INSTALLATION

WARNING: Playing loud music in an automobile can hinder your ability to hear traffic and permanently damage your hearing. We recommend listening at low or moderate levels while driving your car. JBL accepts no liability for hearing loss, bodily injury or property damage resulting from the use or misuse of this product.

IMPORTANT: To get the best performance from your JBL Grand Touring® Series amplifiers, we strongly recommend that installation be entrusted to a qualified professional. Although these instructions explain how to install GTO amplifiers in a general sense, they do not show specific installation methods that may be required for your particular vehicle. If you do not have the necessary tools or experience, do not attempt the installation yourself. Instead, please ask your authorized JBL car audio dealer about professional installation.

INSTALLATION WARNINGS AND TIPS

Always wear protective eyewear when using tools.

Turn off the audio system and other electrical devices before you start. Disconnect the (–) negative lead from your vehicle’s battery.

Check clearances on both sides of a planned mounting surface before drilling any holes or installing any screws. Remember that the screws can extend behind the surface.

At the installation sites, locate and make a note of all fuel lines, hydraulic brake lines, vacuum lines and electrical wiring. Use extreme caution when cut- ting or drilling in and around these areas.

Before drilling or cutting holes, use a utility knife to remove unwanted fabric or vinyl to keep material from snagging in a drill bit.

When routing cables, keep input-signal cables away from power cables and speaker wires.

When making connections, make certain they are secure and properly insulated.

If the amplifier’s fuse must be replaced, use only the same type and rating as that of the original. Do not substitute another kind.

CHOOSING A LOCATION AND MOUNTING THE AMPLIFIER

Choose a mounting location in the trunk or cargo area where the amplifier will not be damaged by shifting cargo. Amplifier cooling is essential for proper amplifier operation. If the amplifier is to be installed in an enclosed space, make sure there is sufficient air circulation for the amplifier to cool itself.

When mounting the amplifier under a seat, ensure that it is clear of all moving seat parts and does not affect the seat adjustments. Mount the amplifier so it is not damaged by the feet of backseat passengers. Make sure that the amplifier is mounted securely using nuts and bolts or the supplied mounting screws.

Mount the amplifier so that it remains dry – never mount an amplifier outside the vehicle or in the engine compartment.

Figure 1. Terminal connection end plate.

POWER CONNECTIONS The GTO amplifiers are capable of delivering extremely high power levels, and require a heavy-duty and reliable connection to the vehicle’s electrical system in order to perform optimally. See Figure 1 for connection location. Please adhere to the following instructions carefully:

Ground Connection

Connect the amplifier’s Ground (GND) terminal to a solid point on the vehicle’s metal chassis, as close to the amplifier as possible. Refer to the chart below to determine minimum wire-gauge size. Scrape away any paint from this location; use a star- type lock washer to secure the connection.

Power Connection

Connect a wire (see chart at right for appropriate gauge) directly to the vehicle’s positive battery terminal, and install an appropriate fuse holder within 18" of the battery terminal. Do not install the fuse at this time. Route the wire to the amplifier’s location, and connect it to the amplifier’s Positive (+12V) terminal. Be sure to use appropriate grommets whenever routing wires through the firewall or other sheet metal. Failure to adequately protect the positive wire from potential damage may result in a vehicle fire. When you are done routing and connecting this wire, you may install the fuse at the battery.

Remote Connection

Connect the amplifier’s Remote (REM) terminal to the source unit’s Remote Turn- On lead using a minimum of 18-gauge wire.

NOTE: When using the speaker level inputs, connect the remote (REM) terminal to the source unit. If your source unit does not have a remote turn-on connection, connect the amplifier’s (REM) terminal to the vehicle’s accessory circuit.

Speaker Connections

Refer to the application guides on the pages that follow. Speaker connections should be made using a minimum of 16-gauge wire.

High-Level Input Connections

The GTO75.2, GTO75.4 and GTO755.6 amplifiers are equipped with speaker-level inputs that allow you to add an amplifier to head units that do not have RCA line outputs. The speaker outputs for the source unit should be connected to the amplifier using the supplied connector (square four-wire plug). Remember to check for proper polarity. The GTO301.1, GTO601.1 and GTO1201.1 amplifiers are not equipped with high-level inputs.

NOTE: When using the high-level inputs, the AUX outputs can be used to pass a line-level signal to another amplifier.

Wire Gauge Chart

 

Amplifier

Maximum

Minimum

Model

Current Draw

Wire Gauge

GTO75.2

34A

#8 AWG

GTO75.4

85A

#8 AWG

GTO755.6

87A

#8 AWG

GTO301.1

40A

#8 AWG

GTO601.1

69A

#6 AWG

GTO1201.1

115A

#4 AWG

These recommendations assume 7' – 10' wire runs. If your installation differs mark- edly, you will need to adjust the wire gauge accordingly.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are planning to use optional neon tubes, install them before making any electrical connections to the amplifier (refer to“Installing Neon Tubes” on page 6).

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JBL GTO601.1, GTO755.6, GTO1201.1 Installation Warnings and Tips, Choosing a Location and Mounting the Amplifier