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JL Audio RD1500/1 Mono subwoofer amplifier — 1,500 watts RMS x 1 at 2 ohms

Item # 13698643

JL Audio's RD1500/1 mono amplifier will power your subwoofer with up to 1,500 watts RMS, so you'll really hear and...

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JL Audio's RD1500/1 mono amplifier will power your subwoofer with up to 1,500 watts RMS, so you'll really hear and...

Item # 13698643

Every order includes

  • Free lifetime tech support
  • 60-day price-drop protection
  • 60-day returns
In stock
$729.99

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About the JL Audio RD1500/1

Buck Pomerantz

Product highlights:

  • mono subwoofer amplifier
    • 750 watts RMS x 1 at 4 ohms
    • 1500 watts RMS x 1 at 2 ohms
    • 1500 watts RMS x 1 at 1 ohm
  • 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)
  • wiring, fuse, and hardware not included with amplifier
    • 2-gauge power and ground leads and a 150-amp fuse recommended
  • 18-1/16"W x 2-3/16"H x 7"D
  • warranty: 2 years
  • MFR # 010-03333-00
  • Item # 13698643
  • California customers: Please click here for your Proposition 65 WARNING.

What's in the box:

JL Audio RD1500/1 owner's manual

If you need assistance accessing this owner's manual, please give us a call.
  • Mono subwoofer amplifier
  • JL Audio badge
  • 3mm Allen wrench
  • 2.5mm Allen wrench
  • Owner's manual

More details on the JL Audio RD1500/1

Mark G.

Product Research

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 RD1500/1 is a Class-D mono amplifier, designed specifically for powering subwoofers. The amplifier is stable down to 1Ω.

Power Output: measured at 14.4 volts, from 20-500 Hz, with <1% THD+Noise

  • 4Ω: 750 watts RMS x 1 channel (also 750 watts RMS at 12.5 volts)
  • 3Ω: 1000 watts RMS x 1 channel (also 1000 watts RMS at 12.5 volts)
  • 2Ω: 1500 watts RMS x 1 channel (1200 watts RMS at 12.5 volts)
  • 1Ω: 1500 watts RMS x 1 channel ( also 1500 watts RMS at 12.5 volts)

Differential-Balanced Inputs: The RD1500/1 features differential-balanced input architecture to effectively control noise and ensure compatibility with a wide variety of source units, including many factory 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's speaker level outputs.

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 ½ second 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 a ½ 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 RD1500/1 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 RD1500/1 features a brushed aluminum control panel 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 lets 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 RD1500/1 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 50 Hz and 500 Hz. There are additional markings at 60 Hz, 80 Hz, 120 Hz, and 200 Hz. 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 removed, the amplifier will turn off. The screw clamp terminal will accept 18 AWG to 8 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 left channel RCA 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.

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 screw clamp terminals for the power, ground, and remote turn-on connections. 3mm and 2.5mm Allen wrenches are supplied for tightening or loosening the set screws.

  • Power and Ground: The amplifier's screw clamp Power and Ground connections are designed to accept up to 2 AWG power wire. (JL Audio recommends 2 AWG minimum.)
  • Remote Turn-On: The amplifier's screw clamp turn-on terminal will accept 18 to 8 AWG wire.
Note: The Amplifier is not equipped with a fuse. An external 150-amp fuse must be installed on the power wire. If a wiring kit is used which includes a fuse with a value other than 150 amps, the original should be replaced with a 150-amp fuse.

Speaker Output Terminals: The JL Audio RD1500/1 features two pair of screw clamp speaker terminals. They are internally wired in parallel, so you can easily connect two subwoofers. 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 a rotary Input Sensitivity control. The amplifier's input voltage range is 200mV-2V (LOW) and 800mV-8V (HIGH).

Preamp Outputs: The RD1500/1 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 network, it 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 RD1500/1 from the driver's seat.

