Description
JL Audio JLA-010-03325-00 MX500/1 Marine Amplifier - Monoblock Wide-Range Amplifier
Compact IPX7 waterproof monoblock amplifier delivering 500 watts with optimized subwoofer frequency response and steep 24dB/octave filtering.
Product Overview
The JL Audio MX500/1 Marine Amplifier (JLA-010-03325-00) delivers 500 watts of dedicated subwoofer power with full IPX7 waterproof protection in a compact, robust chassis designed for harsh marine and powersports environments. This Class D monoblock amplifier features frequency response optimized for subwoofer duty (20 Hz-12 kHz) and a steep 24 dB/octave low-pass filter for precise system integration. The compact dimensions (9.33" x 1.77" x 4.50") enable installation in locations impossible for conventional amplifiers, while the IPX7 rating ensures complete protection against water immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. Delivering 500 watts at 2 ohms or 300 watts at 4 ohms, this amplifier provides massive power for single or dual subwoofer installations in boats, UTVs, jet skis, and powersports vehicles where exposure to water is constant. The steeper filter slope provides cleaner system integration compared to standard 12 dB/octave designs, while bass boost control and optional remote level adjustment enable precise low-end tuning. The lightweight design (3.18 lbs) and pigtail connection system ensure simplified installation while maintaining waterproof integrity in harsh saltwater conditions.
Features & Benefits
The 500-watt monoblock configuration delivers 500 watts RMS at 2 ohms (400W at 12.5V input) or 300 watts at 4 ohms, providing substantial power for demanding marine subwoofer installations or dual subwoofer configurations. Full IPX7 waterproof rating protects against complete water immersion, far exceeding splash-resistant ratings, ensuring reliable operation even when fully submerged temporarily during washdowns, heavy weather, or water sports activities. Frequency response optimized for subwoofer applications (20 Hz-12 kHz) focuses amplifier bandwidth where subwoofers operate, eliminating wasted energy on higher frequencies. Compact dimensions (9.33" x 1.77" x 4.50") enable installation in tight spaces including under seats, behind panels, in storage compartments, or directly exposed in engine bays. Class D efficiency minimizes heat generation, eliminating the need for bulky heatsinks or active cooling. Advanced 24 dB/octave low-pass filter provides steeper rolloff compared to standard 12 dB designs, ensuring cleaner system integration and reducing overlap with full-range speakers. Bass boost control provides 0 to +12 dB gain at 43 Hz for enhanced low-end impact when needed. Optional RBC-1 remote bass control allows cockpit-accessible level adjustment. Strong damping factor (>115 @ 4Ω) ensures tight control over subwoofer cone movement for articulate, punchy bass. Output polarity switch enables phase adjustment for optimal subwoofer integration. Power and signal connections via pigtail design with no exposed terminals enhance waterproofing integrity.
Technical Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Model |
JLA-010-03325-00 MX500/1 Marine Amplifier |
| Configuration |
Monoblock Wide-Range Amplifier |
| Amplifier Class |
Class D |
| Power @ 14.4V / 4Ω |
300W RMS x 1 channel |
| Power @ 14.4V / 2Ω |
500W RMS x 1 channel |
| Power @ 12.5V / 4Ω |
250W RMS x 1 channel |
| Power @ 12.5V / 2Ω |
400W RMS x 1 channel |
| Total System Power |
500 watts |
| Frequency Response |
20 Hz - 12 kHz (+0/-1dB) |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio |
>97 dB (rated power) |
| SNR @ 1W |
>70 dB (analog inputs) |
| THD+N @ Rated Power |
<1% @ 2Ω |
| Damping Factor |
>115 @ 4Ω, >54 @ 2Ω (50 Hz) |
| Low-Pass Filter |
24 dB/octave, Off or Low-Pass |
| Bass Boost |
0 to +12 dB @ 43 Hz |
| Input Voltage Range |
250mV-4V (Low) / 580mV-14V (High) |
| Operating Voltage |
11-15 VDC |
| Water/Dust Rating |
IPX7 (submersion protection) |
| Fuse Rating |
50A |
| Recommended Fuse Type |
AFS, AGU, or MaxiFuse™ |
| Min. Wire Gauge |
4 AWG (power/ground) |
| Output Polarity Switch |
Yes (phase adjustment) |
| Remote Level Control |
Optional RBC-1 |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) |
237 x 45 x 115 mm (9.33" x 1.77" x 4.50") |
