Harman JBL Stage A6004 User manual

EN
JBL Stage A6002/A6004/A9004/A3001
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PURCHASE . . .
Your JBL product has been designed to provide you with the performance and ease of operation you would expect from JBL.
• Please take time to read your owner's manual in its entirety before operating or installing your amplifier.
• Keep the owner's manual for your amplifier in your glove compartment along with the owner's manual for your car.
• Put your amplifier sales receipt with other important documents in order to expedite warranty service if needed.
ABOUT THE MANUAL
This manual describes general installation guidelines and operation instructions. However, please note that proper installation of mobile audio and video
components requires qualified experience with mechanical and electrical procedures. If you do not have the knowledge and tools to successfully perform this
installation, we strongly recommend consulting an authorized JBL dealer about your installation options. Keep all instructions and sales receipts for reference.
Consider this manual as an indispensable feature of your amplifier.
CHAPTER 1: PICTORIAL INDEX OF INPUT
CONNECTIONS
Stage Amplifier left side panel
Stage A6002
Stage A6004 and A9004 Stage A6004 and A9004
Stage A3001
Stage A6002
Stage A3001
1. Power/protect indicator
2. Power input connectors
3. Fuse(s)
4. Speaker output connectors
5. High-level input(s)
6. Line-level inputs (RCA)
7. Gain (input sensitivity)
8. Bass EQ control(s)
9. Crossover frequency control(s)
10. Crossover filter selector(s)
11. Subwoofer phase selector
Stage Amplifier right side panel
CHAPTER 2: INSTALLATION AND WIRING
What's in the box:
1x amplifier
4x mounting screws x4
Sparefuse(x1forA6002,x2forA3001,A6004andA9004)
High-level input adapter (x1 forA6002 and A3001, x2 for A6004 and A9004)
Mounting hardware
Quick-start guide
1 3
2 4 59
7 8 10 6
R-PROTECTR-PROTECTR-PROTECT
12 3 4
32HZ 320HZ
32HZ 320HZ
32HZ 320HZ
32HZ 320HZ
96 7 8
5
10
12
5 7 8 9 11 6
12 43

+12 volt
To in-dash receiver
Vehicle battery
Vehicle chassis
Remote Ground
Power wire
Ground wire
Fuse
Ring Connector
Star Washer
Factory Bolt
Note: Remove any paint
below ring connector
Ground Wire
Precautions:
IMPORTANT: Disconnect the vehicle’s negative (–) battery terminal
before beginning the installation.
• Always wear protective eyewear when using tools.
• Choose a safe mounting location, away from moisture. Check
clearances on both sides of a planned mounting surface. Be sure that
screws or wires will not puncture brake lines, fuel lines, or wiring
harnesses and that wire routing will not interfere with the safe vehicle
operation. Use caution when drilling or cutting in the mounting area.
• When making electrical connections, make sure they are secure and
properly insulated.
• If you must replace any of the amplifier’s fuses, use the same type of
fuse and current rating as the original.
• To keep the amplifier cool, choose a location that provides enough air
circulation, such as under a seat or in the trunk.
• Do not mount the amplifier with the heat sink facing downward, as this
interferes with cooling.
•Mount the amplifier so that it will not be damaged by the feet of
backseat passengers or shifting cargo in the trunk, and so that it
remains dry.
• Using the amplifier as a template, mark the locations of the holes on
the mounting surface.
• Drill pilot holes in the mounting surface.
• Attach the amplifier to the mounting surface with four appropriate
mounting screws (not included). Recommended: #8 Phillips-head
sheet metal screws.
NOTE: You may find it more convenient to make all of the
connections to the amplifier before you permanently mount it.
�Power/protect indicator:
The light will illuminate in blue when the amp is receiving power and
playing. The indicator will illuminate in red if the amp enters Protect
mode in the event of conditions such as over/under voltage, short
circuit, amplifier output circuit failure, or excessive heat.
