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JL Audio RD900/5 5-channel car amplifier — 70 watts RMS x 4 at 4 ohms + 500 watts RMS x 1 at 2 ohms

Item # 13698642

JL Audio's RD900/5 5-channel amplifier will send 70 watts RMS to each your car's front and rear speakers,...

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JL Audio's RD900/5 5-channel amplifier will send 70 watts RMS to each your car's front and rear speakers,...

Item # 13698642

In stock
C$899.95

About the JL Audio RD900/5

Buck Pomerantz

Power your entire system

JL Audio's RD900/5 5-channel amplifier will send 70 watts RMS to each your car's front and rear speakers, while delivering up to 500 watts RMS to a sub. Or, for louder applications, you could switch your RD900/5 to 3-channel mode and run a pair of high performance speakers with 200 watts each and still send 500 watts to a sub. An optional wired remote lets you adjust the sub's volume from your front seat.

Power your entire system

JL Audio's RD900/5 5-channel amplifier will send 70 watts RMS to each your car's front and rear speakers, while delivering up to 500 watts RMS to a sub. Or, for louder applications, you could switch your RD900/5 to 3-channel mode and run a pair of high performance speakers with 200 watts each and still send 500 watts to a sub. An optional wired remote lets you adjust the sub's volume from your front seat.

Low current demand, low distortion, and easy integration

The RD900/5 plays your music with true fidelity and impressive impact, without straining your car's electrical system, thanks to JL Audio's proprietary NexD™ amplifier technology. "Differential-balanced" inputs keep the incoming signals clear of outside noise, and allow you to connect this amp to just about any radio. The speaker-level inputs feature two auto turn-on modes so you can readily incorporate this amp into a factory system — no need for RCA connections or a remote turn-on lead for this setup. 

LED clip lights and other cool features

High-pass filters, low-pass filters, and a bass boost help you dial in the perfect tone for your speakers and subwoofer. Onboard LED clip indicators let you set the amp gain quickly and accurately with the use of a test tone. A removable cover hides the amp's controls, resulting in a handsome appearance and a tamper-resistant installation. Cool blue LED accent lighting adds some charm to this amp's rugged good looks.

JL Audio RD900/5

JL Audio RD900/5 controls and accent lighting

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Product highlights:

  • 5-channel car amplifier
  • 70 watts RMS x 4 + 225 watts RMS x 1 at 4 ohms
  • 100 watts RMS x 4 + 500 watts RMS at 2 ohms
  • 200 watts RMS x 2 bridged at 4 ohms (4-ohm stable in bridged mode) + 500 watts RMS at 2 ohms
  • Class D amplifier design with NextD™ switching amp technology
  • differential-balanced inputs help eliminate noise
  • variable high-pass filters (50-500 Hz, 12 dB/octave) on front and rear channels
  • variable low-pass filter (50-500 Hz, 12 dB/octave) on subwoofer channel
  • LED clip lights help set gain
Other Features:
  • blue LED accent lighting
  • optional wired remote level control for subwoofer channel
  • preamp and speaker-level inputs (speaker wire to RCA adapter required for speaker-level input)
  • 4-gauge power and ground leads and 80-amp fuse recommended — wiring and hardware not included with amplifier
  • no onboard fuses — when installing multiple amps in a system, an additional 80-amp in-line fuse between the distribution block and the amplifier is recommended
  • 14-11/16"W x 2-3/16"H x 7"D
  • warranty: 2 years
  • MFR # 98642

What's in the box:

  • 5-Channel amplifier
  • 2.5mm Allen wrench
  • Self-adhesive JL Audio badge
  • Owner's manual

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Customer reviews for JL Audio RD900/5

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Features
Controls
Connections
Specifications

Features

RD Series: The JL Audio RD series amplifiers feature big audio performance from a small footprint. With exclusive NexD switching technologies, the RD amps run cooler than most other amplifiers. Because the RD amps employ smaller cast alloy heat sinks, they can be installed in smaller spaces. RD amplifiers feature a black powder-coat finish with a brushed aluminum cover for the controls.

