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JL Audio M700/5 5-channel marine amplifier — 75 watts x 4 + 180 watts x 1 at 4 ohms

Item # 136M7005

JL Audio's M700/5 5-channel marine amp is small — less than 11" wide — but it delivers a massive...

JL Audio's M700/5 5-channel marine amp is small — less than 11" wide — but it delivers a massive...

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6 questions - 17 answers

Item # 136M7005

About the JL Audio M700/5

Ken Nail

Small footprint, big kick

JL Audio's M700/5 5-channel marine amp is small — less than 11" wide — but it delivers a massive amount of power from its compact chassis — up to 100 watts from each of its front and rear channels, plus up to 300 watts from the subwoofer channel. It owes these impressive specs to JL Audio's Class D NexD™ ultra-high-speed switching design, which eliminates the traditional drawbacks of a Class D amp design to deliver full-bandwidth performance, excellent efficiency, and very low distortion levels.
JL Audio Built In USA

Small footprint, big kick

JL Audio's M700/5 5-channel marine amp is small — less than 11" wide — but it delivers a massive amount of power from its compact chassis — up to 100 watts from each of its front and rear channels, plus up to 300 watts from the subwoofer channel. It owes these impressive specs to JL Audio's Class D NexD™ ultra-high-speed switching design, which eliminates the traditional drawbacks of a Class D amp design to deliver full-bandwidth performance, excellent efficiency, and very low distortion levels.

Great for a variety of applications

JL Audio designed this 5-channel amp to drive a complete marine audio system, running two sets of high-performance coaxial or component speakers, and powering up a sub at the same time with fifth channel. The special powder-coat finishes, the gasketed control cover, and the stainless-steel hardware all protect this amp against the harsh realities of the marine environment.

JL Audio M700/5

The built-in variable frequency filters offer high- or low-pass modes depending on the channels, so you can tailor the output to meet your system's needs. JL Audio's optional wired remote lets you adjust the amp's level from the helm.

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Product highlights:

  • 5-channel marine amplifier
  • 75 watts RMS x 4 at 4 ohms + 180 watts RMS at 4 ohms
  • 100 watts RMS x 4 at 2 ohms + 300 watts RMS x 1 at 2 ohms
  • 200 watts RMS x 2 bridged at 4 ohms + 300 watts RMS x 1 at 2 ohms
  • Class-D design
  • white and gray powder-coat finishes, gasketed control cover, and stainless steel hardware
  • variable high-pass filter on front channels (50-5000 Hz, 12 dB per octave)
  • variable high- or bandpass filters on rear channel (50-500 Hz, 12 dB per octave)
  • low-pass filter on subwoofer channel (50-500 Hz, 12 or 24 dB per octave)
  • optional remote level control
  • preamp-level inputs
  • 4-gauge power and ground leads recommended — wiring and hardware not included with amplifier
  • 10-1/4"W x 2-1/16"H x 7-1/8"D
  • warranty: 2 years
  • MFR # 98274

What's in the box:

  • 5-Channel Class-D marine amplifier
  • 2.5mm Allen wrench
  • JL Audio emblem
  • Owner's Manual

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Features
Controls
Connections

Features

5-Channel Full-Range Amplifier: The JL Audio M700/5 is a five-channel, class-D marine amplifier utilizing NexD ultra-high speed switching technology to deliver outstanding fidelity and efficiency. The M700/5 can be operated with a wide variety of source units and system configuration.

Marine Amplifier: The JL Audio M-series marine amplifiers are specifically designed for marine applications. These amps are not waterproof, however, and should not be mounted where they are likely to get wet.

Amplifier Rating: The JL Audio M700/5 Class D marine amplifier is rated at 75 Watts RMS x 4-channels (front and rear) + 180 Watts x 1-channel (subwoofer) in 4-ohm at 20 to 20,000Hz with a signal-to-noise-ratio of 104 dB and a total harmonic distortion of 1% while receiving 14.4 Volts.

NexD Class D Technology: NexD is a state-of-the-art switching amplifier design that combines exceptional audio quality with excellent efficiency and less complexity. This results in an affordable compact amplification with exceptional audio quality and unsurpassed total efficiency.