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Customer Q&A

22 questions already asked

Q
Can I use 4 gauge power wiring on this amp to power two 12" Alpine type R 4-ohm subs? I bought a 4 gauge wiring kit from you guys and should be here today. My hopes was to wire it up this weekend, now I'm second guessing the wire size for my setup.
eric  Apr 24, 2025
1 answer
A
Hey Eric, so 1/0 gauge is what is recommend to properly power this amp to ensure we have enough output going to our subs. And then of course you will need some 12-gauge speaker wire to go from the amp to the subs themselves.
red  Apr 25, 2025 (Staff)
Q
Can i run a 1/0 awg power and ground to this amp? JL recommends a 2 awg but that size wire is over $500 from JL audio.
kevin  Dec 28, 2024
1 answer
A
Yes, 1/0 will work with this amp just fine. Thats actually the size we recommend using with this piece. Here is a 1/0 kit we carry for that: https://www.crutchfield.com/I-rET1c402/p_007CK1/Crutchfield-CK1-Amp-Wiring-Kit.html
red  Dec 29, 2024 (Staff)
Q
Whats the max size speaker wire gauge will this amp accept?
david  Nov 08, 2024
1 answer
A
The JL Audio RD1500/1's speaker terminals will accept up to 8 AWG speaker wire, David.
bo  Nov 08, 2024 (Staff)
Q
(1) Would this amplifier be a good match for my loaded encloser single memphis mojo 1212 1500w rms 3000w peak wired to 1 ohm? Its the memphisbox with piano baffle...(2) would it be more efficient to keep it at 1 ohm or use jump wire to get 2 ohm? Thanks for your time.
tripp  Aug 06, 2024
1 answer
A
Greeting s Dustin. Thank you for your questions. If you went with this JL Audio RD 1500/1 it puts out 1500 watts are either 1 ohm, or 2. Difference being amplifiers will normally run hotter at 1 ohm. With that sub you can run it at either 1 ohm, or 2. Personally, if you went with this JL Audio, I would run the sub at 2 ohms.
thomas  Aug 06, 2024 (Staff)
Q
Would this amp be good for 3 10TW3-D4 subs?
goocher  Mar 10, 2024
1 answer
A
Hey Chris, great question. So three of those JL subs are looking for a total of about 1200w RMS and when you wire three of them together, the final impedance will be about 2.7-ohm. Now we do not know the exact power output of that amp at 2.7ohm but we know its stable at 2-ohm for 1500w RMS and at 4-ohm for 750w RMS. On paper doing estimates, I think this amp will be pushing a bit more than the 1200w recommended for three of those amps and Crutchfield does not advise going over those RMS values to ensure minimized risk on blowing the subs.
red  Mar 10, 2024 (Staff)
Q
I have 3 TW3 10s 4 ohm and a 1500/1. What would be the ohm load and is this set up a good match?
robert  Jul 25, 2023
1 answer
A
If you have the 4-ohm, dual voice coil JL Audio TW3's in triple Robert, you can wire them with the diagram in the link below for a 2.7-ohm load at the amp terminals. JL Audio does not list the 3-ohm numbers for this amp, so you would have to test the output on a meter to make sure you did not exceed the 1200-watts RMS max total combined of the three subwoofers. Overpowering JL Audio subwoofers is never advised. I suggest hitting the easy button and using the JL Audio HD series HD1200 in the second link below. The HD1200 has a regulated output that hits the RMS wattage perfectly for the 2 subwoofers! https://images.crutchfieldonline.com/ca/learningcenter/car/subwoofer_wiring/3DVC_4-ohm_mono.jpg https://www.crutchfield.com/p_136HD1200/JL-Audio-HD-Series-HD1200-1.html
bo  Jul 26, 2023 (Staff)
Q
How efficient is this amplifier compared to the JL HD series ?
christopher  May 19, 2023
1 answer
A
Unfortunately, JL Audio does not provide an official efficiency rating for the RD1500/1.
zachary  May 19, 2023 (Staff)
Q
In running 4 jl audio we 12's will this amp work and would I need 2?
dontasimmons  May 02, 2023
1 answer
A
Greetings Donta, and thank you for your questions. I will assume you are meaning the JL Audio W0 subwoofers. Each is looking for 300 or close to that watts. This model JL amp running four of those subs would get only 125 watts to each sub. Not nearly enough, and way under powered. You will need something like the JD 1000/1, or the RD 1000/1 amp to run four, and yes you would want the 2 ohm version of those subs. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_13698363/JL-Audio-JD1000-1.html?tp=35834 https://www.crutchfield.com/p_13698617/JL-Audio-RD1000-1.html?tp=35834
thomas  May 03, 2023 (Staff)
Q
Does it do 3 ohms?
jorge  Mar 17, 2023
1 answer
A
This JL Audio RD1500/1 is capable of driving a 3-ohm load Jorge, but the wattage output would be hard to confirm from my end. If you need around 1200-watts to your 3-ohm setup I would consider using the JL Audio HD1200/1 in the link below. This has a regulated output, so it will deliver the same wattage (1200-watts RMS) to anywhere from 1.5 to 4-ohms! https://www.crutchfield.com/p_136HD1200/JL-Audio-HD-Series-HD1200-1.html
bo  Mar 17, 2023 (Staff)
Q
Is the JL audio RD 1500/1 enough to power 3 12w6v3's? In a sealed enclosure?
ricardo  Oct 21, 2022
1 answer
A
Greetings Jay1112, and thank you for your question. 3 of the JL W6s would present 2.7 ohm load on that amp. The RD 1500/1 is 1500 or a tad more at 2 ohms, so it will, be under 1500 at 2.7ohms. Those W6s are rated for 600, so lets say at 2.7 ohms the amp put out 1500 watts, each sub would get a decent 500 watts each. Of course we do not know what it puts out at 2.7 ohms, but you should be close to 450-475 per sub ball park.
