JL Audio RD400/4

4-Channel Class D Full-Range Amplifier, 100 W x 4 @ 2 Ω / 75 W x 4 @ 4 Ω - 14.4V

Utilizing our exclusive NexD™ high-speed switching technologies, the ultra-compact RD400/4 amplifier is engineered to deliver loads of audio output power, with incredible efficiency and low distortion. Don’t let its modern styling and small size fool you though, this little powerhouse churns out 100 watts of crystal-clear audio from each of its four channels into 2 ohms (14.4V, 1% THD) and is fully bridgeable, so it can be used as a 3-channel amplifier, or as a 2-channel amplifier producing a whopping 200W x 2 into 4 ohms.

For your convenience, the RD400/4’s controls can be found on top of the amplifier, beneath a protective cover, with all connections located along one side of its chassis. Studio-grade signal processing features include high or low-pass 12 dB / octave filters (defeatable) for each channel pair, with continuously variable frequency selection from 50-500 Hz, and dual-range, differential-balanced inputs capable of accepting most input voltage levels. Automatic turn-on capability (via signal sensing or DC-offset sensing) is standard equipment, along with all-new input type switches for bridging of stereo output channels without needing to use Y-adaptors.

Onboard LED-clipping indicators are also included with your RD400/4. This all-new, innovative feature lets you easily set your amplifier’s input sensitivity settings, quickly and accurately, with no special equipment needed. You’ll also find a set of preamp outputs on-hand, so you can pass signals to another amplifier, almost effortlessly. The RD400/4 features a durable, black powder-coated finish and a top-mounted, dual-color LED light strip that reports the overall status and condition.

NexDâ„¢ Switching Technology

Summary:
NexDâ„¢ amplifier technologies produce exceptional audio quality, unsurpassed total efficiency and high power from very compact amplifier designs.

Detailed Information:
Beginning with the original 'Slash' subwoofer amplifiers, JL Audio has been at the forefront of Class D amplifier design. Our NexDâ„¢ switching technology stems from our Class D expertise to deliver outstanding fidelity and efficiency, leading to compact amplifiers that deliver high power and exceptional value.

Let's get a little nerdy... A traditional PWM switching amp design uses a fixed switching frequency and varies the pulse width based solely on the audio input signal to the pulse modulator. This basic approach assumes some ideal conditions, like a rock-steady power supply, that do not necessarily occur in a real, in-car installation. Power supply sag with signal causes distortion at all power levels with these designs, even well below clipping. The cure for this is feedback (a corrective signal sent back to the input side), but this becomes impractical as the audio frequency increases, making it a good solution for band-limited (subwoofer) amps, but not for full-range amplifiers.

Taking the above into account when designing the NexDâ„¢ subwoofer amplifiers, we have taken the simple fixed PWM approach and enhanced it with a very high switching frequency: 240 kHz, which is about 4x higher than most Class D subwoofer amplifiers. This pushes the amplifier's bandwidth to at least 500 Hz with minimal distortion and improves efficiency, while keeping typically bulky circuity more compact. Your subwoofers will reward you with tight, rock-solid bass performance.

For the full-range NexDâ„¢ amplifiers and channels we applied a variable, ultra-high speed version of the NexDâ„¢ technology (switching at well over 400 kHz). In these designs, a self-oscillating modulator with 'feed-forward' sends information about the instantaneous power supply voltage to the modulator, combining this with the input signal to cancel out any distortion due to supply voltage fluctuation. This reduces distortion prior to applying feedback, simplifying the overall feedback loop design.

The bottom line is simply great audio: clean, powerful and reliable.

 

 

Differential-Balanced Inputs

Summary:
JL Audio’s Differential-Balanced Inputs are engineered to combat induced cable noise, which is a common problem in car and marine audio installations. This technology allows for the use of conventional RCA cables, while delivering many of the benefits of a true balanced connection and accepting a wide range of input signal levels.

Detailed Information:
Today’s vehicles are equipped with sophisticated electronics capable of generating noise and interference that can intrude into the audio path, ruining the listening experience.

Most audio equipment uses single-ended, ground-referenced RCA jacks to receive audio signals. This means that the RCA shield is connected directly to signal ground. This is a simple, cost effective input design that works well for short runs in noise free environments. In noisier environments, this method cannot reject the common mode noise that could be on both RCA conductors (shield and center conductor).

By having more than one chassis-grounded RCA shield on a device, single-ended input designs are also more susceptible to ground loops. If noise is present on both conductors while the shield is connected to ground, the input amplifier will amplify the noise relative to the grounded RCA shield. When there are multiple RCA connections or any other conductors subjected to a magnetic field, this will cause a difference in potential across the RCA loop to be amplified at the grounded RCA as noise (a classic ground loop).

JL Audio’s Differential-Balanced Input circuits measure the center pin of the RCA connection relative to the RCA shield, even when the shield is not connected to ground, and even when the voltages at both conductors are moving relative to ground. Because both the center conductor and the shield see high impedance to ground at the input, a ground loop cannot be formed, as there is no current flow to induce a voltage as noise. This works equally well with differential-balanced, or unbalanced signal sources, making this input architecture compatible with all standard car and marine audio equipment, using standard, unshielded, twisted-pair RCA cables. No special cables are required, unlike the fully balanced connections used in professional audio.

Another benefit of the Differential-Balanced Input design is that it easily accepts low-level and high-level signals from a variety of factory head unit outputs and amplifiers, including single ended “ground referenced” sources, as well as Balanced or Unbalanced “Bridged or BTL” sources. This eliminates the need for Line Output Converters (LOCs) in most installation scenarios.

The obvious question is: “Why don’t all car audio amplifiers use Differential-Balanced Inputs?” The answer is simple: it costs more. Executing a proper differential-balanced input section requires more components and better quality components than a basic single-ended design, so you generally won’t find them on less expensive amplifiers.

 

USA Limited Warranty:  Two (2) years from the original date of purchaseWarranty Details

 

Find the answers to many common questions:

 

“JL Audio's technical innovation takes the 4-channel Class-D amplifier to the next level.”

“this amplifier is one of the best thought out products to come across my bench in a while. Thanks in no small part to the years of car audio experience and the ability to exploit today’s high speed device technology, the JL Audio RD400/4 is a solid audio performer wrapped up in a box of common sense.” 

Read the complete RD400/4 Amplifier Review (PDF)

– Garry Springgay, Performance Auto & Sound, Tuning Essentials - 2017 Tech & Car Audio - 7th Ed.