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JL Audio HX280/4 Compact 4-channel amplifier — 50 watts RMS x 4

Item # 136HX2804

JL Audio designed their HX280/4 amplifier specifically for your powersports needs.

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JL Audio designed their HX280/4 amplifier specifically for your powersports needs.

4 questions - 6 answers

Item # 136HX2804

About the JL Audio HX280/4

Ken Nail

Your go-to solution for powersports applications

JL Audio designed their HX280/4 amplifier specifically for your powersports needs. This compact amp plays your music with true fidelity while fitting into tight spots, thanks to JL Audio's proprietary NexD™ amplifier technology. A cast-aluminum chassis and an IPX6 water resistance rating ensure that it'll keep cranking out the power even when it's mounted on an ATV you're taking deep into the woods.

Your go-to solution for powersports applications

JL Audio HX280/4

The HX280/4's small size makes it perfect for motorcycles and ATVs.

JL Audio designed their HX280/4 amplifier specifically for your powersports needs. This compact amp plays your music with true fidelity while fitting into tight spots, thanks to JL Audio's proprietary NexD™ amplifier technology. A cast-aluminum chassis and an IPX6 water resistance rating ensure that it'll keep cranking out the power even when it's mounted on an ATV you're taking deep into the woods.

Versatile power

The HX280/4 delivers 50 watts RMS each to 4 full-range speakers, or you can bridge the amp to 2-channel mode to send 140 watts each to a pair of subs. Set it up in 3-way mode to power a set of speaker and a sub for balanced highs and lows.

Works with almost any radio

You can connect this amp to just about any factory or aftermarket stereo, thanks to selectable high- and low-level inputs. So whether it's a motorcycle, an ATV, or a car application where space is tight, count on the HX280/4 to provide you with plenty of power while keeping a small footprint.

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Product highlights:

  • 4-channel amplifier
  • 50 watts RMS x 4 at 4 ohms (70 watts RMS x 4 at 2 ohms)
  • 140 watts RMS x 2 bridged at 4 ohms (4-ohm stable bridged)
  • variable low- and high-pass filters (35-300 Hz, 12 dB/octave)
  • Class D amplifier design with NextD™ switching amp technology
  • IPX6 water-resistance rating
  • corrosion-resistant cast aluminum chassis
Connection Features
  • preamp and speaker-level inputs (speaker wire to RCA adapter required for speaker-level input)
  • 8-gauge power and ground leads and a 35-amp fuse recommended — wiring and hardware not included with amplifier
  • no onboard fuses — when installing multiple amps in a system, an additional 35-amp in-line fuse between the distribution block and the amplifier is recommended
  • 8-11/16"W x 1-13/16"H x 3-1/8"D
  • warranty: 2 years
  • MFR # 98401

What's in the box:

  • 4-Channel amplifier with attached 12" wires
  • 35A ATO fuse (installed in in-line fuse holder)
  • Spare 35A ATO fuse
  • 4 Self-tapping screws (1" length)
  • Owner's Manual

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Product Research

Features
Controls
Connections

Features

4-Channel Amplifier: The JL Audio HX280/4 compact full range, 4-channel Class D amplifier has an IPX6 water-resistance rating that makes it ideal for motorcycles, ATVs, or other utility vehicles. It can be used to drive four full-range speakers, or a couple of subwoofers.

NexD Switching Technology: The HX280/4 employs an advanced, high-speed Class D switching design called NexD that allows the amp to produce serious power without overtaxing the battery and charging system.

Amplifier Ratings:

  • Rated Continuous (RMS) Power @ 14.4 V:
    • 50 watts RMS x 4 @ 4 Ω
    • 70 watts RMS x 4 @ 2 Ω
    • 140 watts RMS x 2 @ 4 Ω bridged
  • Rated Continuous (RMS) Power @ 12.5V:
    • 36 watts RMS x 4 @ 4 Ω
    • 52 watts RMS x 2 @ 2 Ω
    • 100 watts RMS x 2 @ 4 Ω bridged

Input Section: The HX280/4's input section accepts a wide range of input voltage levels. It can accept a line-level signal from 250 mV to 4 Volts, or speaker-level signals from 750 mV to 15 Volts. The amp is equipped with Input Voltage switches for the front (1&2) and rear (3&4) channels that allows you to choose Low or High level input signals.

Protection Circuitry: The HX280/4's protection circuitry automatically shuts the amplifier down if thermal limits are exceeded, a short-circuit is detected in the speaker wiring, or if current levels are too high. The green Power LED and red Protect LED will indicate by its on/off or flashing status.