• Install an appropriate fuse holder and fuse (20A minimum for Stage A6002
and 30A minimum for Stage A6004 and A3001, and 40A minimum for
A9004) within 18" (457mm) of the battery. Make sure the wire is not
damaged or pinched during installation. Install protective grommets when
routing wires through the bulkhead or other sheet metal. Use larger-gauge
wiring for longer runs.
o Stage A6002 minimum wire size: ≥10 gauge
o Stage A6004, A9004, A3001 minimum wire size: ≥8 gauge
•Ground: Run a wire (the same gauge as the power wire) from the GND
input to a factory bolt in the vehicle’s chassis (see illustration below).
NOTE: Remove any paint from the chassis for best contact. Use a star
washer below the ring connector for a secure connection.
•Remote: Connect a 20-gauge wire from the “Remote Out” lead of the
source unit to the REM input. This lead turns the amplifier on when using
low-level input signals. If your stereo has no “Remote Out” lead, connect the
amplifier’s REM input to switched accessory power.
�Fuses:
• Replace only with fuses of the same amperage:
o Stage A6002: 20A
o Stage A6004 and A3001: 15A x 2
o Stage A9004: 20A x 2
�Speaker Output Connectors:
Connect the speakers to these terminals, observing proper polarity (connect
each speaker’s positive (+) lead to the appropriate positive (+) terminal, and
negative (-) lead to the appropriate negative (-) terminal.
Stage A6002
• The Stage A6002 features L+, L-, R+, and R- terminals.
•2-channel operation: Connect the left speaker to the L+ and L- terminals,
and the right speaker to the R+ and R- terminals.
�Power Input Connectors:
•Power: Run power wire from the
+12V input to the positive terminal of
the vehicle’s battery. Insert bare wire
into the terminal on the amplifier, then
tighten the setscrew with a Phillips
screwdriver.
oBridged operation: Connect the positive wire from the single
speaker or subwoofer to the R+ terminal, and the negative wire
from the speaker or subwoofer to the L- terminal.
+- +-
Right speaker Left speaker

Stage A6004 and A9004
• The Stage A6004 and A9004 feature Channel 1 +/-, Channel 2 +/-,
Channel 3 +/-, and Channel 4 +/- terminals.
•4-channel operation: Connect the front left speaker to the Channel 1 +
and - terminals, and the front right speaker to the Channel 2 + and -
terminals. Connect the rear left speaker to the Channel 3 + and - terminals,
and the rear right speaker to the Chanel 4 + and - terminals.
•3-channel operation: Connect the stereo speakers to the Channel 1
and Channel 2 terminals, as described above. Connect the single
speaker’s + lead to the Channel 3 + terminal, and the - lead to the
Channel 4 - terminal.
•2-channel (bridged) operation: Connect one speaker’s + lead to the
Channel 1 + terminal, and the - lead to the Channel 2 - terminal.
Connect the other speaker’s + lead to the Channel 3 + terminal, and
the-leadtotheChannel4-terminal.
Stage A3001
• The Stage A3001 features a positive (+) and negative (-) terminals.
o To power a single subwoofer, connect the subwoofer’s
positive (+) wire to the positive (+) terminal, and the
subwoofer’s negative (-) wire to the negative (-) terminal.
o To power two subwoofers in parallel, connect one sub’s
positive (+) and negative (-) leads to the positive and negative
terminals of the other sub, then connect that subwoofer’s
positive (+) wire to the positive (+) terminal, and the
subwoofer’s negative (-) wire to the negative (-) terminal.
NOTE: Minimum speaker impedance for stereo full-range and subwoofer operation
is 2 ohms. Minimum speaker impedance for bridged operation is 4 ohms.
�Line-level inputs and outputs (RCA):
If your source unit offers preamp outputs, connect to the L and R (A6002
and A3001), or CH1, CH2, CH3, and CH4 (A6004 and A9004) inputs using
RCA patch cables.
�High-level audio input:
If your car audio system’s head unit does not have line-level outputs:
Connect the white, white/black, gray, and gray/black wires of the included
high-level input harness(es) to the front and/or rear speaker output wires of
your car audio system’s head unit (splice crimps not included), and the black
wire to vehicle chassis ground. Then plug the high-level harness into the Stage
amplifier’s high-level input.
