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JL Audio RD500/1 Mono subwoofer amplifier — 500 watts RMS x 1 at 2 ohms

Item # 13698618

JL Audio's RD500/1 mono amplifier will power your subwoofer with up to 500 watts RMS, so you'll hear and feel the...

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JL Audio's RD500/1 mono amplifier will power your subwoofer with up to 500 watts RMS, so you'll hear and feel the...

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12 questions - 22 answers

Item # 13698618

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About the JL Audio RD500/1

Buck Pomerantz

Power your bass

JL Audio's RD500/1 mono amplifier will power your subwoofer with up to 500 watts RMS, so you'll hear and feel the bass clearly over the whistle of the wind and rumble of the road. An optional wired remote lets you adjust the sub's volume from your front seat.

Power your bass

JL Audio's RD500/1 mono amplifier will power your subwoofer with up to 500 watts RMS, so you'll hear and feel the bass clearly over the whistle of the wind and rumble of the road. An optional wired remote lets you adjust the sub's volume from your front seat.

Low current demand, low distortion, and integrates well

The RD500/1 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 light and other cool features

A low-pass filter and bass boost help you dial in the perfect tone for your sub and enclosure. An onboard LED clip indicator lets 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 RD500/1

JL Audio RD500/1 with cover removed to show controls

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 amplifier design with NextD™ switching amp technology
  • differential-balanced inputs help eliminate noise
  • variable low-pass filter (50-500 Hz, 12 dB/octave)
  • variable bass boost (0-12 dB at 45 Hz)
  • LED clip light helps set gain
Other Features:
  • blue LED accent lighting
  • optional wired remote level control
  • preamp inputs and outputs
  • speaker-level inputs (speaker wire to RCA adapter required)
  • 4-gauge power and ground leads and a 50-amp fuse recommended — wiring and hardware not included with amplifier
  • no onboard fuses — when installing multiple amps in a system, an additional 50-amp in-line fuse between the distribution block and the amplifier is recommended
  • 9-13/16"W x 2-3/16"H x 7"D
  • warranty: 2 years
  • MFR # 98618

What's in the box:

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

Scratch & Dent items may be missing non-essential accessories. In some cases the manufacturer's accessories have been replaced with generic equivalents.

See the difference between "Open Box" and "Scratch & Dent" Outlet items

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Features
Controls
Connections

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.

Mono Class-D Amplifier: The RD500/1 is a Class-D mono amplifier, designed specifically for powering subwoofers. The amplifier is stable down to 2 ohms, and has the following power output:

  • 250 Watts RMS x 1 channel at 4Ω at 14.4V (225 W RMS at 12.5V)
  • 350 Watts RMS x 1 channel at 3Ω at 14.4V (300 W RMS at 12.5V)
  • 500 Watts RMS x 1 channel at 2Ω at 14.4V (400 W RMS at 12.5V)

Differential-Balanced Inputs: The RD500/1 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 RD500/1 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 RD500/1 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 RD500/1 amplifier provides a flexible input section and a comprehensive crossover network to fine tune your system effectively and accurately. The amp is equipped with a 12 dB/octave Butterworth low-pass filter with 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.

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 50-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 50 amps, the original should be replaced with a 50-amp fuse.

Speaker Output Terminals: The JL Audio RD500/1 features four set screw clamp speaker terminals for an easy parallel subwoofer connection. (They are not stereo outputs.) The terminals will accept 16 to 8 AWG speaker wire.

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

Preamp Outputs: The RD500/1 incorporates a buffered pass-through preamp output section, so that additional amplifiers can be easily added to the system. The preamp output signal is not affected by the amp's crossover networks. The pass-through preamp output delivers the same signal that is connected to the preamp input.

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 RD500/1 from the driver's seat.