Full Range Class-D Amplifier: The RD900/5 is a Class-D full range amplifier, designed specifically for powering two pairs of speakers and a subwoofer. The amplifier is stable down to 2 ohms, and has the following power output:

  Input Power 4 ohms 3 ohms 2 ohms 4 ohms bridged
Main Channels 14.4 V 70 W x 4 --- 100 W x 4 200 W x 2
12.5 V 60 W x 4 --- 90 W x 4 180 W x 2
Subwoofer Channel 14.4 V 225 W x 1 325 W x 1 500 W x 1 ---
12.5 V 200 W x 1 250 W x 1 350 W x 1 ---

Differential-Balanced Inputs: The RD900/5 features differential-balanced input architecture to effectively control noise and ensure compatibility with a wide variety of source units, including many OEM systems. Without resorting to line output converters, you can directly connect most OEM source units to the amplifier without creating any noise or compatibility issues. Unlike conventional single-ended inputs, the differential-balanced design does not connect one side of the audio signal to chassis ground. This eliminates any voltage sensitivity between one input terminal and ground and greatly reduces the incidence of alternator whine in a typical car audio installation.

Note: You will need a Speaker Wire to RCA adapter (sold separately) to connect this amplifier to your head unit via speaker level.

Protection Circuitry With Status Indicator Lights: The amp features a bi-color LED light strip on the top panel of the amplifier to indicate the amplifier's operating status:

  • Temporary Red: When the amplifier is powering up, the light strip turns red for 3 seconds and audio output is muted.
  • Constant Blue: The LEDs light blue to indicate that the amplifier is turned on and operating normally.
  • Constant Red: The LEDs light constant red to indicate that the amplifier has exceeded its safe operating temperature, putting the amplifier into a self-protection mode, which mutes the power output of the amplifier. The red LEDs will shut off and the amplifier will return to normal, full-power operating mode when the temperature drops back to a safe level.
  • Momentary Red: The light strip will light red for 1/2 second and the output will be muted to indicate that an over-current condition has occurred. Over-current condition can be caused by a speaker impedance lower than the optimum load impedance range for the amplifier or a short-circuit in the speaker wiring.
  • LEDs Off: The only condition that will shut down an undamaged RD900/5 completely is if battery voltage or remote turn-on voltage drops below 10 Volts. The amplifier will turn back on when voltage climbs back above 11 Volts.

Cooling System: The outer shell of the JL Audio amplifier is designed to remove heat from the amplifier circuitry. For optimum cooling performance, this outer shell should be exposed to as large a volume of air as possible.  Enclosing the amplifier in a small, poorly ventilated chamber can lead to excessive heat build-up and degraded performance.

Controls

Control Panel Cover: The RD900/5 features a brushed aluminum Control Panel Security Cover which protects and hides the amplifier's controls. When installed, the cover ensures that the amplifier's settings are not accidentally changed while creating a clean aesthetic look for the amplifier and your installation. The control panel security cover is pre-installed at the factory and must be temporarily removed to access the amplifier's controls. The security cover screws can be removed with the supplied 2.5mm Allen wrench.

LED Clipping Indicators: The amplifier is equipped with an onboard LED clipping indicator which let you quickly and accurately set the amp's input sensitivity without special equipment. The simple, 7-step procedure using a Test CD and a screwdriver properly sets the input sensitivity to its optimum level.

Flexible Input Section and Active Crossover Network: The RD900/5 amplifier provides a flexible input section and a comprehensive crossover network to fine tune your system effectively and accurately. The amp is equipped with 12 dB/octave Butterworth crossovers: high-pass filters for the front and rear channels, and a low-pass filter for the subwoofer channel. The crossovers each feature a rotary control to select the cutoff frequency between 50Hz and 500Hz. There are additional markings at 60Hz, 80Hz, 120Hz, and 200Hz. You'll need a small screwdriver (not included) to set the frequency.

Turn-on Options: The Turn-on Mode Switch lets you choose the method for turning the amplifier on and off:

  • +12V Remote Turn-on Lead: The preferred method for turning the amplifier on and off is by running a turn-on lead from the source unit and connecting it to the Remote terminal. When +12V is present at the terminal, the amplifier will turn on. When the +12V is turned off, the amplifier will shut off. The set screw connector on the Remote terminal will accept 18 AWG to 12 AWG wire.
  • DC Offset-Sensing: The amplifier will turn on and off when the presence of a very small DC signal (or offset) is detected on the amp's RCA left channel input. The amplifier will turn off when this DC Offset is no longer present. This method is designed for high-level (speaker-level) input signals, not for low-level (line-level) signals.
  • Signal-Sensing: The amplifier will turn on and off by detecting the presence of a full-range audio signal at the left-channel input. The amp will turn off approximately 30 seconds after the audio signal is no longer detected. This method is designed for use with high-level (speaker-level) input signals and not for low-level (preamp level) signals.
Note: When the DC Offset or Signal Sensing turn-on methods are being used, the amp's Remote terminal can be used as a remote turn-on output for other amplifiers or accessories in the system.