Controls

Control Panel: The amplifier's control panel is located on the bottom of the amplifier. The removable cover features a rubber gasket that seals out moisture and dust. The cover is held in place by 4 Phillips-head screws. You will need a small flat screwdriver to set the five switches and four rotary dials. The Control Panel is divided into Front and Rear sections with the same controls in each section, plus a Channel Mode switch. The following controls are located in the Control Panel:

  • Channel Mode: The 3-way Channel Mode switch lets you select 2-channel, 3-channel, or 4-channel operation:
    • 2-channel: In 2-channel mode you can run 2 bridged mono outputs or 4 stereo outputs without fading capability. In this mode, you can use the front inputs only.
    • 3-channel: 3-channel mode lets you 2 stereo front and 2 mono rear outputs, or 2 stereo front and a bridged mono output. Front inputs only are used in this mode.
    • 4-channel: If you select 4-channel mode, you can run 4 stereo outputs with fading capability. Both front and rear inputs are used in this mode. You can also run 2 bridged stereo outputs with the left input signal connected to both front inputs and the right input to both rear inputs.
  • Independent Controls: The amplifier offers separate controls to the front channels and rear channels:
    • Input Voltage: You can select the type of input signal being used: High Level (speaker) or Low Level (line).
    • Input Sensitivity: The Input Sensitivity Control is a rotary dial that lets you match your source unit's output voltage to the input stage of the amplifier for maximum clean output.
    • Filter Mode Switch: The amp is equipped with switchable crossovers for each set of channels. You can set the filter to High-Pass (HP), Low-Pass (LP), or Off.
    • Filter Frequency: When the Filter Mode Switch is turned to HP or LP, you can set the cutoff frequency on the rotary dial. The filter is continuously variable from 35Hz to 300Hz, with detents at 80Hz and 135 Hz. The HP/LP filter has a slope of 12dB/Octave.
Connections

Wiring: The HX280/4's wiring is internally connected and exits the amp through a waterproof opening. The following connections can be found, each with 12" pigtails:

  • Power: Two 16-gauge wires twisted together exit the amp entering a waterproof fuse holder (a 35A ATO fuse is inserted). A 10-gauge wire exits the fuse holder. JL Audio recommends a minimum of 8-gauge wiring for the power wiring.
  • Ground: A 10-gauge ground wire is connected to the amplifier. A minimum of 8-gauge wiring is recommended for the ground wire.
  • Remote Turn-On: A 16-gauge remote turn-on wire is connected to the amp. You should connect the turn-on lead to the remote turn-on output of your source unit. If the source unit does not have a dedicated remote turn-on output, the amp's turn-on lead can be connected to +12V via a switch that derives power from an ignition-switched circuit. Note: The amp does not have an audio signal-sensing turn-on, so the remote turn-on lead must be connected.
  • Signal Inputs (Low-Level): Four female RCA jacks are provided for the input signal--Left/Right Front and Left/Right Rear. The RCA connectors have waterproof caps.
  • Signal Inputs (High-Level): If the source unit does not offer preamp level outputs, you can splice the speaker output wires to a pair of RCA plugs, or use the JL Audio XD-CLRAIC2-SW RCA-to-Speaker Wire Adapter.
  • Speaker Outputs: Eight 16-gauge speaker wires are provided on the amplifier for connecting to the wiring to your speakers.

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Customer Q&A

4 questions already asked

Q
I have a 2015 harley davidson road glide my question is do you guys have software In order to flash my radio?
king jus blacc  Mar 24, 2017
1 answer
A
I would recommend reaching out to an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They should be able to help answer your question.
kenneth  Mar 24, 2017 (Staff)
Q
Is there a 2 ohm load rating?
mark  Jun 15, 2016
3 answers
A
Yes it's 70 watts rms x4 at 2 ohm.
kelly  Jun 15, 2016
A
Yes,HX280/4 4-Channel Class D Full-Range Amplifier, 70 W x 4 @ 2 ? / 50 W x 4 @ 4 ? - 14.4V
glenn  Jun 15, 2016
A
YES 70 WATTS RMS NON BRIDGED
michael  Jun 15, 2016
Q
Can this connect to my factory radio? 2016 Ram Crew Cab, 8" display.
dcherry33  Mar 23, 2016
1 answer
A
You will want to contact an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat to discuss compatibility with your factory system. They will be able to pull up your vehicle and see if this will integrate. If it does not, then they will also be able to discuss other options with you.
kenneth  Mar 23, 2016 (Staff)
Q
When will this product be released?
tony73  Apr 13, 2015
1 answer
A
The estimated time of arrival is unknown. We are either waiting for our supplier to provide us with an expected ship date, or (if this is a special-order item) we have not yet placed an order with the supplier. We will replace "ship date unknown" with an actual date as soon as we have the information we need to make an estimate.
kristina  Apr 13, 2015 (Staff)

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