If you’re the finicky sort when it comes to car audio, a good amplifier is a definite must. Either that, or you should think about investing in a pair of music headphones. Between the two, you’d have a much better time (and drive) if you had a good amplifier driving the audio in your car, especially if you drive it every day.
For starters, you should take a good look at the JL Audio XD700/5.
The XD700/5 is manufactured by one of the most reputable companies in the car audio industry: JL Audio. They make a wide variety of car audio products, including amplifiers. The XD700/5 is but one of their many offerings. However, what makes it different is that it’s also one of their best.
A car amplifier built for enthusiast-grade performance, the JL Audio XD700/5 aims to provide an excellent value for the money with little to no audio compromise.
What Features Make the JL Audio XD700/5 So Good?
NexD™ Switching Technology
The NexD™ Switching Technology takes the rather simple fixed Pulse Width Modulation design, but amplifies it with a high switching frequency. This allows the amplifier to a consistent flow of power to the modular, minimizing any sound distortion.
The increase in power-efficiency also results in cleaner, more powerful audio that’s free from any problem resulting from power supply fluctuation.
Advanced Roll Back Protection
Most amplifiers come with a built-in safety switch where it shuts off under extreme pressure. The XD700/5 doesn’t.
That doesn’t mean it's dangerous though, nor prone to breakage. In fact, this “lack” of protection is actually what makes it better than most amplifiers on the market. Because, instead of shutting down, the amplifier simply pulls the peak power output back a bit, without you ever noticing, so as to give the amplifier a chance to cool down.
This feature is indicated by a red “Thermal” led light that will stay on until temperature and full peak power is restored.
Automatic Turn-On
The XD700/5 will turn on as soon as you hit play on your car’s audio player.
So, whether you’re simply listening to the FM/AM radio, or using your iPhone, iPod, or Android device, as well as USB or other players, to play music on your car, the amplifier will detect the signal and turn on by itself.
The amplifier can also detect the audio from the inputs, so it will turn off as well when no longer in use.
Keep in mind that it’s still possible to turn the XD700/5 on and off via the traditional +12V remote turn-on lead.
Wide Range of Input Voltage Levels
The XD700/5 can handle a variety of input voltage levels to give the proper output for optimal sound.
3-Way Protection Circuitry
The XD700/5 comes with 3-way protection circuitry. The first is the aforementioned advanced roll back protection. The others are Short Circuit Protection and Overload Protection.
Both of these are extremely important for the longevity of your amplifier, especially when it comes to protecting it from the potential damage caused by an electric short.
HD-RLC Remote Level Control (Optional)
The optional HD-RLC Remote level controller allows you to take control of your amplifier’s performance right from the comfort of your seats.
No more dilly-dallying around on your media player or whatever. The HD-RLC remote level controller gives you all of the flexibility that you need when listening to the songs that you want with minimal hassle.
Although it’s an optional purchase, the fact that the XD700/5 supports the feature is a welcome bonus.
Conclusion
A powerhouse in every sense of the word, the JL Audio XD700/5 packs a mean punch despite its relatively small stature. Multi-channel systems typically take up a lot of space, but the XD700/5 was built to defy that notion, and with little to no compromise at that!
For the component speakers, you can run the XD700/5 at these ohms:
- 75 watts RMS x 4 channels at 4 ohms
- 100 watts RMS x 4 channels at 2 ohms
- 200 watts RMS x 2 channels bridged
- Plus, if you’d like to add subwoofers, you can push as much as 180 watts RMS at 4 ohms x 1 channel or 240 watts RMS at 3 ohms x 1 channel, or even 300 watts RMS at 2 ohms x 1 channel.
For audiophiles and finicky listeners who want to have all the control over their listening experience while driving, the JL Audio XD700/5 is an ideal choice. Yes, it’s pricey. It also doesn’t come fused. But those are relatively small prices to pay when you consider the amount of quality you’re getting with the XD700/5.
The ease of installation, especially for a 5-channel system, is a small yet welcome bonus.
Put simply, if you’re looking for the best compact multi-channel amplifier on the market, then look no further than the XD700/5!
Last update on 2021-12-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