Important: Some factory-installed audio system amplifiers include electronic
filters that limit the amount of bass sent to the system’s smaller speakers. This
filtering will adversely affect the Stage amp’s performance. To get the most
bass possible from your Stage amp, splice the high-level harness into the
factory system speaker outputs that are connected to the system’s largest
speakers (the ones designed to reproduce the most bass).
�Input sensitivity (GAIN):
Input level controls. Use these to match the amp’s input sensitivity to the
output level of your source unit. See Setting the input levels in Chapter 3 for a
recommended adjustment procedure.
�Crossover filter selectors (X-OVER):
Let you choose the crossover filters for your system (the Stage A3001 filter is
low-pass only).
• LPF: Low pass. Choose this setting if you’re connecting a subwoofer(s), or
want to provide a low-pass filter for separate mid-bass speakers.
• FULL: Full range. Choose this setting if you’re connecting full-range
speakers, and not using a subwoofer in your system.
• HPF: High pass. Choose this setting to prevent low bass from reaching
midrange or full-range speakers when you’re using a subwoofer in your
system. (See setting the crossovers in Chapter 3.)
�Crossover-filter frequency controls (FREQ):
Turn the dials to the left to lower the crossover point, and to the right to raise
the crossover point. Crossover point settings vary by listener preference.
+-
Subwoofer
R-PROTECTR-PROTECTR-PROTECT
+ -
+ - + -
+ -
Front right speaker
Rear right speaker
Front left speaker
Rear left speaker
R-PROTECTR-PROTECTR-PROTECT
+
-
+ -
+-
Front right speaker
Subwoofer
Front left speaker
R-PROTECTR-PROTECTR-PROTECT
+ - + -
Subwoofer Subwoofer
Subwoofer
+-
+- + -
Subwoofer Subwoofer
To vehicle
speaker wires and
chassis ground

CHAPTER 3: OPERATIONS
Setting the input levels:
To match your amplifier’s input sensitivity (gain) to your source unit’s output
level, we recommend the following procedure:
A. Turn both input level controls counterclockwise to MIN (minimum).
B. Play a dynamic music track through your source unit. Turn the source unit’s
volume control to the 3/4 position.
C. Turn the front input level control dial clockwise towards MAX until you hear
distortion in the music (it’s no longer clear).
D. Slowly turn the front level input control dial counterclockwise until the music
sounds clear again.
E. Your front input level is now correctly set. Repeat this process with the rear
channels.
Setting the crossover
Properly setting crossover filter selectors optimizes frequency distribution for
efficient speaker operation and best sound.
Step 1: Use the slider controls to select low-pass (LPF), FULL, or high-pass
(HPF).
• LPF: Low pass. Choose this setting if you are connecting a subwoofer(s) or
want to provide a low-pass filter for separate mid-bass speakers.
• FULL: Full range. Choose this setting if you are connecting full-range
speakers and are not using a subwoofer in your system.
• HPF: High pass. Choose this setting to prevent low bass from reaching
midrange or full-range speakers when you are using a subwoofer in your
system.
Step 2: Use crossover-filter frequency controls to adjust crossover point
settings for coaxial speakers and subwoofers to suit listener preference. Turn
the dials to the left to lower the crossover point and to the right to raise the
crossover point. Exact crossover settings for coaxial speakers and subwoofers
finally depend on your listening preferences. NOTE: crossover point does not
apply in FULL mode.
The Stage 3001A also lets you choose the center
frequency of the bass boost – the frequency that
receives the most boost effect. Turn the FREQ dial to
the right to adjust the center frequency. The frequency
you choose depends on your listening preferences.
CHAPTER 4: TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM: No audio and POWER INDICATOR is off.
CAUSE and SOLUTION: No voltage at BATT+ and/or REM terminals, or
bad or no ground connection. Check voltages at amplifier terminals with
VOM.
PROBLEM: No audio and PROTECT INDICATOR flashes every 4
seconds.
CAUSE and SOLUTION: DC voltage on amplifier output. Amplifier may
need service; see enclosed warranty card for service information.
PROBLEM: No audio and PROTECT INDICATOR is on.