Advanced Rollback Protection: The M-Series amplifiers employ advanced thermal and low-impedance protection to virtually eliminate annoying amplifier shut-down events. Should any M-Series amplifier ever overheat, its intelligent, unregulated power supply reacts by limiting available peak voltage until the amplifier returns to a safe temperature range. Likewise, if an impedance lower than optimal for the amplifier is present at the outputs, the M-series amplifier will roll back peak voltage to protect itself without shutting down.

Differential-Balanced Inputs: The JL Audio amplifier 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 JL Audio 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 12-volt audio installation.

Note: You will need three speaker wire to RCA adaptors (136XDCLR2S, sold separately) to connect this amplifier to your headunit via speaker-level.

Protection Circuitry With Status Indicator Lights: There is a single multi-color LED on the top panel of the amplifier to indicate the amplifier's operating status.

  • Flashing Green: When the LED is flashing green, the amplifier is powering up and audio output is muted.
  • Constant Green: This LED lights green to indicate that the amplifier is turned on and operating normally.
  • Constant Red: This Red LED lights to indicate that the amplifier has exceeded its safe operating temperature, putting the amplifier into a self-protection mode, which reduces the power output of the amplifier. The red light will shut off and the amplifier will return to normal, full-power operating mode if the heat sink temperature drops back to a safe level.
  • Constant Amber (Yellow): The Amber (Yellow) LED light indicates that an over-current condition has occurred and is accompanied by a muting of the amplifier's output. 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.
  • LED Off: The only condition that will shut down an undamaged M700/5 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 M700/5 features a 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 for access the amplifier's controls. The security cover is secured by two 2.5mm Allen-head screws.

Simplified Gain Setting: The M Series amplifier makes setting the gain level of the amp via the input sensitivity control very simple. All you need is Digital AC Voltmeter (142TK12V, sold separately) and a Test CD Disc (503CD104, sold separately) with a sine-wave test-tone recorded at 0 dB reference level in the frequency range to be amplified for that set of channels (50 Hz for subwoofer channels, 1 kHz for a midrange application).

Note: The M700/5 is equipped with a independent gain controls for Channels 1/2, 3/4, and 5.

Flexible Input Section And Active Crossover Network: The JL Audio M-series amplifier provides a flexible input section and a comprehensive crossover network to fine tune your system effectively and accurately. The variable filter design employed in the JL Audio M-series amplifier crossover sections allow you to seamlessly switch slopes, easily change filter frequencies and address what frequencies the preamp inputs will pass. The M700/5 offers the following independent crossover adjustments for the front, rear, and subwoofer channels along the unit's top panel, behind a removal cover plate.

  • Input Mode: This switch allows operation of all 5 amplifier channels with only one pair of input signals (2ch); with independent front and rear input signal pairs (4ch); or with discrete front, rear, and subwoofer signal pairs (6ch).
  • Filter Mode: The amplifier allows you to select either a Full-Range or High-Pass crossover setting for channels 1/2 (front). For channels 3/4 (rear), you can choose between a Full-Range, High-Pass, or Band-Pass crossover setting. Either a Full-Range, a 12dB/oct. Low-Pass, or a 24dB/oct. Low-Pass crossover setting can bet chosen for the subwoofer channel (5).
  • Variable Frequency: For channels 1/2 (front), you can set the high-pass crossover frequency between 50-500 Hz or 500-5000 Hz (by switching the HP Filter Mode from x1 to x10). For channels 3/4 (rear), you can set the band-pass or high-pass crossover frequency between 50-500Hz. For channel 5 (subwoofer), you can set the low-pass filter frequency between 50-500Hz.
Connections

Power/Ground/Turn-On Terminals: The amplifier features set-screw terminals for the power, ground, and remote turn-on connections:

  • Power and Ground: The JL Audio amplifier's set-screw Power and Ground connections are designed to accept 8 to 4 AWG power wire. A 2.5mm Allen wrench is supplied for making connections.
  • Remote Turn-On: The amplifier's set-screw turn-on lead will accept 18 to 8 AWG wire. The same 2.5mm Allen wrench is supplied for making connection.
Note: The Amplifier is not equipped with a fuse. An external 60-amp AFS, AGU, or MAXI fuse (not included) must be installed on the power wire. If a wiring kit is used which includes a fuse with a value other than 60-amps, the original should be replaced with a 60-amp fuse.