Input Voltage: The amp will accept a wide range of signal input voltages, from 200mV to 8V. The range is split into two sub-ranges: "Low" for preamp level signals from 200mV to 2V, and "High" for high-output preamp level signals and speaker level signals from 800mV to 8V.

Input Mode: The Input Mode switch lets you set the amplifier for the number of channels of input being fed into the amplifier. You can send six discrete channels, or use only four or two channels to feed all of the amplifier channels. The Input Mode switch can be set to 6 CH, 4 CH, or 2 CH.

Connections

Power/Ground/Turn-On Terminals: This JL Audio RD amplifier features set screw clamp terminals for the power, ground, and remote turn-on connections. A 2.5mm hex-wrench is supplied for tightening or loosening the set screws.

  • Power and Ground: The amplifier's set screw clamp Power and Ground connections are designed to accept up to 4 AWG power wire, as recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Remote Turn-On: The amplifier's set screw clamp turn-on lead will accept 18 to 12 AWG wire.
Note: The Amplifier is not equipped with a fuse. An external 80-amp AFS, AGU, or MAXI fuse must be installed on the power wire. If a wiring kit is used which includes a fuse with a value other than 80 amps, the original should be replaced with a 80-amp fuse.

Speaker Output Terminals: The JL Audio RD900/5 features eight set screw clamp speaker terminals for the front and rear channels, and four for the subwoofer channel. The terminals for the subwoofer channel allow you to connect up to two subs, and are internally wired in parallel. (They are not stereo outputs.) The terminals will accept 16 to 8 AWG speaker wire.

Preamp Inputs: The amplifier features three sets of differential-balanced RCA jack inputs, each with an Input Voltage switch and rotary Input Sensitivity control. The amplifier's input voltage range is 200mV-2V (LOW) and 800mV-8V (HIGH).

Remote Level Control: The amplifier features a standard RJ-14 telephone connector for adding the optional RBC-1 Wired Remote Bass Controller (sold separately). The Remote Bass Controller lets you control the volume of the subwoofer from the driver's seat.

Specifications
  • Frequency Response:
    • Main Channels: 12 Hz to 22 kHz (+0, -1dB)
    • Subwoofer Channel: 10 Hz to 500 Hz (+0, -1dB)
  • Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >104dB at highest rated power, >84dB at 1 W
  • Damping Factor: >150 / 50 Hz @ 4Ω, >75 / 50 Hz @ 2Ω
  • THD+N: <1% at 2Ω per channel (rated power, main and subwoofer channels)

