New JL Audio XD amps???????

[ers906]

Does anyone have experience (or knowledge of) the new JL audio XD amps? I was talking to a "audiophile" today and he swears these are the way to go. According to him, these amps are small and unbelieveably efficient. I figure for boats where battery usage is at a premium these may be the way to go. Any ideas?

[ers906]

http://www.specialistscaraudio.com/pages.php?pageid=6

I found some info on the amps at this url

[ers906]

http://marine.jlaudio.com/jlaudio_pages.php?page_id=114

another url

[EarmarkMarine]

Yes, we're all over these JL Audio XD amplifiers. Typical systems will feature some combination of XD amplifiers driving the in-boat sub and coaxials, while a JL Audio HD600/4 or HD750/1 will drive the tower speakers, in particular HLCDs.

David
Earmark Marine

[ers906]

My plan is to use the JL XD400/4 amp, one for each set of the samson s7hd tower speakers, the JL XD400/4 for the cabin speakers (6 Alpine SPS-M600) and the JL J2 500.1 Mono sub amp to power the Alpine 12" Type-R Subwoofer. David, why would you use a different series of amp to power the tower speakers?

[EarmarkMarine]

Eric,

Why a different series for the tower?

Because the XD amplifiers do not have enough power to drive HLCDs where as the HD amplifiers have larger options. In your case you are choosing to run eight channels of amplification bridged into four in order to drive four tower speakers. That is one way. It also means additional division of power cables, RCA cables and voltages and requires more installation time/expense. I feel that when considering the real world supply voltage in a boat, that the actual power of an HD might be equal or greater due to the R.I.P. power supply (strictly regulated). The XD and HD represent the highest degree of sophistication and are perfect for pairing, although I do like to stick with one series in-the-boat zone.

David
EaemarkMarine.com

[ers906]

So other than the division of cables, RCAs and labor, which ones will increase the efficiency? the HD or the XL? Price wise two of the xl are about comprable with the HD

[EarmarkMarine]

Since they're both Class D from JL Audio the efficiency of the HD and XD should be similar enough that its not a concern.

With XD in the boat, they're primarily operational while the boat is running and voltage is high which fits the unregulated profile.

With HD on the tower while the boat is at rest and you're projecting to those relaxing behind or around the boat, the strictly regulated HDs will maintain full power as the voltage predictably drops.

But either choice will be excellent. You can skin the cat either way... and efficiently too.

David
Earmark Marine

[mcfr741]

What I wanted to run all HDs. 1 600/4 in boat, 1 600/4 (4)HLCDs, and 1 750/1 Sub

[EarmarkMarine]

mcfr741,

Yes, that would be great.

Keep in mind that depending on your choice of tower speakers, you can also use the JL Audio HD750/1 on the tower running highpass as its also a fullrange Class D.

The 750/1 is more power for less. Mono provides slightly more output and there is little to zero benefit in having stereo on the tower plus you'll have fewer conductors to feed through the tower.

David
Earmark Marine

[mcfr741]

Thats a great idea and saves me some money, Less money More Power!