Our Product Research Team
At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere.
That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box,
verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs.
We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.
Features
Controls
Connections
Features
Multi-Channel Design: The JBL GTO-3EZ is a 3-channel amplifier,
basically a 2-channel Class AB amplifier and a Class D mono subwoofer amplifier built
into one chassis. The 2-channel section can be bridged, so the amp can be used as a
3-channel or 2-channel amplifier (in this 2-channel mode the output of the two
channels is not equal).
CEA 2006 Compliant: The power ratings are measured according
to the Consumer Electronics Association CEA-2006 standards. These standards
allow you to accurately compare the rated power output of all CEA 2006-compliant
amplifiers, even different brands. Manufacturers who adhere to the standards can
display the CEA 2006 logo on their products and packaging. The power output is
measured from 20 Hz to 20 kHz for the front channels and 20 Hz to 280 Hz for the
subwoofer channel, using a 14.4 volt power supply, and with no more than 1%
THD+N:
- Front Channels:
- 50 watts x 2-channels into 4-ohms
- 75 watts x 4-channels into 2-ohms
- 150 watts x 1-channel into 4-ohms (Bridged)
- Subwoofer Channel:
- 350 watts x 1-channel into 4-ohms
- 500 watts x 1-channel into 2-ohms
Setup Disc: The included setup CD is used to optimize the
input gain. A test tone is output from the disc and the Gain LEDs on the amp
(green, yellow, red) guide you through adjusting the gain controls.
Note: The instructions in the first
version of the manual indicate the radio should be at full
volume when playing the setup disc; this is wrong
and JBL is in the process of correcting the manual. The volume
should actually be as high as possible without distorting the
signal; this will be different for every radio, but approximately
3/4 volume is typical.
Auto Turn-on: The GTO-3EZ has a signal sensing automatic
turn-on circuit; it will turn on whenever an audio signal is present at any of
the RCA inputs. The amplifier will automatically turn off approximately five
minutes after the input signal ceases. If you prefer to use the radio's remote
lead, the auto turn-on feature can be turned off.
Crossovers: There are two independent, built-in crossovers. The
subwoofer channel has a low-pass crossover that cannot be bypassed. The crossover
point is continuously variable from 40 Hz to 280 Hz and the crossover's slope is
12 dB/octave. The front channels' crossover can be set to high-pass, low-pass, or
it can be bypassed (run full range). The crossover point is continuously variable
from 40 Hz to 220 Hz and the crossover's slope is 12 dB/octave.
Audio Input: If your radio has no line-level outputs, use the
included adapters to convert the speaker wires to RCA and plug them into the
amplifier's inputs. The input level switch has a Hi2 position, used to present
a speaker load to factory radios equipped with a circuit that turns the radio off
when an amp is connected.
Sub Routing Switch: The signal for the subwoofer amplifier
channel can be supplied from the dedicated subwoofer input (single RCA), or from
the front channel inputs (stereo RCAs). Set the switch to F (front) or S (sub).
Controls
Top:
- Subwoofer channel:
- Crossover Frequency: rotary knob;
continuously variable from 40 Hz to 280 Hz
- Input Gain: rotary knob (the gain
LEDs are above the knob)
- Bass Boost: rotary knob; continuously
variable from 0 to +12 dB; boost centered at 45 Hz
- Front channels:
- Crossover selector: three
position switch; high-pass, full range, low-pass
- Crossover Frequency: rotary
knob; continuously variable from 40 Hz to 220 Hz
- Input Gain: rotary knob (the
gain LEDs are above the knob)
Right Side:
- Input Level: three position switch;
Low, Hi1, or Hi2 (used only with factory radios having a
circuit that turns the radio off when it sees no speaker
load)
- Sub Routing Switch: F (front)/S (sub)
- Gain LEDs: on/off
Bottom:
Connections
Left Side:
- Power and Ground Terminals: set screw
terminals; accept up to 4 gauge bare wire
- Note: JBL recommends the
power and ground cables be 8 gauge minimum. The
recommended accessory list for the GTO-3EZ
includes wiring kits with 8 gauge wire and
either 50 or 60 amp fuses, but the amp has
two 35 amp fuses (70 amps total), so if one
of these kits is used a replacement fuse must
also be added (at least 70 amps). If a 4 gauge
wiring kit is used no additional fuse is
necessary.
- Remote Turn-on Terminal: set screw
terminal; accepts up to 8 gauge bare wire
- Speaker terminal: three pair of set
screw terminals (for front left, front right, and sub);
accept up to 8 gauge bare wire
- Fuses: two ports for 35-amp ATO
fuses (fuses are factory installed)
Right Side:
- Audio Input: three female
RCA jacks (left, right, and sub); compatible with
a speaker level signal using the included adapters
- Remote: RJ-25 jack (the wired remote
is not yet available as of 2/20/12)