontrol LC2i pro in the second link is fantastic and comes with a bass knob included. If you need a line output converter AND the knob control, go with the LC2i! https://www.crutchfield.com/p_136RBC1/JL-Audio-RBC-1.html https://www.crutchfield.com/p_161LC2IPRO/AudioControl-LC2i-PRO.html
bo  Oct 24, 2022 (Staff)
Q
where is this amp made?
legin  Jun 20, 2022
1 answer
A
Greetings Legin, and thank you for your question. The JL Audio JD500/1 is assembled in Taiwan.
hogan  Jun 20, 2022 (Staff)
Q
is this compatible with a JBL Stage 1200S?
ayden  Jun 04, 2022
1 answer
A
This fantastic JL JD500 would put out around 500 watts at 2 ohms to the JBL, It's a little too powerful for the JBL Stage 1200s's 250 watt RMS rating. This JL JD250 that I've linked below is a perfect match for the RMS rating on the JBL, 250 watts to 250 watts, check it out! https://www.crutchfield.com/p_13698360/JL-Audio-JD250-1.html
bo  Jun 04, 2022 (Staff)
Q
Would this be the correct amp for a single JL Audio 10W1v3-2 (300W RMS @ 2ohms - 600W peak)? Looking for sound quality not sound quantity.
luke  May 30, 2022
1 answer
A
That's a really great question, and one that comes up a lot Luke! The JD500/1 is one of my favorite amps for sure, but it's a little too powerful here for the 300 watts RMS max on the 10w1v3-2. For a quality sound and a reliable setup I'd use the JD250/1 I've linked below. This amp will deliver 250 watts RMS and is right in the sweet spot of JL's specs on the sub without exceeding it. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_13698360/JL-Audio-JD250-1.html
bo  May 31, 2022 (Staff)
Q
Is it 1 ohm stable?
william  Feb 24, 2022
2 answers
A
don't think so
george  Feb 25, 2022
A
Yes 1 ohm stables I loved
deigo  Feb 24, 2022
Q
Is it 1 ohm stable?
william  Feb 24, 2022
1 answer
A
No. 2 ohm stable
rik  Feb 24, 2022
Q
I'm hooking up 2 12WOv3-4 what's the best way to wire them for peak performance?
chris  Jun 08, 2021
2 answers
A
I would say parallel
george  Jun 11, 2021
A
If you purchased the product from Crutchfield, feel free to contact our Tech Support team. They can walk you through the settings on the product and see if there may be a fix. Our toll-free Tech Support number is printed on your invoice, and is also available under the "My Orders" tab in the "My Account" section of our website. If you did not purchase the unit from Crutchfield, then you may want to contact the manufacturer.
kristina  Jun 10, 2021 (Staff)
Q
Can the jd 500 push 2 10w3v34?
jorge  May 13, 2021
2 answers
A
Yes it can they can will get 250W each
preston  May 13, 2021
A
Barely. It puts out 400rms @ 12v or 500rms @ 14v. Both numbers divided by the two subs would be either 200 or 250 rms to each sub. That's barely rated power. I'd do one jd500 per 10w3v3.
rik  May 13, 2021
Q
what's the real difference between this and the jx500/1 ???
justin  Dec 12, 2020
1 answer
A
basically, i just got it cause its a newer model and the jx500/1 is discontinued, but mainly its smaller and gives you the same amount of power as the other
george  Dec 15, 2020
Q
Can this amp power 2 10" 10w0v3-4?
andres  Nov 19, 2020
1 answer
A
Yes. And quite well. I've got mine powering two of those subs in the jl manufactured boxes.
rik  Nov 20, 2020
Q
Will the JL 500/1 power three 10 inch JL wv3 subs?
brandon  Nov 11, 2020
1 answer
A
Depends now the wiring setup pretty you it can
george  Feb 25, 2022
Q
I was just wonder when I turn my radio up my clipper knob blinks red when the bass hits is this bad ? I tried turning it down but end up with no bass
trey  Sep 26, 2020
2 answers
A
There are several sources that clipping may arise from, based on what you're experiencing i would suggest looking at the source. Ensure that your head unit is not introducing the artifacts. You should have your head unit at approximately 75% volume while you set the amplifier gain. If this doesn't resolve the issue once you've eliminated the source I would then look at contacting JL for assistance.
matthew jon  Oct 15, 2020
A
If you purchased the product from Crutchfield, feel free to contact our Tech Support team. Our toll-free Tech Support number is printed on your invoice, and is also available under the "My Orders" tab in the "My Account" section of our website. If you did not purchase the unit from Crutchfield, then you may want to contact the manufacturer.
kristina  Oct 15, 2020 (Staff)
Q
Can I power two kickers compR 10" with this amp?
carlos  Aug 22, 2020
4 answers
A
Yes.I power a compr 12 and jl 10 and it does an ok job. Just keep in mind how you wire the resistance, I wouldn't try to go down to 1 ohm.
charles  Aug 25, 2020
A
I use this amp on one JL10 which is a single voice coil... with you speakers being dual voice coil I would recommend and larger amp... like the 1000/1 JL amp
clifton  Aug 23, 2020
A
I said no but check the manual
pat  Aug 23, 2020
A
No
pat  Aug 23, 2020
Q
How do you get a signal wire to the amp when you have a factory radio?
kyle  Apr 19, 2020
3 answers
A
Are you asking about the amp turn on wire? If so, you need to find the ignition positive wire for your factory radio that turns your radio on when you turn the key then you can splice in your amp signal wire to that
ryan  Apr 21, 2020
A
You have to find a power wire that is activated by the ignition and tap into it.
john  Apr 21, 2020
A
You'll need to buy a line level converter. This will connect to your two back speakers and go to the amp.
sam  Apr 21, 2020
Q
is this amp a good match for a JL Audio 10TW3-D4 subwoofer ?
michael  Feb 07, 2020
1 answer
A
Thanks for your question. For information on selecting the best amp for your subs I would recommend reaching out to an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They will be able to help determine the differences between the amp models and help you make the best choice for your system.
kristina  Mar 10, 2020 (Staff)
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