| Weight |
1.44 kg (3.18 lbs) |
| Warranty |
3 years |
| Included Accessories |
Power/signal pigtails, mounting screws |
Compatible With / Goes Well With
JL Audio Marine Subwoofers: M3 Marine Subwoofer models, ideal for single 12-inch or dual 10-inch marine subwoofer installations in sealed or ported enclosures requiring high-power output
JL Audio Source Units: MediaMaster 55 Stereo, MediaMaster 105 Stereo, JL Audio Receivers for signal source and dedicated subwoofer output
Powersports Applications: Polaris RZR Stealthbox systems (SB-POL-RZG3/10TW3), compatible with UTV, ATV, and side-by-side subwoofer applications requiring maximum bass output
System Components: Optional RBC-1 Remote Bass Control for cockpit-accessible level adjustment, pair with MX280/4 or MX600/3 for complete system amplification with high-power subwoofer channel
Installation Requirements: 4 AWG copper power and ground wiring, 50A fuse (AFS/AGU/MaxiFuse), 2-ohm stable subwoofer for maximum power output, sealed or ported enclosure matched to amplifier power, proper amplifier grounding for optimal performance
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the advantage of the 24 dB/octave crossover compared to 12 dB/octave designs? The steeper 24 dB/octave slope provides cleaner system integration by creating sharper frequency separation between subwoofer and full-range speakers. This reduces overlap in the crossover region, minimizing phase interactions and producing tighter, more articulate bass response. The steeper slope is particularly beneficial in marine environments where acoustic reflections can cause bass to sound muddy—the 24 dB/octave filter ensures your subwoofer only reproduces frequencies it's designed to handle efficiently.
Can this amplifier power dual marine subwoofers for maximum output? Yes, the 500-watt output is perfect for dual subwoofer configurations. Wire two 4-ohm subs in parallel for a 2-ohm load delivering 500W total (250W per sub), or two 2-ohm subs in series for 4 ohms and 300W total. For dual 10-inch or 12-inch marine subwoofers, 500 watts provides substantial bass output for outdoor marine environments where low-end response must overcome wind, water, and ambient noise. Ensure combined power handling exceeds amplifier output.
Why does the frequency response extend to 12 kHz instead of the typical 500 Hz for subwoofer amps? The extended 20 Hz-12 kHz bandwidth provides flexibility beyond traditional subwoofer-only applications. While the low-pass filter can be set appropriately for subwoofer use (typically 40-80 Hz), the wider bandwidth allows this amplifier to power full-bandwidth applications like bass-shakers, tactile transducers, or certain high-efficiency speakers requiring substantial power without high-frequency limitations. The 12 kHz upper limit still focuses energy in the lower frequency spectrum where maximum power is needed.
How does the MX500/1 compare to the smaller MX300/1 for marine subwoofer applications? The MX500/1 delivers 66% more power (500W vs 300W at 2Ω), features a steeper 24 dB/octave crossover slope for cleaner system integration (vs 12 dB/octave), and provides superior signal-to-noise ratio (97 dB vs 85 dB). However, it requires heavier electrical infrastructure (4 AWG/50A vs 8 AWG/30A) and has a slightly larger footprint. Choose the MX500/1 when maximum bass output is required, when using larger subwoofers (12-inch or dual 10-inch), or when the steeper crossover slope's benefits justify the larger size and electrical requirements.
Where can I mount this amplifier in my boat with its IPX7 waterproof rating? The IPX7 rating allows mounting virtually anywhere including fully exposed locations. Common marine installations include directly on bulkheads in engine compartments, underneath helm seats, behind access panels in cockpit areas, in bilge areas (when properly secured), on transom walls, or in storage compartments. The compact dimensions (9.33" x 1.77" x 4.50") fit tight spaces while the pigtail connection design maintains waterproof integrity. The amplifier can be mounted horizontally, vertically, or at any angle, and will continue operating even if temporarily submerged during washdowns or heavy seas.
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