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Customer Q&A

12 questions already asked

Q
Will this amp power two Rockford Fosgate Power series 10 in subwoofers? ( T1S2-10)
zachary  Aug 16, 2023
1 answer
A
We do not recommend this amp to power two of those subwoofers as it can only properly power one of those subwoofers. We offer other amps and am sure we have one that will power two of those subwoofers. I recommend contacting an advisor by calling 1-800-324-9695 to get a personal recommendation on an amp for them
jason  Aug 16, 2023 (Staff)
Q
What's the difference between the rd500/1 and the jd500/1?
javier  Apr 11, 2023
1 answer
A
Thanks for your question, Javier. The power output is going to be the same between the two amps. The RD500/1 has a removable cover to hide the amp's controls and also has an onboard LED clip indicator lets you set the amp gain quickly and accurately with the use of a test tone, and the amp also has blue LED accent lighting. I recommend giving one of our advisors a call at 1.800.324.9695 or by online chat they'll be happy to help select the right amp for your system.
andrea  Apr 12, 2023 (Staff)
Q
Can I use this Amp with the Jl Audio 12"TW3 ?
silvano  Jan 11, 2023
1 answer
A
It would be possible to use this amplifier with the 12TW3-D8 without exceeding the recommended power rating for the sub. The 12TW3-D4 would have the amplifier outputting 500w RMS, which would exceed JL's recommended 400w RMS. For further help with selecting the best amp for your subwoofer, please reach out to our advisors via online chat or phone at 1-800-324-9695.
zachary  Jan 11, 2023 (Staff)
Q
Is this amp JL Audio RD500/1 a good choice for 1 12" SVC 2ohm Rockford p3 in a ported tubebox?
dustin  Oct 14, 2022
1 answer
A
I'm not showing any SVC 12" 2-ohm P3s. A P3D4, which would be wired to 2-ohms, can handle up to 600 watts RMS. This JL amp puts out 500 watts RMS and would be compatible.
thomas  Oct 14, 2022 (Staff)
Q
Will 8 awg wire be good for this amp?
jose  Jun 26, 2022
1 answer
A
This amp is a real performer, Jose! Because of that, we recommend a minimum of 4g power and ground wire here, something like this Crutchfield Kit I've linked below, our most affordable option! We play it right down the fairway with our wiring kit pairings, and we would want you to get best performance out of your gear! https://www.crutchfield.com/p_007CK4/Crutchfield-CK4.html
bo  Jun 27, 2022 (Staff)
Q
Will this amp be good enough for a Kicker L7 12' woofer?
ricardo  Jan 21, 2021
2 answers
A
Most definitely!
rick  Jan 22, 2021
A
Maybe not max potential, but I imagine it would run it just fine. I have mine running a kicker TRTP12 at 2ohm which is rated for 500w rms.
douglas  Jan 21, 2021
Q
Will this amp be good enough for a L7 12' woofer?
ricardo  Jan 21, 2021
4 answers
A
The L7 dvc 2 ohm is generally run at 1 ohm. This is not a 1 ohm stable amp.
nick  Feb 04, 2021
A
They recommend the bigger one. I would go with the RD-1000 myself.
jason w  Feb 04, 2021
A
Personally i would go bigger. Exact same sub I put mine on and it doesn't push it like I thought it would.
daniel  Feb 04, 2021
A
I think so I have plenty of volume! I cant even get close to turning up the music all the way if I did I think it would blow out my ear drums!
dale  Jan 21, 2021
Q
If I'm wiring up one sud what two terminals out of the 4 should I use?
andrew  Apr 19, 2020
3 answers
A
One positive & one negative if you are running a simple single voice coil sub
nate  Apr 19, 2020
A
It's a monoblock.. so one positive and one negative. Doesn't matter which
michael  Apr 19, 2020
A
Use 1 and 4 aka ..first & last terminal..
farbod  Apr 19, 2020
Q
is this amp a good match for 1 JL Audio 10TW3-D4 power range: 100-400 watts RMS. ?
michael  Feb 05, 2020
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  Mar 05, 2020 (Staff)
Q
will this amp power 2 12" jl 12wo in a sealed enclosure?
jason  May 29, 2019
5 answers
A
no, amp will power only one. I probably should have gone with a stronger amp even for my 1 jl I have it pushing. I have the gain all the way up. one thing about the amp is it never over heats or stops playing
jonathan  Jun 06, 2019
A
Yes it will
kenneth  Jun 06, 2019
A
Yes it will.
anthony  Jun 06, 2019
A
Of course. I have it on 2 12w3v3's and it has no problem running them.
joel  Jun 06, 2019
A
Absolutely, great amp. I have had it for almost a year now and sound is phenomenal and clear. I have mine pushing 2 10w3's in a JL HO Box
zachary  Jun 06, 2019
Q
What's the main difference with this model vs. the JX500/1D?
matthew  Nov 24, 2017
1 answer
A
JX500/1D is only a basic mono amp lacking the features found in rest of their line up. RD has JL's NextD switching technology & Differential Balanced Inputs both of which increases sound quality.
hyung w  Nov 24, 2017
Q
Will this amp be enough power for a jl tw5v2?
vato_drummer  Jul 24, 2017
1 answer
A
Thanks for your question. For information on selecting the best amp for your sub 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  Jul 25, 2017 (Staff)
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