CAUSE and SOLUTION: Amplifier is overheated. Make sure amplifier
cooling is not blocked at mounting location. Verify that speaker-system
impedance is within specified limits. Or, there may be voltage greater than
16V (or less than 8.5V) on BATT+ connection. Check vehicle charging
system.
PROBLEM: No audio and PROTECT and POWER INDICATORS flash.
CAUSE and SOLUTION: Voltage less than 9V on BATT+ connection.
Check vehicle charging system.
PROBLEM: Distorted audio.
CAUSE and SOLUTION: Gain is not set properly. Check INPUT LEVEL
setting. Check speaker wires for shorts or grounds. Amplifier or source
unit may be defective.
PROBLEM: Distorted audio and PROTECT INDICATOR flashes.
CAUSE and SOLUTION: Short circuit in speaker or wire. Remove speaker
leads one at a time to locate shorted speaker or wire, and repair.
PROBLEM: Music lacks dynamics or "punch."
CAUSE and SOLUTION: Speakers are not connected properly. Check
speaker connections for proper polarity.
PROBLEM: Amplifier fuse keeps blowing.
CAUSE and PROBLEM: The wiring is connected incorrectly or there is a
short circuit. Review installation precautions and procedures in manual.
Check wiring connections.
PROBLEM: Engine noise—whining or clicking—in system when the
engine is on.
CAUSE and PROBLEM: Amplifier is picking up alternator noise. Turn
down gain. Move audio cables away from power wires. Install an
alternator noise filter on power line between battery and alternator. Check
ground connections on the amplifier since a loose or improper ground is
one of the main causes for extraneous noise in your audio system.
Selecting the subwoofer phase
With the Stage A3001, you can choose a subwoofer
phase output of 0° or 180°. To check your sub's
phase, play music with lots of bass and listen as
another person slowly turns the dial back and forth
between 0 and 180 degrees. The correct setting is the
one that gives you more bass. If you don't detect any
real difference, leave the dial in the 0 setting.
© 2018 HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated. All rights reserved.
JBL is a trademark of HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated, registered in the
United States and/or other countries. Features, specifications and appearance are subject
to change without notice.
HARMAN International
Industries, Incorporated
8500 Balboa Boulevard,
Northridge, CA 91329 USA
www.jbl.com
CHAPTER 5: SPECIFICATIONS
Model
Stage A6002 60W
60W
90W
N/A
0.2V
0.2V
0.2V
0.2V
>75dB
>75dB
>75dB
>75dB
<1%
<1%
<1%
<1%
20A
2x15A
2x20A
2x15A
95 x 230 x 190 (mm)
95 x 260 x 190 (mm)
95 x 325 x 190 (mm)
95 x 313 x 190 (mm)
1.16kg
1.381kg
1.806kg
1.609kg
9–16V
9–16V
9–16V
9–16V
<1.0A
<1.2A
<1.5A
<1.5A
70W
70W
110W
300W
140W
140W
220W
N/A
280W
560W
880W
600W
20Hz – 20kHz @ -1 dB
20Hz – 20kHz @ -1 dB
20Hz – 20kHz @ -1 dB
10Hz – 320Hz @ -3 dB
12V
12V
12V
12V
0.5V
0.5V
0.5V
0.5V
5V
5V
5V
5V
Stage A6004
Stage A9004
Stage A3001
RMS power
@4ohms RMS power @2ohms RMS bridged power @ 4 ohms Total peak power Frequency response
Maximum high
input signal
level
High input
maximum
sensitivity
Maximum
line input
signal level
Model
Stage A6002
Stage A6004
Stage A9004
Stage A3001
Line input
signal maximum
sensitivity
Line-in
signal-to-noise ratio
(reference to 1 watt)
THD+ N at
rated power
(20Hz – 20kHz)
Fuse
size Dimensions (H x W x D) Weight Operating
voltage Quiescent
current draw
Bass EQ level and frequency:
You can increase the bass output of your system with
the Bass EQ feature up to +12dB. Turn the LEVEL dials
to the right to increase the bass output.
12
A B C D E