Speaker Output Terminals: The M700/5 amplifier's twelve set-screw speaker terminals will accept 16 to 8 AWG speaker wire. A 2.5mm Allen wrench is supplied for making connections.

Preamp Inputs: The amplifier features 3 pair of differential-balanced RCA jack inputs. The amplifier features a dedicated Input Sensitivity gain control for the front 1/2, 3/4, and 5 channels of the amplifier. These controls are designed to match the input sensitivity of the M700/5 to the specific signal source that is feeding it. The amplifier's input level can be set independently for all channels between 100mV-4V.

Remote Level Control: The amplifier features a standard telephone connector for adding an optional wired remote level control. With the addition of the optional wired Remote Level Control (136HDRLC, sold separately), you can control the volume of all channels or just the subwoofer channel of the M700/5 from the front of your vehicle. This is useful for subwoofer level control or even as a master volume control for your system. If desired, multiple M-series amplifiers can be controlled from a single HD-RLC controller using a simple phone line splitter and multiple phone cables (all sold separately).

Note: All inputs and outputs are located on one side of the amplifier to make installation of the amplifier simple and neat.

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Customer Q&A

6 questions already asked

Q
I have a simrad sonic hub 2. It has a left and right channel pre amp output and a subwoofer pre amp output. Will the outputs from the simrad unit divide into four speaker outputs?
erik  Sep 30, 2022
1 answer
A
The JL Audio M700/5 amp has a full 6 channel input RCA, Erik. The amp has a 2ch, 4ch, or 6ch input option switch. Neither of those settings are a good pair for your Simrad Sonic Hub 2's outputs, so if you want specific sub control from the Sonic Hub you'll just need to grab 2 RCA adapters. These T-Spec marine rated units in the link below are a good choice. You'll want to set the amp to 6ch mode, and use two of these on channels 1-4. This will allow you to connect the 2 channel RCA from the full range zone 3 pre-outs on your Simrad unit to all 4 channels. This also allows you to connect the 2 channel subwoofer RCA from the Sonic Hub 2 directly to the subwoofer inputs on the JL. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_120V10RY1/T-Spec-v10-Series-RCA-Y1-Y-Adapter.html
bo  Sep 30, 2022 (Staff)
Q
Am I able to run two 10" 4hm subs with this amp or not?
robert  Jul 07, 2021
1 answer
A
No just one unless you splice your output wiring but you will over work amp and lose power
todd  Jul 07, 2021
Q
is there a way to control the sub output without adjusting the amp ? , or is there a sub out volume control that can be mounted next to the helm ?
petar  Apr 11, 2018
3 answers
A
Yes, there is. Take a look at the JL Audio HD-RLC. I have this exact setup in my boat except it is being used to control all channels which power the tower speakers and sub.
chris  Apr 24, 2018
A
If you buy the optional Remote Level Control (HD-RLC), it plugs into the amp and can be used to control either the overall amp volume OR the subwoofer volume. There is a switch on the back of the amp that selects between the two choices. The level control can be mounted where you have space on the helm. I use it as a subwoofer control and it works great.
jeffrey  Apr 24, 2018
A
You can adjust the sub through your radio if it has that feature. If not ,no. Option B would be to connect an interface between the radio and the amp, like a sub controller or an EQ. Hope that helps. Good juck.
robert  Apr 24, 2018
Q
I have (4) 8" bazooka coaxial 4 ohm speakers hooked up to the jl Audio marine 700/5 and (1) 12" 2 ohm sub. At low volume the sub seems to sound ok, but turning it up a little it sounds distorted and blown. I've ohmed out both voice coils and eliminated the sub as the weakest link, but when I wire it in 4 ohm load it sounds great. Do I need to run the entire system in a 4 ohm load, seems like it doesn't handle mixed impedances, even though the amp says it can?
joe  Jul 25, 2017
2 answers
A
JL makes a good amp. Wire it to were it sounds good and leave it at that . I will work fine.
robert  Jul 27, 2017
A
From the information on the amp and my experience, the amp should handle the mixed ohms and not distort at 2 ohms. Wiring it for 4 ohms may just attenuate the issue with the sub-woofer. For a specific answer to your questions, I'd contact JL directly to pose the same question. I run Bazooka Tubbie tower speakers on the 4 channels and Kenwood sub-woofer on the sub channel with no issues. The speaker ohms are not the same and it doesn't distort. Good luck.