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Customer Q&A

17 questions already asked

Q
I have this amp and 4 6.5 hertz speakers. I'm added a sub. Should I get the hertz 12 sub that is 4ohm or 2ohm?
tony  Sep 22, 2023
1 answer
A
Greetings Tony. Thank you for your question. We have 8 Hertz 12 inch subs. Most have different power ratings. 2 ohm subs get more power out of the amp, than 4 ohm subs do. If you are wanting the full 500 watts going out of the amp. you want a 2 ohm sub, and you want it to be able to take that 500. Their Mille Pro, and Mille Pro shallow can take the 500 watts.
hogan  Sep 22, 2023 (Staff)
Q
Is it safe to wire this at 1 ohm? Or do I need to stay at 2.
joseph  Oct 13, 2022
1 answer
A
This amplifier is not designed or rated to operate at a 1-ohm impedance. It will be necessary to stay at or above 2-ohms.
zachary  Oct 13, 2022 (Staff)
Q
Where is the Safety Fuse located on the AMP? My alternator blew a few months back and i cant find out why it wont turn back on.
joshua h  Sep 29, 2022
1 answer
A
This amplifier isn't equipped with a fuse. If you purchased the product from Crutchfield, feel free to contact our Tech Support team. They can help to troubleshoot the issue. 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  Sep 29, 2022 (Staff)
Q
I have 2 focal component fxe 6.5, 2 focal 6.5 coax, 2 jl audio 10tw3-d4 subs. Which jl audio 5 channel can run this best for me?
stacey  Sep 19, 2021
1 answer
A
Thanks for your question. For information on selecting the best amp for your speakers/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.
kenneth  Sep 20, 2021 (Staff)
Q
Do I need to run 16 guage wire to use this amp?
thomas k  Jul 29, 2021
3 answers
A
My recommendation would be to use whatever thickness JL Audio recommends which should be available in the user's manual, and downloadable from Crutchfield. They recommend a range of 16AWG to 8AWG.
chris  Aug 01, 2021
A
It's up to you that's what I used
george  Jul 29, 2021
A
I wish I had stuck with my Alpine 5 channel
mike  Jul 29, 2021
Q
Can you attach a separate bass control knob?
thomas k  Jul 29, 2021
3 answers
A
Yes
james  Jul 29, 2021
A
Yes!
robert  Jul 29, 2021
A
yes.. cruthfiedls has one for you !!!! just ask !!!!!!!
jeffrey  Jul 29, 2021
Q
Any quick connects/disconnect that may work with this amp?
anthony  Jun 17, 2021
1 answer
A
At the time of this reply, we do not have any quick disconnects that work with this amp. This may change in the future and I recommend contacting an advisor by calling 1-800-324-9695 to check
jason  Jul 03, 2021 (Staff)
Q
Where is this made?
mark  Apr 25, 2020
1 answer
A
I do not know. Love the amp though
jay  May 05, 2020
Q
What if I'm just trying to power two 12" W3 Subs? I'm not worried about speakers
uncaged  Apr 18, 2019
4 answers
A
I'm sure you could make it work but I actually sent that amp back. I ended up going with a 5 channel to run a whole system. I'm way too old to be rattling license plates off cars and pissing off the general public at stoplights
anthony s  Apr 18, 2019
A
I have this amp and I am using it for the full capability in a Jeep. 2 Fronts, 2 one the roll bar and then 2 12" subs and it is completely awesome. Really crisp and solid. On some extreme lows you can get some distortion, but it is extremely rare. Installed it and have no issues. I would buy again.
jim  Apr 18, 2019
A
You need a mono block amp
joshua  Apr 18, 2019
A
Stick with mono amp
brandon  Apr 18, 2019
Q
Will this amp RD900 do good to run two 6x9,and four 6.5 speakers? Looking to set it up for my highs.
cliff  Mar 23, 2019
1 answer
A
Thanks for your question. For information on selecting the best amp 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  Apr 01, 2019 (Staff)
Q
I have a jl audio w6 ho 12 in box. Will the jl audio RD 900 5 channel push this sub?
jaime  Aug 14, 2018
3 answers
A
I love the unit. I am driving a 10" JL Audio sub on a boat and it has plenty of power for it..I recommend it..
chris  Aug 20, 2018
A
p.s. in addition to my answer to your question i have something elso to add. Crutchfield i without a doubt the best and most professional place to buy car audio. i have been purchasing from them for years and their support team is first rate bar none. i have returned products that were defective and never at one time was i made to feel that i was to stupid to know what was going on. in every case returns were easy and i was send a new exact model of what i purchased asap. i can't praise them enough. their write up on their producks are comprehensive and informative to help you make a right decision. all my car audion has been purchased through them. this isn't hype. i have told them numerous time of the satisfaction i have with them and recommend them to all my friends. whether you chose jl audio for additional info or crutchfield you will get more than a satisfactory experience.
carl  Aug 20, 2018
A