thomas  Oct 21, 2022 (Staff)
Q
Would wiring 2 Kicker L7S12 to this AMP at 4ohms be 750 watts for each sub ?
michael  Sep 23, 2022
1 answer
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.
zachary  Sep 23, 2022 (Staff)
Q
Do you think the jl rd1500/1 will push 4 tw3 12??
jl reliant  Sep 05, 2022
1 answer
A
You could go with 4 of the 12TW3-D4 wired in parallel which will be 1600 watts at the 2 ohm load and run it off of that mono amp and be a pretty good match.
arielle  Sep 06, 2022 (Staff)
Q
is this amp too powerful for two 12TW3-D4 subs?
javier  Aug 31, 2022
1 answer
A
This JL Audio RD1500/1 is a total beast Javier! We would consider this too powerful for a pair of JL Audio 12TW3-D4's as they are only rated for a maximum of 400 watts RMS each. We also never advise overpowering a JL speaker because it will sadly void your warranty, and we don't want that! Can you fit four 12's in? There is no real wattage gain on the JL from 2-1ohms (still 1500 watts) and four of these subs would wire to 2 ohms and give you 1600 watts capability RMS, just saying! If you can only fit two I would use this 8ohm DVC JL in the link below. You can wire this pair to 2 ohms and have a wider variety of JL amps that can deliver the correct wattage. The second link is for the RD1000/1 JL, still a bit overpowered but could be tuned properly to work well. I hope this helps Javier! https://www.crutchfield.com/p_13692194/JL-Audio-12TW3-D8.html https://www.crutchfield.com/p_13698617/JL-Audio-RD1000-1.html
bo  Sep 01, 2022 (Staff)
Q
Which speaker ports do I use for my L7 12" solo baric speakers?
todd  Aug 28, 2022
1 answer
A
This amplifier has two sets of speaker terminals (2 positive, 2 negative). These terminals are actually internally connected inside the amp. In other words, the positive terminals are connected to each other and the negative terminals are connected to each other. As for how to connect these subs, if your purchased these items from us, our Tech Support team will be happy to help. Our toll-free Tech Support number is printed on your invoice, and is also available under the "My Orders" tab in the "My Account" section of our website. If you did not purchase the unit from Crutchfield, then you may want to contact the manufacturer.
zachary  Aug 28, 2022 (Staff)
Q
Will this amp power two W6v3 12inch subs?
ray  May 26, 2022
1 answer
A
Using two W6v3's you can wire down to 1 ohm, and that would give you around 1500 watts to both speakers. They are rated for 600 watts RMS each and this JL amp is rated to operate at 1 ohm, so if you tune carefully you can use this RD1500/1 to power both. That's going to be a smoking hot setup, with a LOT of bass!
bo  May 26, 2022 (Staff)
Q
How does this compare SQ wise to the Rockford Fosgate T1500-1bdcp?
brandon  Jan 18, 2022
1 answer
A
Thanks for your question. For information on comparing two or more models 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 and help you make the best choice for your system and your budget.
kenneth  Jan 20, 2022 (Staff)
Q
Will this amp be a good fit for my 12" W7's, one amp per W7?
benny  Jan 01, 2022
2 answers
A
Yes
leonard  Jan 01, 2022
A
Absolutely rocks. I run it on 13.5 sounds amazing
jesse  Jan 01, 2022
Q
Will this amp be a good fit for my 12" W7's, one amp per W7?
benny  Jan 01, 2022
3 answers
A
I think that this amplifier can be used for one or for 2 subwoofer 12 w7 lla that has an impedance of 1500watts at 2 and 1 hom apart I think this amplifier pulls more than 1500watts I think it is in a range of 1800watts so you can distribute it between 2 subwoofer without problem as it can be used for a single subwoofer adjusting the gain of the cliping so that it does not distort well I am using it with 2 kicker 12 "cvx subwoofer that are 750W RMS each and it is working very well for me??
jorge  Jan 03, 2022
A
Yes
leonard  Jan 01, 2022
A
It's a perfect fit the only thing better would be the hd1200. The amp when paired to the 12w7 sounds good and won't get hot running at 3 ohms. I've had the amp for a while and it's still going strong
ernest  Jan 01, 2022
Q
is it bad if the " clipping LED " is flickering ? i read the manual and it says if the LED light is solidly lit indicating maximum unclipped output ? RD 1500/1
gilbert rodegeb  Jul 06, 2020
1 answer
A
If you purchased the product from Crutchfield, feel free to contact our Tech Support team. Our toll-free Tech Support number is printed on your invoice, and is also available under the "My Orders" tab in the "My Account" section of our website. If you did not purchase the unit from Crutchfield, then you may want to contact the manufacturer.
kristina  Jul 27, 2020 (Staff)
Q
Would you recommend the Rd1500 Or the HD 1200 ? . Looking for breath taking bass.
gilbert  Jun 28, 2020
3 answers
A
How do you have it wired?
evan  Aug 07, 2020
A
Definitely recommend the JL RD1500, got it paired with two 12" Alpine R series subwoofers and it works perfect! Some serious bass from this setup, get compliments and heads turned everyday!
joseph  Jun 28, 2020
A
I have this on a 13w7 and it is in my opinion the ideal match. More power for the dollar and designed for subwoofers
joshua  Jun 28, 2020
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