nick  Jul 25, 2017
Q
I want to run 5 pairs of marine speakers and a sub is there an amp that can hold all of that or should I get a 5 channel amp and then a separate amp for my sub?
patrick  Jun 30, 2015
8 answers
A
If the impedance on your speakers are the same you'll have no issues. I'm running 6 plus sub.
david  Jul 06, 2015
A
Hey there I have the m700/5 I run 4 6 1/2" jl speakers off of it, there 10" sub and 2 of there 7.7" tower speakers... The amp has plenty of juice! Let me tell you that setup rocks! Do you want to run 10 speakers ? Are you planning on buying jl speakers? Please shoot me another message for further questions you may have
matthew  Jul 01, 2015
A
I'm not answering your question directly, but have a suggestion. It may apply depending on single vs multiple areas. I'd consider running fewer of the larger speakers (3 pairs of 8" as opposed to maybe 5 pairs of 6") as the 8' may do a better job dispersing standard lows around an extended area and the Sub can carry the super lows. Just a thought.
john  Jun 30, 2015
A
JlAudio's 800/8 is the only one that comes to mind. Not sure if someone makes a 7 channel amp but that would work. I'm running 4 pair plus sub off a 700/5 and it sounds great.
todd  Jun 30, 2015
A
Hello Patrick, I have purchased on of these amplifiers, I am able to play 6 speakers on the 1,2,3 &4 channels and 1 sub on the 5th, I will differently recommend you to get a 5 channel amplifier.
paul  Jun 30, 2015
A
I actually ran into the same exact scenario that you are running into. I ran the amp to the main 4 speakers, in my case were the main sets of speakers where everyone sits. Or if you have tower speaker, then those. I then ran the sub output to the sub because the wattage dedicated to that channel is made to drive subs. The remaining speakers i used my head unit to drive those because they were not as important and would do just fine with the head unit. The sub channel is cranking out way more watts than the speaker outputs. Another option is to get another amp for the remaining speakers.... Like an inexpensive 2 channel. Main thing is use m700/5 on your primary listening speakers and sub. By the way it sounds really awesome and that little amp is worth every dollar. Current setup is on a 2005 Baja outlaw with a loud 496 magHO. I'm using JL 6.5" marine speakers with 2 JL 10" open air subs. Crystal clear at 70 mph.
robert  Jun 30, 2015
A
You have 10 speakers? What i would do in your case is run 2 4 channel amp's (Bridge them) and run the sub woofer a its own amp. The reason is you wont over heat the amp. Just keep a eye the RMS totals. The JL AudioM700/5 is a great amp but look at Wet sound MTX WET500.1 sub amp and for the speakers MTXWET75.4 There a little cheaper but better in my option. with this system you have room to install one more sub woofer down the road. With 10 speakers you should have at-least 2 10" woffer
donald j  Jun 30, 2015
A
Thanks for your question. For information on selecting the best amp for your 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.
kristina  Jun 30, 2015 (Staff)
Q
I see four outputs for the sub, 2+/2-. Doesn't this make it a 6 channel amp?
david  Sep 05, 2014
2 answers
A
No, it's for if you want to brige ur system and if ur using a 2 wolffers system. I used 4 75watt specks 7.5" with two 10" sub wolffers at 300 Rms each. I didn't bridge buts it's louder and even on the boat.
donald j  Sep 06, 2014
A
Technically you could us this as a 6 channel amp however it wouldn't be wise. The subwoofer outputs are dedicated as a mono output in the sense that the channels look like they are separate channels but the outputs are internally wired into parallel inside the amp itself. Its ideal for hooking up two woofers (but its optional). I installed this exact unit on a 2004 25' outlaw SST Baja pushing all 4 JL marine 6.5" speakers as well as 2 JL open air Subs. Because the subs were single voice coil 4 ohm, i was able to separately wire each sub to the available outputs without wiring the subs together allowing 180 watts RMS to each. Also keep in mind that the amp only allows a low pass filter for that channel so running coaxial speakers wouldnt be used at full range. I hope this helps.
robert  Sep 06, 2014
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