i purchased this amp for my son's 2014 hyundai elantra which has a large trunk. along with the amp i purchased a jl CP 210-W0v3. its rather large but ported for the type of music he listens to. you mentioned that your sub was a W6HO12 which i assume is a pre fab jl box with one sub in a ported box. if it is i have heard that sub at safe and sound here in anchorage and it really thumps. i can't remember the power of the amp but the sub is rated at 600 watts max and 200 nominal according to jl audio. the rd99/5 puts out 500 watts into 2 ohms which matches your sub if this is the one at crutchfield and at jl audio. jl amps are rather conservatively rated. i believe it can put out more that the 500 watts but it depends on how loud you play your music. my son's elantra has jbl components up front and a 6 1/2 in the rear doors. these jbl's are rated at 3 ohms. according to jl the amp can handle speakers at a 2 ohm load on the main channels. i don't drive the car so i don't know how the sound is. i have a now discontinued jl box with 2 10" v3 v3's. it is a jl design and it really thumps in my 99 civic. i amp pushing them with a mtx 801D rated at 800 watts into a 2 ohm load, thats 400 watts each. MTX don't make amps like they used to. these amps, a 6304 4 channel also, are 15 years old and still going strong. i personally think you are ok. the amp will certainly push the sub. the CP210-W0V3 is also a 2 ohm sub box. i would suggest that you contact both crutchfield and jl audio before purchasing the amp and not go on my word. the amp will definetely push the sub but that depends on how loud you like you music that's why i suggest you talk to jl audio. can't go wrong.
carl  Aug 20, 2018
Q
My sub has dual 1 ohm coils. With the two pairs of sub speaker outs on this amp, how would I wire this correctly in series to achieve a 2 ohm impedance? Just use one pos/neg and wire the sub coils in series or left pos/right neg?
robert  Mar 24, 2018
1 answer
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  Apr 06, 2018 (Staff)
Q
Does this amp have enough power to run two C5-650, two C2-690tx, and a 10 inch jl W3 sub? The C2s and subs I think will be fine just worried the C5s might not get enough power.
austin  Feb 08, 2018
2 answers
A
Need to look at RMS of what your running verses what the unit can handle. I have a 10 and a 12" sub hooked into mine with 4 speakers as well does perfectly fine.
justin  Feb 10, 2018
A
I'm sorry but I don't have any idea. I do know that it powers two 6 x 8 Jensons, two six-inch Jensen's, and a 12 inch Kicker sub very well. I definitely can't complain. If you'd like more details regarding the speakers I can certainly provide that. Just let me know.
scott  Feb 10, 2018
Q
I bought a pioneer with equal ratings. This amp shuts down very easy and not hot. Is this amp going to do the same? Pioneer was 250 ish. Did I get what I paid for? Thanks.
todd  May 30, 2017
7 answers
A
Todd, I have the JL 900/5 Amp in a Toyoto Tacoma extended cab truck. 4 door speaks and 2 10 inch JL subs. It is very loud and clear. I am a 50 year old guy the love to hear a very clear sound not just a loud thumping sound. But my 20 year old son wound luv to have my sound system in his truck. So to answer your question. I like this amp a lot. You get what you pay for. Good luck. Marc
marcus c  Jun 17, 2017
A
I don't think you will encounter problems with the JL amp shutting off, I had mine since December last year and no issues, it is very loud, I would check the wiring on the Pioneer it is odd that it shuts off.
alejandro  Jun 03, 2017
A
I have had the jl audio for about 2 months now, I took a 6 hour road trip and was playing music at a fairly decent volume probably mid way the whole 6 hours not once has it shut down. Not to mention it is worth every penny spent, the sound is nice and crisp
gilberto  Jun 01, 2017
A
This JL Audio amp handles the power quite well. I power 4 Focal speakers and a 12 inch sub with this amp and it's loud and clean. Very impressed with my purchase so far.
lance  May 31, 2017
A
in my opinion, the sample kicks butt. I've had mine for a few months now and I've had no troubles whatsoever with it. And I've definitely had an opportunity to put it through its paces. I absolutely love it.
scott  May 31, 2017
A
I have not installed the amp yet. Saving it for my son's birthday in July so I can't help there. I will say that I have a A A JL made sub with 2 10" W3 V3 subs that really rock. The box is small fits my civic. My older son has JL component Speakers in his 2012 sonic and 6 3/4" in the rear doors. They too sound excellent. Don't think you can go wrong with JL
carl  May 31, 2017
A
The Jl Adudio amp is digital and runs way cooler. You will not experience any shut offs with this amp. Pioneer makes great head units but that pretty much where it ends as far as car audio goes. Pay the extra you won't be dissapointed!
ricky  May 31, 2017
Q
Can this amp have a 4 ohm load to the main speakers and a 2 ohm load on the sub channel?
bryan  Oct 05, 2016
1 answer
A
Yes, you can connect (up to) two pairs of 4-ohm speakers and a 2-ohm subwoofer to the JL Audio RD900/5 amplifier. I hope that helps!
david  Oct 07, 2016 (Staff)
Q
I have two W0V3 12 inch subs, will this amp be able to output more than 225rmsx1 @4ohms? The subs run 250-300rms each so does that mean I need a amp that outputs 500-600rms to these subs?
jordan  Sep 19, 2016
1 answer
A
When you wire the two 4 ohm subs in parallel to the 5th channel of the RD900/5, you'll present a 2 Ohm final load and get up to 500 watts RMS (250 per sub), so, yes, the 5th channel is a good match for your subwoofers. I hope that helps. My Bio: http://www.crutchfield.com/Support/Bio.aspx?bio=5
ryan  Sep 24, 2016 (Staff)
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